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If you have a picky eater at home, you’re not alone! I’m right in the trenches with you. I’ve noticed that many parents find mealtime to be one of the most frustrating parts of the day, wondering how to get their child to try new foods without a battle. That’s why I had to chat with Amanda Blechman, a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and mom of two, to help us parents navigate the tricky world of picky eating. I loved this episode with Amanda — she shared expert insights on what parents might be unintentionally not helping the situation, practical strategies to expand our child’s palate without pressure or power struggles, and so much more. Whether you’re dealing with a toddler who refuses vegetables or a child stuck in a chicken-nuggets-only phase, this episode is packed with helpful tips to make mealtimes smoother and more enjoyable for the whole family.
Who is Amanda Blechman?
Amanda Blechman is a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and mom of two young children who loves to combine her passions of food and family in her work. As part of the Nutrition and Scientific Affairs team at Danone North America, Amanda provides scientific guidance to support nutrition communications, outreach, and education for healthcare professionals and consumers. Amanda is also a creative cook and recipe developer, and in her free time, she enjoys sharing helpful tips on social media to make family meals less daunting for parents and caregivers.
What Did We Discuss?
As I mentioned, I got to chat with Amanda about picky eaters and how we can help them become adventurous eaters. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
- When you hear someone say they have a picky eater, what’s the first thing that goes through your mind?
- Why do you believe some kids are picky eaters and others are more adventurous eaters?
- What tips do you have for parents with kids who are picky eaters?
- Are there things that parents might be doing wrong that are not helping their kids with their eating? What are things parents shouldn’t do?
- How do you feel about “letting them starve”? Some parents refuse to make another, different meal for their picky child and say, “If you’re not going to eat what the family is eating, you’re not going to eat at all.” What are your thoughts on this?
- If you disagree with it, what should parents do instead?
- What are some easy ways for parents to introduce and encourage new food into their child’s diet?
- If parents could do one thing today to really help their child become a more adventurous eater, what would it be?
- Can you share some easy tips on creating a well-rounded lunchbox for a picky eater?
- What do parents not know about pediatric nutrition but need to know?
- Where do you see the future of pediatric nutrition heading, and what impact do you hope to have on the industry?
I know all too well — and Amanda confirmed! — that conquering picky eating doesn’t happen overnight. However, with patience, consistency, and these different approaches, parents can help their children build a more positive relationship with food. Amanda’s expert advice reminds us that mealtimes should be about exploration, not coercion, and that small wins — like a child simply touching a new food — are steps in the right direction.
Amanda’s Resources
Mentioned in the Episode
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