New Foods and Spectrum Challenges

Do you struggle with getting your child to try new foods?  

Colors, textures and smells are often startling and offensive to those who have “Spectrum” challenges.  In my work as an integrative nutritionist and mental health clinician, I steer away from words like disorders and diseases because research shows that people have different learning styles and capacities in a variety of areas.

It’s about the neurological wiring in the brain and what is exciting about this time in healthcare is that by shifting the diet towards inclusion of a variety of foods, there is a positive impact on the processing that takes place.  But that is often where we can get stuck as parents and caregivers.  Many of those with Spectrum challenges prefer little to no scent, limited textures (often soft) and bland colors and flavors – the white foods!

When I work with both children and adults, I often ask what would you like more of?

•             Energy?
•             Focus?
•             To feel more happy?

With young children, we often look to their super heroes and identify characteristics that he/she may want to gain.  We then talk about what foods positively affect that area of the body.  Anyone remember Popeye the sailor?  I may suggest trying 1-2 new foods along with having the child do some drawings for me until we meet again.  I also suggest going to the market and being involved in the preparation of the food.  Engage your child and if possible, others in the family, making this a family affair.

While my strategies may differ somewhat with other age groups, there are a few tips that can help anyone in this process:

• Raw fruits and veggies have less smell and may be better tolerated – or even blanching to reduce the crunch if preferred
• Finding a dip to use with fruits and veggies may help with getting used to more intense flavors.  For example, Greek yogurt or Almond Greek yogurt for the dairy sensitive, will blunt the intensity of a sharp flavor – crucifers have a bitterness to them and strawberries have an intense sweet
• Dicing foods for a more uniform size and texture may also help in getting your family member to try a new food
• One new food at a time with other foods being very familiar and favorite
• Test a small portion – 1 teaspoon to 1 Tablespoon

Repeat it over and over for the brain to learn to identify the new food – and tell your family member this – it takes time for the brain to learn to like a new food!

Here’s to finding that Rainbow in life!

Thank you to guest blogger Julie Freeman, MA, RD, LD, RYT (Integrative Nutritionist and Mind-Body Clinician), www.juliefreeman.net.

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