Transform your gut, transform your life

If you’re a parent, grandparent, childminder or hands on aunty or uncle, chances are you will have experienced some challenges when feeding your little one. From broccoli standoffs to green bean negotiations, if you’re experiencing picky eating and food refusal, you may feel frustrated and even exhausted, but you are not alone, and there is hope.

Although early nutrition does play an important role in your child’s development, rest assured that it is not the only contributing factor. When it comes to the “best” way to eat with a young family, there is no pressure to get everything right overnight, and it’s essential to be gentle with yourself and your kids as you explore what works best for you all. This can especially be the case for families raising children with neurodiversity, which can make mealtimes particularly challenging due to enhanced sensory needs as well as taste bud preferences.

Understanding the science of taste and the power of plant diversity can offer a new perspective on picky eating. It might be music to your ears to hear that taste preferences evolve as a child learns and grows. Although your child may initially reject certain foods, persistence and gradual exposure can help reshape their little changing palette — hang in there! So, how can we help our little ones benefit from plant diversity without so much drama? Let’s explore some science-backed strategies for making mealtimes less stressful and more nourishing.