Aside from the more serious conditions and aversions, toddlers generally go through ‘fussy phases’. These are my top (general) tips on getting as many good things into fussy eaters as we can during a tough phase.

Blend

Blending allows parents to hide things in smoothies, and help kids who are fussy with textures. Make sure you pair veg with fruit to keep it sweet:

– Berries & Spinach

– Banana & Zucchini

Also you can roast veggies like pumpkin, sweet potato and carrot, then blend. Add the puree to tomato based sauces like bolognese or lasagna.

Keep It Fine

Instead of chopping veggies finely (because who has the time?), use your blender on the ‘mix’ setting to finely chop veggies like mushrooms, carrots and zucchini. Mushroom especially is great to add to bolognese sauces as it looks just like mince when added. Fussy eaters won’t even know the difference – well fingers crossed they don’t!

Grate

Sometimes all kids need is a change in texture, and grating allows younger kids to try foods they can’t eat in other forms. Grated carrots and beetroot are good for young ones, and they love the colour. Grated apple is a great addition to porridge or homemade muffins.

Worry Less

Studies have shown that kids develop better eating habits when less pressure is placed on them during meal times, and kids eat more veggies when they eat with other family members. So eat with your kids, but try not to worry about what they eat off their plate when you do (1).

REFERENCES

(1) Liu X, Zhou Q, Clarke K, Younger KM, An M, Li Z, et al. Maternal feeding practices and toddlers’ fruit and vegetable consumption: results from the DIT-Coombe Hospital birth cohort in Ireland. Nutrition Journal. 2021 Oct 19;20(1):84. Retrieved from: https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12937-021-00743-z