Pleasing Picky Eaters

Please your picky eater by being open to a variety of different food options, without prejudice. Try these tips:

1. Offer bite-size finger foods: Sliced apples or pears, fresh berries, Mt. Olive Petite Kosher Dills, Teddy Grahams
2. Try different tastes and textures: Dole Fruit Gels, V8 Fusion Juice and V-8 Low Sodium Vegetable Juice (really!), Crunchy fresh vegetables and frozen berries
3. Sneak in nutrition: Barilla Plus Pasta, Horizon Organic Milk DHA. Smoothies blended with yogurt, fruit and vegetables (carrots)

Remember mom’s advice “don’t snack before meals”. Keep trying new foods with your children frequently, offer variety, and don’t get too anxious about food jags and picky eating. See your child’s doctor if you’re concerned that picky eating is becoming a health issue.

Healthy Eating for Learning and Behavior:

Did you know that one in 100 children are challenged with an Autism spectrum disorder; that ADD/ADHD is as common as being left-handed. When it comes to diet for autism and ADD/ADHD, most health experts agree on a few nutrition recommendations:

1. Provide consistent meal times with few interruptions; this will decrease meal time stress and frustration for children. Be sure to balance meals with protein, whole grain carbohydrates and healthy fats – doing so will minimize peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels, contributing to behavior problems. Natural Choice Lunchmeats provide quality protein without additives or gluten; perfect for your child.

2. Vitamin B-6 is essential for nerve and brain function. Some research studies support using supplemental vitamin B6 at high doses to increase neurological activity in the brain. Fortified Cereals are an excellent source of B6, and Potatoes and Bananas are a good source of vitamin B6.

3. Zinc is another nutrient that holds promise for decreasing impulsive and hyperactive behavior, predominately in older children. Discuss supplementation with your pediatrician first – minerals are “actively” absorbed by the body and supplementation with one mineral, such as zinc, may result in a deficiency in another, like iron. Beef, Pork, Fortified Cereals and Meijer Brand Beans are all good sources of dietary zinc.

4. Increase intake of marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA, EPA) through diet and supplements. Omega-3 fats feed the brain and boost the immune system. Discuss the use of Meijer brand Omega-3 Supplements with your Meijer pharmacist or doctor.

5. Provide enough fiber and fluid. Children with Autism often suffer with constipation. Fiber rich foods and nutrient-rich beverages help relieve constipation. Barilla Plus Pasta is an excellent source of fiber and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Keep it close to nature! Decrease artificial ingredients in your child’s diet (such as artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and potential pesticide residues). Organic foods, like Horizon Organic Milk may be a good choice for your child.

6. If you suspect your child has a milk (casein) or wheat (gluten) allergy, have your child allergy tested before drastically changing their diet. Gluten-free, casein-free diets are restrictive and eliminate two food groups, milk and bread, from your child’s diet. See our Name Brand gluten free and Meijer brand gluten free/allergen list at meijerhealthyliving.com.

Healthy Living Recipe

Recipe Time: 25 Minutes, Serves 4

Ingredients
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lbs. Salmon, skins removed cut into 4 pieces (lightly season with salt and McCormick fresh ground black pepper)
3 Tbls Meijer Dijon Mustard
1/4 cup Mrs. Butterworth Lite Syrup
2 Tbls. Meijer brown sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a shallow baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place fillets, skin side down, in baking dish.
Whisk together syrup, mustard and brown sugar in small bowl. Pour over salmon.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes with fork. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Approximate Nutrition Information (per serving): 260 Calories, 10g Fat, 3g Saturated Fat, 27g Protein, 15g Carbohydrate, 200 mg Sodium.

Serving suggestion: Serve with steamed whole green beans, Barilla Plus Pasta, Horizon Organic Milk and fresh pineapple slices for dessert.