Can anyone tell me how to boost the immune system of a 3 year old who will only reliably eat chicken nuggets, sausages, crackers, muesli bars and chocolate? I have tried many, many different approaches to get her to try different foods but she's just not interested. I'm not greatly concerned about her weight/hunger because I know she will eat certain other things when she's really hungry (and eats fine at daycare), but I am concerned about her immune system. So far she's been sick more than well for about two to three months now. She does go to daycare and I know that's part and parcel of the system but I'd like to give her system a bit of a boost but don't know what to try! Veggies are a complete no go (she's too smart to know they've been hidden, even in muffins!), multi vitamins are a bit hit and miss as to whether she wants her "lolly" or not that day.
I'm just not sure what to do or how to help her. I know I'll get it anyway but please don't suggest "just lay down the law and tell her to eat *insert food here* or go hungry" because I've tried that. I think she went about four days with barely a bite of food in her belly before I gave in (and let me tell you she wasn't close to cracking either).
Any **constructive and pleasant** advice or reassurance would be appreciated :)
12 Replies
Start with making your own chicken nuggets...then at least you know that they are not full of rubbish. Get her to help you make homemade mueslis bars....even if she won't initially eat them, she may try them if you eat them...and praise her for helping you cook yummy food. But ditch the chocolate...make it a Saturday only treat. I really think having them help cook and prepare food helps, and gradually reduce the amount of 'junk' food available. Also cut back the amount of milk she is drinking will make her hungrier and more likely to eat. One of my grandchildren was a real problem with food until mum put her foot down, and cut back buying the food she did not want her to eat, but by then Susie was in her early teens. Mum didn't make the same mistake next time. Good luck...it may take time, but it's well worth the battle to get a healthy child with a good immune system
Oh gosh I don't give her chocolate every day! And when she does get it it's only a tiny square. Lol but she'll eat it consistently :P And she doesn't drink milk, only some days at daycare when others are. I'll try getting her to cook with me and see what happens :)
Don't waste money on products that 'claim' to boost the immune system. That's not how the immune system works. Have you tried the toddler formula? They would probably make up for any vitamins she is missing.
Your not the only one in the boat when it comes to fussy eaters. I have a 7yr old vegetarian. My theory is that i would rather give her food that she will eat rather than fight every nite at dinner time. Shes been like this since she was 2 and doesnt show any signs of changing.
My sister went vegetarian at 4 and hasn't changed only clued on to the hidden meats in things - she is now a healthy 36yo vegan dietitian.
Our kinesiologist gave us some great drops to mix with my sons water every day. He is 2.5yrs and sounds exactly like your daughter when it comes to food (frustrating isn't it!?). He was lacking in B6 and Zinc (zinc is great for immunity building). Since we've started these he's barely been sick. I highly recommend seeing a kinesiologist to see if she is missing any important vitamins and minerals, and going from there. We also use the biometrics probiotics while the kids are sick and it helps them get over it a lot quicker.
what if you tried making smoothies with vegies that have a few vegies but are well sweetened with fruit. I also give my daughter olive leaf extract (mixed in juice) and that has really helped her immune system with daycare.
Haha I've tried it. If it's a colour she doesn't like that day, she won't touch it! Might try the olive leaf extract in some juice though.
Make sure you keep offering a good variety of vegetables and fruits with the foods she is eating but don't make a big deal out of it if she doesn't touch them. Try a reward system (star chart maybe with a prize at the end of each week) and she could get a star if she tries the vegetables or fruit. The more familiar she gets with them, the more likely she is to start eating them. Also let her help in the kitchen whenever you can (try not to stress about the mess haha). Make pizzas with her and let her put her own toppings on - try coloured capsicum, pineapple, olives, mushrooms, zucchini, ham, chicken, sausages, cheese - also wraps are usually a hit with toddlers try offering different salad/meat fillings but let her make her own. Have you tried making your own chicken nuggets? They are so much better than the store bought ones!
Hi. It really bothers me to read sometimes when people say they will eat when they are hungry. My daughter doesn't get hungry and therefore really struggles to eat. Always has. One of the things we use to increase vitamins was a multi vitamin. Plus sustagen in her milk. I also add a raw egg. I put a raw egg in juices aswell as she won't eat one. These are just a few quick ways I try to hide a bit of healthy stuff in foods. Hope things improve. You are doing the best you can. Happy to offer more advice or just an ear to listen to without judging as I know so many people can.
My son is a little like this, I have just worked out that his throat gets inflamed lots and he doesn't want to eat because it hurts him. Green smoothies with apple baby spinach grapes cucumber coconut water and ice work for us and blended fruit and greek yoghurt in the diy ice block makers are another bit hit. Some days fredo frogs and heat and eat chicken nugents work as well because I am not perfect and I love that my son sees me being ok with that (It has taken me a while to get ok with it) ? You can also get the toddler milk formula that have extra added immune boosters in them. Good luck
You can't boost an immune system, don't waste good money buying the "daycare defense" and immune system boosters http://www.skepticalraptor.com/skepticalraptorblog.php/boosting-immune-s... certainly does need some fruit, perhaps homemade juices or making them into ice blocks will help?