Guest guest Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 For Debbie What you are going through is an extremely unfortunate experience very near and dear to the hearts of many moms (and dads) of children on the spectrum. There are several reasons that your child is a picky eater. Mostly it is due to the sensory component that is prevalent, but also due to the need for sameness (call it OCD for lack of a better word) that is also common with our kids. Dealing with the sensory component first. While I totally agree that it must be treated in some sort of behavioral manner as well, I would rather deal with the root of the problem and tackle the sensory. When I say sensory, I am talking not just about taste, but the smell, texture, visual (yes-sometimes the way the food looks can also be a problem). Going on the GFCF diet is only one way of tackling the sensory. Other ways include working with a really great SLP and OT who can work in his mouth. But Rome isn't built in a day. Perhaps your speech pathologist jumped into the food introduction portion of the therapy a little too prematurely. Maybe working in sensory areas in your child's mouth should have gone on for a longer time. Also introducing new NON FOOD sensory things to your son's life in a therapy environment should be tried as well. Like using aroma therapies, lotion/oil therapies with different textures and smells, and then moving on to foods in a NON EATING way like smelling the foods only and then touching the foods. Putting them in his mouth should be down the road. Then once its been determined that it is time for your son to try to eat new foods, that in of itself is an entire protocol with similar textures or tastes being tried first and then introducing subtle changes only and moving gradually into more and more changes. Seems like a long process? Oh yeah. No doubt. While you are doing all these things, it would be great to work alongside the behaviorist who can lead the way on getting you son to move forward. Meanwhile, I like Sharyn's ideas about hiding vegetables in food as a way to get nutrition into them. She does it with sauces-wonderful idea. I've been experimenting with baked goods. (not for my son, he eats everything, GFCFSF of course, but just in general.) BTW when it comes to GFCF baked goods...some of the ones that you buy in the stores are full of refined sugar. Better to make your own stuff. One brand, called Enjoy Life, is free of refined sugar. Hope this helps Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 I just had another thought. My son will agree to eat things at other mom's houses that he won't eat at my house. I tend to cater to him becasuse that is my way, but at their houses they feed the family one thing and that is it, and the kids have to eat it or go hungry. My neighbor got him to eat spinach...no spinach, no dessert she told him. I WAS IMPRESSED! Peer pressure works wonders. As for the GFCF, I think it is a great idea, and have looked into it, and heard great things about it. I'm just not sure I can stick to it. Oh, and one last thought, Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld's wife) has a couple of cookbooks aimed at sneaking veggies and fruit into every day dishes that kids will eat. She has a couple of DIY videos on her website. She is really sneaky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 Be careful with soy cheese because there is casein in most of them. Additionally, soy should be avoided just like casein as the proteins are so similar most kids have the same reaction to soy as they do regular milk. Re: Picky eater For instance, there is premade mac and cheese that is gluten free and dairy free. There are GFCF cookies, pizza (Amy's pizza) etc. Rice pasta, soy cheese, all would look like stuff he knows already. > > What r the substitutions for these foods exactly? > I can't take out dairy and gluten because that > Is all he eats. He will not eat other foods as he > Goes into a panic at the sight or even the thought of > Trying simething new. It's not always true that > A child will eat when they get hungry enough. He once > Went 2 weeks without eating. Also the stress > On him is not good as he gets gastritis. I want to do what's best > For him but I don't know where to start. Everyone > Has a different opinion on what to do but I feel > Keeping his anxiety level to a minimum > During whatever process I try is of the utmost > Importance! Please keep the advice coming > As I am very thankful for everyones input! > Debbie > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Mar 10, 2011, at 8:53 AM, Herskowitz > wrote: > >> >> Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy >> laden foods. Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But >> when a GFCF diet is implemented, the sensory system changes and >> they often become better eaters. Of course other things may improve >> as well. There are wonderful substitutions for pasta, cheese, >> bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try. >> >> >> > > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 I use my juicer and my picky little eater just drinks his veggies. I mix them with sweeter veggies like beets and carrots and then thin them out with green tea and pear juice. He loves it! I blend raw organic eggs into his calcium fortified OJ in the morning and he is none the wiser. He is getting protein and he doesn't even know it. I do this twice a day and it add about 12 grams of protein into his diet daily. He is drinking his veggies and protein! Shhhh it is a secret! Re: Picky eater I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 Look for vegan cheeses and products, they have no animal protein so no casein, whole foods has a white vegan soy cheesethat comes in a brick and it melts..not bad tasting and satisfies the pizza cravings!! To: sList Sent: Sat, March 12, 2011 5:27:00 PMSubject: Re: Picky eater Be careful with soy cheese because there is casein in most of them. Additionally, soy should be avoided just like casein as the proteins are so similar most kids have the same reaction to soy as they do regular milk. Re: Picky eater For instance, there is premade mac and cheese that is gluten free and dairy free. There are GFCF cookies, pizza (Amy's pizza) etc. Rice pasta, soy cheese, all would look like stuff he knows already. > > What r the substitutions for these foods exactly? > I can't take out dairy and gluten because that > Is all he eats. He will not eat other foods as he > Goes into a panic at the sight or even the thought of > Trying simething new. It's not always true that > A child will eat when they get hungry enough. He once > Went 2 weeks without eating. Also the stress > On him is not good as he gets gastritis. I want to do what's best > For him but I don't know where to start. Everyone > Has a different opinion on what to do but I feel > Keeping his anxiety level to a minimum > During whatever process I try is of the utmost > Importance! Please