As a parent, it can feel like you have a never-ending list of responsibilities, the majority of which revolve around your children. From being their chauffeur to their personal therapist and caregiver, the roles we play are vast. However, one role I refuse to take on is that of a short-order cook. With everything else on my plate, there simply isn’t time for that.
When it comes to meals—be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner—I adhere to a straightforward philosophy: “eat it or go hungry.” Of course, I recognize that some children may have specific dietary needs or sensory issues, but for the most part, my kids are just being selective eaters. If they refuse what I serve, they face the consequences of hunger—a simple, unyielding rule that promotes accountability.
I firmly believe my children are lucky to have a parent who prepares nutritious meals and encourages them to explore a variety of foods. If I’m going to invest time in meal planning and cooking, they will certainly sample what I’ve prepared. At our dining table, there’s no pushing away of food without what I refer to as a “no-thank-you bite,” which involves tasting each item on their plate. More often than not, that single bite dispels any preconceived notions they may have about the meal.
Every parent knows that during the early years, dinner often becomes a secondary concern as you slice food, pour drinks, and meet your children’s myriad requests. By the time you finally sit down, your meal is typically cold and unappealing. I refuse to add to that frustration by preparing individual meals for each child. Why compromise a perfectly good dinner by catering to every whim? Absolutely not.
Surprisingly, the eat-it-or-go-hungry method significantly reduces picky eating. Yes, there are foods my kids don’t enjoy, but limiting their options to what is served encourages them to try new things. They have developed a taste for a range of foods, from tofu to fried calamari, and even curry. If they refuse to eat something this time, there’s always the next meal—perhaps it will be more to their liking.
It may seem harsh, but rest assured, the “eat-it-or-go-hungry” approach does not lead to starvation. It’s a well-known fact that children will eat when they’re truly hungry. They are smart enough to understand that if they don’t eat what’s available, they will have to wait until the next meal. It’s a test of wills, and as the parent, you are in charge.
To help your child develop healthy eating habits, involve them in meal preparation. Let them choose vegetables or assist in cooking. Consider sneaking in nutrients by adding pureed veggies to familiar dishes. If they still refuse to eat, a multivitamin or nutritional shake can help bridge the gap. I have yet to encounter someone who was malnourished as an adult due to employing an eat-it-or-go-hungry approach. Instead, they tend to be adventurous eaters, willing to try new things at the table and beyond. For more insights on nutrition during pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy.
In summary, the eat-it-or-go-hungry philosophy encourages children to appreciate the meals prepared for them while fostering a healthy relationship with food. It teaches accountability and resilience, ensuring that they understand the value of trying new things.
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Keyphrase: “eat it or go hungry approach”
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