Recognize the Signs and How to Encourage Healthy Eating

Picky eating is a top health concern for Filipino moms.¹ But why do kids turn into picky eaters? Should you be worried about your kid’s picky eating habits, and what can you do about it (i.e. Trying varieties of food, drinking Wyeth Ascenda Kid, and more)?

Understanding the signs

Understanding the signs of picky eating is essential. Here are some signs to watch out for:

· Your kid pushes away the spoon or turns their head from it

· Closing their mouth as you try to feed them

· Spitting out their food

· Becoming cranky at mealtime

· Refusing to eat certain foods or an entire food group

However, there could be a variety of reasons for picky eating or no reason at all. Here are possible causes for occasional picky eating behaviors:

· They’re distracted or not feeling well

· They could also be teething, have infections or food allergies

If your kid is growing and gaining weight within the normal range and reaching developmental milestones, such as walking and talking, then there’s typically no need to worry about a fussy eater who occasionally chooses their food. On the other hand, if your kid consistently shows signs of picky eating, their growth is stunted, or they’re underweight, then it’s time to intervene.

Dealing with a picky eater

One way to deal with a picky eater is to let them try various foods and different textures. Some kids might prefer finger foods, while others may want to graze. It’s important not to give up and feed your kid “junk foods” just to get them to eat. Instead, offer them healthy options, and they’ll develop a taste for them over time.

You can also let your kid participate during mealtimes. Although your kid will likely make a mess, letting them take control is important for their growth and development. Allowing them to feed themselves may also encourage them to try new foods and textures.

No matter what, it’s essential never to force-feed your kid. Encouraging your kid to eat by making it a positive and enjoyable experience can help them develop a healthy relationship with food and foster positive eating habits for the future. It’s vital to be patient and consistent when dealing with picky eaters, and you can help your kid develop a healthy relationship with food.

Support your kid’s growth with the NEW Wyeth ASCENDA® Kid

As you work to reverse your kid’s picky eating habits, rest assured that they’re still getting the nutrition they need with Wyeth Nutrition’s MORE Superior growing-up milk for catch-up growth — ASCENDA® Kid. The NEW ASCENDA® Kid brings your kid’s essential micronutrient levels close to 100%, making it perfect for picky eaters who miss out on essential nutrients. It gives them the advantage they need for a healthier, happier life.

Wyeth ASCENDA® Kid is clinically proven to help deliver faster height growth in as early as 3 weeks!² With a taste that kids love, it is the ONLY premium growth brand that has the Growth Plus Advantage–-100% dairy protein, high-quality carbohydrates like skimmed milk and lactose (no added sucrose or table sugar), and 38 essential growth and development nutrients that are easily absorbed.

Getting your kid back on track with their height milestones is crucial for their overall development and future success. Your kid’s growth today is their advantage tomorrow. So, unleash the ASCENDA® effect today!

Resources:

1. Based on NIQ Bases and social media listening

2. Based on the Oral Nutritional Supplementation combined with dietary counseling promotes growth, nutritional adequacy, and is well accepted in toddlers experiencing growth concerns clinical study by Samuels et al in 2023