Yummy Mummy Andrea in Toronto asks:
I CANNOT get my almost four year old to eat a healthy share of veggies.
I have tried everything - dips| cut-up into cute shapes| raw| cooked| hidden even... she doesn't even like potatoes! I worry that she is not getting enough vegetables - please help!
Dear Andrea|
Man| you sound desperate. Sit down| pour yourself a cup of tea and take a deep breath.
Now| commit to not caring what your four year old eats for one week. Nothing is going to change in one week| she will not become malnourished nor will she discover curried spinach is her fav. Simply write down what she does eat| every single thing that goes into her mouth including drinks for one entire day of that week.
Log on to www.mypyramid.com and input every single bite. This site analyzes the intake of adults but you can still get a graphic picture showing you (and her) what she is getting and what she is lacking. Make a game of it.
Now it isn't you saying what she must eat| thus establishing a power struggle and a lifelong hate of anything green (including trees and solar power). It is her new favorite game on the internet showing her something new.
Now| go out and purchase some multi-vitamins and call me in the morning. As a nutritionist| I help families just like yours every single day with small ideas| recipes and plans.
There is no quick fix but it's a good first step!
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