Will children who are picky eaters not grow taller? How to get picky eaters to eat more vegetables?

We often see that mothers have to chase their children to feed them when they want to eat. Children are very picky eaters and don't eat vegetables. But sometimes mothers find that children may not grow taller if they don't eat vegetables. Is this true? What are some good ways to deal with children who don't eat vegetables? Let's take a look at some dietary tips below.

Will children who are picky eaters not grow taller?

Xiaoling, a first-grade student, eats little for three meals a day and doesn't like to eat vegetables. She is only 142 cm tall and weighs 33 kg, smaller than her classmates. Her mother is worried that she won't grow taller, so she takes her to the hospital for nutrition consultation. After the nutritionist provides daily food intake and exercise advice, Xiaoling's height increases by 1.2 cm in one month.

Malnutrition causes growth retardation

Hou Yi-cheng, a nutritionist at Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital who treated the case, pointed out that Xiaoling's height and weight were both 3 percentiles lower than children of the same age. After blood tests, her blood biochemistry, endocrine system and growth hormone were all normal. After careful questioning, it was discovered that she had a problem with picky eating and was diagnosed with malnutrition causing her growth retardation.

Three essential nutrients

Hou Yizheng emphasized that calcium, protein and vitamins are essential nutrients for children's growth. Calcium and protein are important synthetic elements of body tissues and can promote bone growth and strength; while dark green vegetables are rich in vitamin C and vitamin D, which can promote calcium absorption, strengthen nerve and muscle functions, and help children grow taller.

Snacks and drinks affect development

Hou Yizhen said that innate genetic inheritance and acquired eating habits have a great correlation with height development. Even if it is a problem of innate genes affecting development and growth, it can be supplemented through balanced nutrition acquired later. It is recommended that parents provide enough balanced natural food and let children eat less snacks, beverages and other processed foods so that they can stand out from others.

"Getting picky eaters to love vegetables."

1. Eat more vegetables and less meat in one meal.

The study found that if the plate is half meat and only a little vegetables, children will naturally save vegetables for last. But if the amount of vegetables is doubled, children will be more interested in vegetables.

2. Make vegetables more interesting.

Research has found that giving children vegetables also needs a "selling point". Usually due to the development of their taste buds, children prefer sweets and are not interested in healthy vegetables such as tomatoes and pumpkins. Giving foods names such as "X-ray Eyes Carrot" or "Superhero Pumpkin" or making some food shapes can increase children's vegetable intake from 32% to 66%.

3. Don’t just emphasize the benefits.

When it comes to food, kids care most about taste, and hunger and nutrition are irrelevant. A July 2014 study found that the easiest way to get kids to eat vegetables is to skip the explanations like "good for you" or "very nutritious."

4. Enjoy a rainbow of vegetables.

A large number of psychological studies have found that instead of asking children what vegetables they like to eat, help them make the decision. Providing children with colorful "rainbow vegetables" is a good choice. For example, beets, corn, carrots, broccoli and cucumbers.

5. Follow the “one mouthful rule”.

Habits start with the first try. You can tell your child to "eat only one bite". Then gradually increase the amount at each meal to get your child used to eating vegetables. The "one bite rule" is a simple breakthrough to get children to love vegetables. When implementing it, parents should be firm and not bargain with their children.

6. Use the influence of your friends.

Although parents may not always be able to set an example for their children in eating vegetables, their friends can do so. When children eat with friends, they will not hesitate to eat vegetables that they do not like to eat at home under the influence of their friends. The role of "peer pressure" cannot be underestimated.

7. Combine meat and vegetables.

A study in February this year found that pairing vegetables with children's favorite foods can greatly increase their vegetable intake. A foreign comparative study found that when kale was paired with cream cheese, children's vegetable intake increased from 20% to 72%.