keep the advice coming > As I am very thankful for everyones input! > Debbie > > Sent from my iPhone > > On Mar 10, 2011, at 8:53 AM, Herskowitz > wrote: > >> >> Many picky eaters seem to eat only the most glutenous and dairy >> laden foods. Have you noticed? Pastas, cheese, cookies, etc. But >> when a GFCF diet is implemented, the sensory system changes and >> they often become better eaters. Of course other things may improve >> as well. There are wonderful substitutions for pasta, cheese, >> bread, cookies, pizza, and the like. Might be worth a try. >> >> >> > > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 16, 2011 Report Share Posted March 16, 2011 Hey , could u give me an exact juicerRecipe to follow, that would really help me get started.Thanks, DebbieSent from my iPhone I use my juicer and my picky little eater just drinks his veggies. I mix them with sweeter veggies like beets and carrots and then thin them out with green tea and pear juice. He loves it! I blend raw organic eggs into his calcium fortified OJ in the morning and he is none the wiser. He is getting protein and he doesn't even know it. I do this twice a day and it add about 12 grams of protein into his diet daily. He is drinking his veggies and protein! Shhhh it is a secret! Re: Picky eater I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Sure! I avoid citrus and fruits with seeds because my kid has sensory issues in his mouth and will refuse to drink anything with pulp or seeds. I use about two large carrots, one large beet, half of a sweet potato, and I try to put in some green leafy veggies like spinach or chard. After I juice these veggies I blend the juice with calcium fortified OJ, and V8 fusions strawberry and banana juice and one raw organic egg. Mix it all up really well and add some stevia to sweeten it up a bit. My kid refused to drink it at first but I waited him out, took him for a long walk so he was nice and thirsty and he chugged it. He drinks one of these smoothies a day and he gets all of his fruit and veggie servings for a whole day in one drink. I would recommend adding a digestive enzyme to the smoothie to ensure absorption and proper digestion so he doesn't get runnie poop from all of the fiber. We use Kirkmans complete enzyme but any broad spectrum enzyme should be sufficient. If your son refuses to drink it do not be discouraged, just dilute the mixture with his favorite juice and feed it to him throughout the day. Re: Picky eater I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Sorry I said exact because I'm terrible with Cooking, how much OJ and fusion and stevia?Thanks! Also is there a simpler one to get started withLike maybe with just carrots and apple juice? It has to look like juice or he won't even go near it. Debbie 10270 nw 48 ctSent from my iPhone Sure! I avoid citrus and fruits with seeds because my kid has sensory issues in his mouth and will refuse to drink anything with pulp or seeds. I use about two large carrots, one large beet, half of a sweet potato, and I try to put in some green leafy veggies like spinach or chard. After I juice these veggies I blend the juice with calcium fortified OJ, and V8 fusions strawberry and banana juice and one raw organic egg. Mix it all up really well and add some stevia to sweeten it up a bit. My kid refused to drink it at first but I waited him out, took him for a long walk so he was nice and thirsty and he chugged it. He drinks one of these smoothies a day and he gets all of his fruit and veggie servings for a whole day in one drink. I would recommend adding a digestive enzyme to the smoothie to ensure absorption and proper digestion so he doesn't get runnie poop from all of the fiber. We use Kirkmans complete enzyme but any broad spectrum enzyme should be sufficient. If your son refuses to drink it do not be discouraged, just dilute the mixture with his favorite juice and feed it to him throughout the day. Re: Picky eater I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2011 Report Share Posted March 18, 2011 Hi guys. I do a similar drink with my kids. I throw it all in a strong blender with a glass container so they get all the fiber which slows down the absorption and conversion so as to not get so much insulin spike. I do 2 cups 's Aloe Vera Liquid 1 cup Organic Pineapple juice 1 cup Organic Pear juice 1 1/2 cups organic spinach (or kale or broccoli or even 1/2 bag of frozen mixed veggies) 3 stalks asparagus 1 cup blueberries beets (sometimes) 2 scoops Raw Protein by Garden of Life or Harmonized Vegan Protein by Proventive Nutritional Therapies (Berry flavor) 1 cup ice Blend and serve I also give 2 digestive enzymes with this. I use Spectrum Digest by Enzymatic Therapy. It's like a multi vitamin in a cup Delicious way to get the veggies in that most kids refuse to just eat otherwise. God Bless, Wanda www.kaizenrecoverycenter.com www.hyperbaricedge.com Re: Picky eater I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 Sure, you can start with just carrot and apple juice (although I use pear instead of apple because apples are very high in phenols). The amount of stevia you use depends on how sweet you child prefers his/her beverages. I use about an eight of a teaspoon of stevia to sweeten it up just like my little guy likes. My son would never drink it if he saw what it looks like so I use a stainless steel container that has a spout at the top so he never sees it. You may just want to start him out on straight V8 fusions for a week or two just to get him used to the combination of veggie and fruit juice, and then slowly start adding in your fresh juice. My little guy loves the V8 strawberry/banana and the pomegranate/blueberry flavors. Re: Picky eater I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 19, 2011 Report Share Posted March 19, 2011 I am interested in the protein powder you are using, does it disintegrate when mixed with liquids? If so, is it available locally? I use raw organic eggs for protein which also helps elevate my son's low cholesterol, but I like to put protein powder in the pancakes I make him so if it taste yummy and will disintegrate easily I would like to look into it. Thanks! Re: Picky eater I am not a great cook, and I really don't like to cook, so finding ways to please a family with a picky eater, stay on weight watchers, eat healthy, etc. has been a challenge. I add organic pureed baby food veggies from a jar to spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce etc. You have to choose the veggies that will 'disappear' when added, like cauliflower will disappear into white cheese and potatoes. Also, I put onions and bell peppers into a blender and pureed it into a liquid, and I add it to meatloaf so we get the flavor but not the veggie chunks. I put the left over puree into mini containers with tops and defrost them as needed. Shhhh, don't tell my kids! I have to do it when they are not looking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.