#asktheexpert He is not interested in eating... How to feed him as most of the time he prefers liquid items like Juices,Glucose,ORS etc... Kindly guide in this aspect.

Question

Accepted Answer

hi mom

give liquidy soft meals

mix veg dal khichdi thin consistency

soup rice

curd rice

add nuts powder in milk

milkshakes

lasis

Accepted Answer

It can be challenging when a child prefers liquids over solid foods. Here are some strategies to encourage your 5-year-old to eat more solid foods:

### Strategies to Encourage Eating Solid Foods

1. **Establish a Routine**
   - Serve meals and snacks at the same times every day to create a predictable routine.

2. **Limit Liquids Before Meals**
   - Reduce the amount of juice, glucose, ORS, and other liquids before meals to ensure your child is hungry.

3. **Make Meals Appealing**
   - Serve colorful, visually appealing foods in fun shapes or with creative presentations.
   - Use favorite characters or themes to make meals more interesting.

4. **Involve Your Child**
   - Let your child help with meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation. This can increase their interest in eating.

5. **Start Small**
   - Serve small portions to avoid overwhelming your child. They can always ask for more if they are still hungry.

6. **Offer Choices**
   - Provide a few healthy options and let your child choose what they want to eat. This gives them a sense of control.

7. **Be a Role Model**
   - Eat together as a family and model healthy eating behaviors. Show enthusiasm for trying new foods.

8. **Encourage Self-Feeding**
   - Allow your child to feed themselves with finger foods or utensils. This can make eating more engaging.

9. **Positive Reinforcement**
   - Praise and encourage your child when they try new foods or eat well. Avoid using food as a reward or punishment.

10. **Avoid Force Feeding**
    - Pressuring your child to eat can create negative associations with food. Offer meals and let them decide how much to eat.

### Healthy Snack Ideas

- **Fruits and Vegetables**: Serve sliced apples, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes with a healthy dip like hummus or yogurt.
- **Whole Grains**: Offer whole grain crackers, mini sandwiches with whole grain bread, or rice cakes.
- **Protein**: Provide cheese cubes, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, or small portions of lean meats.
- **Smoothies**: Make smoothies with fruits, vegetables, and yogurt to provide a nutritious and appealing liquid option.

### Sample Meal Plan

#### Breakfast
- **Option 1**: Whole grain cereal with milk and a banana.
- **Option 2**: Scrambled eggs with whole grain toast and a small serving of fruit.

#### Mid-Morning Snack
- Sliced apple with peanut butter.

#### Lunch
- **Option 1**: Grilled cheese sandwich with carrot sticks.
- **Option 2**: Small portions of pasta with tomato sauce and a side of steamed vegetables.

#### Afternoon Snack
- Yogurt with mixed berries.

#### Dinner
- **Option 1**: Small portions of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
- **Option 2**: Mini quesadillas with cheese and beans, served with a side of corn.

#### Evening Snack
- Whole grain crackers with cheese.

### Gradual Transition from Liquids to Solids

- **Thicken Liquids**: Gradually thicken juices and soups by adding pureed fruits, vegetables, or yogurt.
- **Combine Solids and Liquids**: Mix small pieces of solid food into favorite liquids, such as adding fruit chunks to smoothies.

If these strategies do not help or if you are concerned about your child's nutritional intake, consider consulting a pediatrician or a pediatric dietitian. They can provide personalized guidance and support.