When you're a parent, it's sometimes difficult to have a neutral look at your own child's diet. Some will tell you that he eats too much, others not enough, still others will say that it is good to have a “chubby” child, etc. Everyone goes there with their comment, and you, you are completely lost! Here are some simple benchmarks and first tips.
Beware of hasty simplifications:an overweight child does not necessarily have "a good fork"; a "fussy" child can have overweight problems by eating little, but always the same thing (most often starchy foods; large quantities of sugary products and products with a high caloric density). In order to better understand the eating style of the child and allow us to help him to eat serenely, we cannot be satisfied with a "small/big eater" typology. Also note:
The little eater :he is a child who has a small appetite; he has little interest in food and is quickly full; very often, the time of the meal is absolutely not a pleasant moment in his eyes. As his height and weight development has been normal since birth, there is nothing to worry about. However, you must remain vigilant by regularly checking with your doctor that his height and weight development is correct. If you have any doubts, or if its nutritional intake is clearly decreasing, you can consult a dietitian/nutritionist to check if the intake is sufficient.
The undersized eater :he strongly resembles the small eater, but the food rations he consumes are not sufficient to meet his nutritional needs. His corpulence curve, calculated using his BMI, is below the recommendations. The dishes you present to him disgust him; he will prove to be particularly resistant and opponent. As a result, mealtime quickly becomes a time of recurring conflicts and concerns are rife.
The nibbler :it is a child who eats here and there, throughout the day; he can even only peck at the table (normal:he has eaten for several hours before the meal), all without being really hungry. What poses a problem is the nature of the food consumed and the fact that his diet is completely destructured. He no longer has a food rhythm, his digestive tract no longer rests and the nutritional intake is no longer suitable. He no longer shares the same meals as the whole family (discarded dishes) and will even try not to share this moment of meal (he has much better things to do elsewhere, and in any case he will nibble when hungry feel! It's an endless circle, basically).
The Glutton :he eats a lot and does not necessarily hide it; he tends to swallow food without taking the time to taste it or chew it. Eating for him is a real center of interest. For those who forget at this point to take the time to taste, and who eat more than necessary, the taste of food is forgotten, digestion difficult.
The Too Big Eater :it is a child who eats really too much, that is to say much more than he expends in energy. As a result, overweight sets in very quickly. The portions on his plate are large (often equal to or greater than those of the adults present), and he regularly asks to be served a second time for most dishes. He can also eat the dish very quickly to be served a second time (often before the other guests have finished the first plate). Everyone therefore loses their bearings:the parents, like the child.
Monitor the growth curve of the little eater The doctor/paediatrician will ensure that his growth is harmonious and that the child is in good health. We must accept the small appetite of this child:he eats little, because such is his nature. If a consultation with a dietician/nutritionist reassures you, then do not hesitate; it is never good to live with anxieties.
The undersized eater should consult a doctor/paediatrician regularly :in the face of refusal to eat, any medical or psychological lead can be followed; the doctor/paediatrician on will look after the health of the child; a follow-up with a psychologist can help to understand the origins of the child's food refusal and to take charge of it. You can also consult a dietician or a nutritionist who will advise you on how best to meet the nutritional needs of the child.
Teaching the nibbler to eat at the table :the most important thing is to set some rules.
Teaching the glutton to taste :those who eat too quickly risk overeating (and this can lead to stomach aches at the end of the meal). It is only by taking the time to eat that we are sure to adjust the food intake to our hunger (minimum 20 minutes). The glutton must therefore learn to taste… and to chew. Here are some tips to slow down the pace of the meal in a fun way.
Teach heavy eaters to recognize their hunger, encourage them to exert themselves :never put a child on a diet without a prescription and medical support. Too many mistakes are made by willing parents and result in aggravation of the problem and the appearance of new conflicts. The child must be helped to exert himself; teach him how to taste food and finally help him tell the difference between "the urge to eat" and "hunger". In some situations, it is also necessary to keep an eye on what the child eats when he is with his grandparents, with the nanny, and in the school canteen.
Setting up a follow-up with a dietitian/nutritionist will provide valuable help and support to better assess the child's nutritional needs and will allow you to obtain small tips in culinary techniques.> Do not hesitate to get closer to our fitness and nutrition coaches who accompany you on a daily basis and answer your questions.
