Saturday, May 3, 2008

So your kid does not like all things bread...

I personally can't imagine it, but according to one of our blog readers, it's true. If your little one turns up her nose at sandwiches, noodles, rice... well, I must say I feel for you, because I don't know what I would do!

First of all, you might mention this to your pediatrician on your next visit. I've always believed kids are great at listening to their bodies, and maybe her body is telling her not to eat it. It may be, though, that she doesn't like the texture or taste for that matter, so after you've ruled out all things medical, then here's my advice...

Since whole grains are essential, I mean really essential, to our growth and development, then I would work hard at finding ways to fit them into her diet. Read one of my favorite articles on whole grains to see all the medical details (http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-whole-truth-about-whole-grains). All these reasons will make sense to you, but to your kid, decreasing her risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer may not be that motivating. That's why my MOM ADVICE is to make it all about the poop.

What? Did she really just say that?

Yes, I did! It's all about the poop!

Biscuit will not appreciate me saying this, but he is obsessed with his poop (I hear Oprah is obsessed, too). Biscuit and Oprah know what healthy poop looks like, and they also know that eating whole grains is the way to keep poop looking healthy. When Biscuit's poop is a c-shaped solid brown poop, then we have a little celebration. I tell him he must have eaten his whole grains, because his body is happy and telling him about it. (It is NOT a mom lie to tell your kids their bodies talk to them via their poop).

SO, analyzing her poop may not be the most ladylike thing she'll ever do in her life, but it will be one of the most beneficial. If her poop is less than healthy-looking, encourage her to eat more whole grains. If she follows through and has poop that would make Oprah jealous, then offer her a reward of her favorite activity or have a new toy stashed away for the occasion.

Of course, the down side of talking so much about poop is the 'preschool effect.' Go ahead and clear a space on your counter for the note from her teacher. She'll without a doubt feel the need to educate her friends on good-looking poop, and might even want to give her friends a free poop analysis. SO, you might want to work in a little discussion about poop-talk etiquette.

OK, BLOG READERS!!! Let's help this mom out by giving her some ideas for how to make whole grains more appealing... that is, if you can stomach talking about food right now :) Lori

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

We discovered granola this weekend but I don't want her to fill up all 6 whole grains with granola. Isn't it pretty high on the calorie scale? She is seriously loving it and has sprinkled it in yogurt and applesauce. Also, how do you derail all the old "let her have another treat" friends and family? Yesterday was tough because of this.

Lori said...

Since you are writing to us 'anonymous,' then I don't mind asking this question... How old is your little girl and is one of the reasons you purchased SuperNoots for her because she is struggling with her weight? I feel like I can better answer your question with this info :) -L

Lori said...

Believe it or not, 'anonymous' is actually a girlfriend of mine... I'm posting a copy of my email response to her, just omitting names and stuff...

"Hey there!

I'm so glad to hear things are going well. Sounds like you are really into it, and your feedback along the way (hopefully you'll keep in touch) will be so invaluable to us. We appreciate you and I personally will be
more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Have you thought about skim milk or alternative-to-dairy milk (e.g. soy)? Even though skim milk is low in fat, it is still high in sugar, but since you're not concerned about weight at this point, then I don't see anything
wrong with skim milk. Of course, if she'll drink soy, then it IS lower in fat and sugars, but the drawback is that it's pricier. (And with the grocery bill rising more and more, that could be a factor).

I think at 4 years old they still need lots of Vitamin D because it is essential in building strong bones. Check out this link about Vitamin D (http://ibdcrohns.about.com/od/relatedconditions/a/fdavitd.htm) that goes into more detail. Now that I'm 30 something, calcium is better taken in pill form (my digestive system can't handle dairy like it used to!), but
as kids, I say gulp the milk (a little tastier to kids than fatty fish).

In the blog comment you mentioned something about the 'friend and family' factor. Don't stress yourself out over what she eats away from home. It's what she eats in her own home that will teach her healthy eating
habits. Let her have what she wants at Grandma's house, but ask Grandma to limit portions, i.e. one cookie vs. a bowl of cookies. Also, use this 'Mean Mom' trick... when she hits that sugar low or has a tummy ache, use it as a teachable moment that what she puts in her body is important.

Good luck to you and your little girl. She sounds like a doll and she is blessed to have such a great Mom. Have a great day and keep that feedback coming!
:)

Love, Lori"