The “No-Thank You” Bowl

What is it? It’s a tool to take the pressure off eating time. By placing it in the middle of the table, kids get to know that they won’t be forced to eat something they don’t like. Instead of throwing their food on the floor and make a tantrum, they will be allowed to spit out the food they have tried into the bowl. Did you know it can take 15-20 tries before a child likes a new food? Knowing this, the no-thank you bowl allows children to taste new foods at their own pace. Trying new foods can represent a real challenge for our younger ones. The best we can do is support our children in their learning and exploration.

5 simple steps to try

Choose a bowl you have at home, label it as the no-thank you bowl, and place it on the table. At mealtimes, serve a new food in small amounts along with familiar food
Describe the food for your child in a neutral way. What color is it? How does it taste? What texture does it have? Avoid using qualifiers such as good and bad. Invite your child to explore the food. What sound does it make? How does it smell? How’s the texture? How does it feel when placed on the lips?
If the child wants to, invite him to chew a small piece of the food. How does it taste?
Invite the child to swallow the food or spit it into the no-thank you bowl.
Repeat the steps as often as needed until the child accepts to eat the new food.

The division of responsibilities

Parents and children have different jobs in feeding. Parents are the ones deciding:

What food and drinks are served at the table. I encourage you to make one family meal, not different meals, and to eat together as often as possible. Your child will not learn to eat a variety of food if you only serve what he likes to eat. Children learn best through mimicking. Always serve one or two food(s) you know your child will eat along with the new food to try so he won’t go hungry.
When food is served. Offer 3 meals and 2-3 snacks at regular times each day. Do not let your child graze or eat throughout the day. Offer only water in between meals and snacks. Even a little milk, juice or few crackers can spoil your child’s appetite. Your child will be much more interested into trying new foods if he’s moderately hungry. If your child refuses a meal or does not eat anything in about 15-20 minutes, calmly remove his food, but do not offer another option to compensate. Offer the same meal in an hour or so.
Where food is served. Go for a picnic in the park or eat on the terrace when the weather allows it. If your child has associated mealtime with a stressful event, this simple change of environment will make it more pleasant and relaxed. Let your child eat with his fingers from time to time. A bit of amusement has never hurt anyone.

On the other side, children are the ones deciding:

If and how much to eat from the food and drinks you have served. You need to trust that your child knows when he is hungry or full. Pressuring your child to finish their plate can interfere with their ability to self-regulate and in turn lead to eating disorders or obesity during adolescence and adulthood. Avoid praise, rewards, tricks, or punishment as well. This will only teach them to ignore their inner voice and override their feelings of fullness. Your child’s appetite can vary depending on growth spurts and activity and this is completely normal.

We all want the best for our children and that includes good eating habits. Seeing your child refusing to eat part or all his meal can be frustrating or worrisome. However, trust me, forcing and pressuring him to do so can be traumatic and implant a negative relationship with food in the long term. Take a few deep breaths and try the technique described above instead. Let me know how it goes!

Some kid friendly recipes to try

Earthy Dietitian – @earthy.dietitian

Saine alimentation

February 16, 2023

Adina Elena est une nutritionniste passionnée par son métier, elle a su me guider avec brio lors de nos rencontre. Je repars à la fin de chaque séance avec des objectifs concrets, des conseils clairs, des trucs à l’épicerie, des recettes inspirantes et j’en passe.

Marisol

Nutrition sportive

Très bonne nutritionniste. À l’écoute et sait bien aborder toutes les problématiques relié à une alimentation saine. Chaque objectif est bien résumé à la fin de chaque rencontre et envoyé sur la plateforme. En plus, ils sont individualisés et je sens que ce n’est pas la même recette pour tous. On est loin du “one fits all”. De bonnes références adaptées à chaque objectif. Elle utilise bien la technologie et rend cela facile. J’ai atteint mon objectif rapidement mais je continue de travailler avec Elena car j’en apprend beaucoup sur moi à ses côtés. Merci 🙂

Ingrid

Ménopause et cancer du sein

February 9, 2023

Depuis un peu moins d’un an, je reçois les services d’Adina Elena et j’en suis ravie. Elle est à l’écoute de mes besoins et elle donne de bons conseils et ce, dans la douceur et le respect. Elle connaît très bien l’alimentation et est à l’affût de toutes les nouvelles recherches. Dans les derniers mois , j’ai eu un cancer du sein et elle m’a accompagnée à chaque étape. Elle a même pris du temps pour s’informer auprès de médecins afin d’être certaine de m’aider le plus possible. Je vous la recommande.

Isabelle

Alimentation intuitive

February 2, 2023

Lors de mes quelques séances avec Elena, je me suis vite rendue compte que j’avais affaire à une professionnelle. Une fois mes objectifs clairement définis et après avoir répondu à des questions sur mon état de santé en général, Elena m’a proposé différents moyens pour atteindre mes objectifs. De plus, elle m’a expliqué et a mis à ma disposition des documents pertinents, a été ouverte à mes commentaires, a répondu aux questions que j’avais et fait un bon suivi. Avec Elena, c’est clair, simple – je la recommande sans réserve.

Louise

Allergie protéine laitière

January 25, 2023

Avant de rencontrer Adina, mon conjoint et moi nous sentions impuissants face aux symptômes de l’APLV de notre fille Élisabeth. L’introduction des aliments nous stressait, mais avec l’aide très professionnelle de cette nutritionniste, tous les morceaux du casse-tête se sont placés tranquillement. La confiance est revenue, les symptômes ont disparus et tout le monde a retrouvé le sourire.

Merci encore, Adina!

Henriane

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Saine alimentation

Nutrition sportive

Ménopause et cancer du sein

Alimentation intuitive

Allergie protéine laitière

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