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 [1] 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!