The KInd Life Community Forum

My son (age 5) won't eat meat - which I am thrilled about! It's not an "animal" thing - he's just super picky. He won't even try it. He's never eaten a hot dog or a hamburger even. Now he says he doesn't like peanut butter either. Oh and he doesn't eat eggs.

Sadly though, he won't eat veggies either. He loves fruit, breads, cheese and dairy (yogurt, milk, etc). I stick with Organic dairy to keep him free of the hormones and antibiotics.

He has tried some corn and some green beans and that's all. I have the book by Jerry Seinfeld's wife and I make the veggie purees and sneak them into things. Sometimes, I also make "dinosaur juice" which is a smoothie with fresh spinach in it. But those things are always masked by a sweet taste.

I just don't know what to do to get more veggies in him. And of course I would love to get the cheese and milk out of his diet, but I don't think I can unless he learns to eat some healthier options.

Ugh. It's frustrating.

I wouldn't stress too much. He'll grow into a good place. And, I agree with Kell about the fruit. He will get lots of nutrients from them.

I have two boys, ages 8 & 5. I understand what you are going through. My 8 year old has grown to love many vegetables.

I thought I'd recommend some good cookbooks that are mostly vegetarian but can easily be modified to vegan.

Salad People, Pretend Soup and Honest Pretzel all by Molly Katzen are really great cookbooks that are VERY child friendly. The steps of the recipes are illustrated so that the kids can cook with you.

Better Than Peanut Butter & Jelly by Muldawer & Mattore. There are lots of vegan options.

Vegan Lunch Box by Jennifer McCann. Great lunch ideas for school age children.

Hope this helps a bit. Hang in there. It gets better.

Regina

My pediatrician actually says as long as they get a variety of fruit that's fine. My almost 7 year old started eating like crazy within the last year suddenly and eats more variety, I think its the growing boy thing (I have very picky kids, also a 2 and 5 year old). I started giving 2 fruits with meals, esp. if I knew the veggies wouldn't get eaten, even though I always try. That way they are at least getting a variety of vitamins at each meal. Also, give it time, he may eventually cave, it only took my son 6 years:) Keep the corn and green beans in, like daily, maybe he'll eventually like them enough to have a serving. I also make smoothies with soy yogurt, fresh oj, avocados, almonds, frozen fruit and agave and my kids love them, sometimes I even put tofu in and they don't notice. As for milk, and cheese, I have yet been unsuccessful with cheese, I just buy it and have it available less, but almond milk is a godsend. I told my kids it would help their asthma, (true) and just said we're doing it. It tastes great and they love it. I cook with soy a lot for the protein (pancakes, oatmeal) and they don't notice the taste. Hang in there, as a parent of 3 super picky kids I understand. All I can say is I started my 2 year old nearly a year ago, and she loves tofu, kale, beans, broccili, it's crazy, so eventually they can learn to love it I say!

Have you tried mashed avocados? Full of good fatty acids. I agree with someone else who said anything in a wrap...sneak those goodies in there! I make our own tortillas and I put flax in them. You can also bake them and use them for chips...dip in the mashed avocado or make your own salsa.
I have a very picky son as well who refuses to eat veggies. I also bought Deceptively Delicious and use the recipes in it often. The trick is to devise a way to get them to put it in their mouth and don't give up. If you can get them to try it, not eat it, but just to put it in there, then you are succeeding. Even if they spit it out! Remember that kids have to be presented with it more than once before claiming that they will never eat it. Don't give up!