French Kids Eat Everything
Imagine your child being on guard all the time. And over time that fear of unknown foods turning into a habit. As parents, suddenly we found that despite our best efforts, Logan began to eliminate more and more foods from his diet.
Food became a power-struggle. I was in a constant state of worry about Logan’s nutritional intake. And already on the smaller side, food strikes were not an option. Working with a feeding specialist we learned that Logan wasn’t really a picky eater, but a “Problem Feeder.”
Fast forward 5 years…these days Logan is still “Picky” by my standards, thought I’m certain that he eats a much healthier and nutritionally well-rounded diet than many of our fellow American children.
His diet is FULL of fresh fruits and vegetables. He PREFERS whole grain and whole wheat bread to any other variety. He eats sweets in moderation. He follows Michael Pollan’s advice to “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
So what’s the problem? We’ll, we’re still fighting the battle. The odds are in our favor despite the fact that Madeline has chosen to join forces with her brother. Slowly I see small victories that will translate into a war won. But I’m ready for it to be over.
Our picky eaters.
Picky eating is an issue that we are working on DAILY in our home. I am always on the lookout for Picky Eating Tips as well as Nutrition Tips for Picky Eaters. I think it is a safe assumption that picky eating is always on my mind.
When I received an invitation to review a copy of the book French Kids Eat Everything, by Karen Le Billon I was naturally intrigued. Especially when I came to the subheading of the book: How Our Family Moved to France, Cured Picky Eating, Banned Snacking, and Discovered 10 Simple Rules for Raising Happy, Healthy Eaters. Cured picky eating? Sign me up!
10 Simple Rules for Happy, Healthy Eaters
We have already mostly banned snacking since I began reading this book. The exception: a snack of a fruit or vegetable is allowed in the event someone really is hungry (and not just bored). This has increased my children’s fruit and vegetable intake.
What I didn’t realize when I began reading French Kids Eat Everything was how badly Madeline needed help as well. I have noticed in the past few months how little she has been eating at dinner.
She had taken to spending all her time between meals snacking on things like yogurt, crackers, dried fruits, etc. While those items are healthy in moderation, the simple fact that she wasn’t eating her dinner because she had filled up on snack foods did not sit well with me.
I am also a big fan of rule #6 – You don’t have to LIKE it, but you have to TASTE it. I’ve been saying this all week and somehow have been able to gently encourage Logan into eating a few bites of rice from our stir fry dinner.
Watch the Trailer for French Kids Eat Everything:
More Interesting Reads from Karen Le Billon:
I could write a book about how this book is changing my outlook on feeding my kids. I have already had some thought provoking discussions with Allison (she read the book too).
The takeaway tips are helpful and practical. The writing is enjoyable as is it incredibly intriguing to peak into how the French view food and education. And there are adorable illustrations throughout from the lovely Sarah Jane (we have a few of her prints in Madeline’s room).
If after reading French Kids Eat Everything you are hungry for more, head over to Karen’s blog. I loved these posts about the French’s approach to kids food, how to deal with picky eaters, and thoughts on snacking. Click on over and give them a read!
- Science behind the French Approach to Kids Food
- Should Kids be Allowed to Randomly Snack?
- Top Tips for Picky Eaters from French Kids Eat Everything
Giveaway Prize (2 winners):
Each winner will receive one copy of French Kids Eat Everything, by Karen Le Billon
Giveaway Requirements:
- Do you have picky eaters in your home? How would you use French Kids Eat Everything to reform their taste buds and eating habits?
- Contest ends May 25, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
- Contest open to USA residents only.
- Winners will be chosen via random.org and will have 3 days to respond before disqualified and a new winner chosen.
Optional Extra Entries:
Additional entries can be earned by doing any of the following, giving you a total of 4 extra entries. Leave a separate comment for each of your entries.
1. Follow GoodLifeEats and Karen Le Billon on Twitter and ReTweet the following message: I just entered to win a copy of @karenlebillon’s new book, French Kids Eat Everything, from @goodlifeeats http://su.pr/2ezuYf #giveaway #books
2. Share this post on Facebook. Come back here and let me know that you did.
3. Like GoodLife Eats and Karen Le Billon on Facebook. Come back here and let me know that you did (or already do).
4. Share this post on Pinterest. Come back here and let me know that you did.
Disclosure: I was provided with a review copy of the book as well as the giveaway prize.
Abby H says
I have at least 2 picky eaters, and if I am honest…probably three! They are always wanting snacks and I am thinking that needs to change. The rules seem scarey…but I need to learn how to make changes!
kebbie says
Liked liked dshared pinned. Would love to read this!
Cecilia says
I have one 4 yr old son and he is soooo picky! I know he is not getting the nutrition he needs and it gets me so worked up. I’ve tried many things, but maybe I’m not consistent enough.
Maura @ My Healthy 'Ohana says
I may have to pick up this book, very interesting topic! I totally agree with the “rules”, especially the one you mentioned about snacking.
Mirien says
I can’t wait to read this book. And I’m thinking I could make some changes like cutting out snacks–for me even more than the kids!
samW says
pinned it
samW says
yes, horrible! Don’t know HOW I’d use it, but I’m sure I’ll gobble it up & USE IT!!!
Holly says
My daughter is six, and for the past two years she has lived on cheese, crackers, and noodle soup. She refuses to try new foods unless they are loaded with sugar. She eats neither met nor veggies. She will eat grapes and strawberries. Help. My eight year old daughter will try and eat anything.
Dominique Dobson says
Pinned it.
Dominique Dobson says
…and Karen LeBillon
Dominique Dobson says
I liked Good Life Eats on FB
Dominique Dobson says
My children have both been kicked out of grandma and grandpa’s house after their reaction to Easter breakfast’s menu. We have tried everything we can think of – they’ll willingly eat Lebanese food but don’t want to try hash browns? I’d love a book that could provide even ONE method we haven’t tried yet!!
Denise Frederick says
My 6 year old son has tendancies toward picky eating. He is very much a copy cat when it comes to what kids are eating in school….it is MADDENING sometimes. I would love to read this book! 🙂
Elizabeth says
Also, I pinned this on Pinterest!
Elizabeth says
I have a 3.5 year old son with one on the way. My son seems to be mostly not picky, but certainly has phases when he eats more willingly than others. This is a great reminder of what I need to do with him. And hopefully, I can use these skills on Baby #2 to avoid picky eating all together!
C.J. says
We’re just starting on solids, but I know the trouble I caused as a picky eater and I really, really want to prevent that!!