There is no one more judgmental of moms than a someday-mother…I know, because before I had my own children, I was in a constant state of chagrin over the innocent toddlers at my mall food court being plied with chicken nuggets—didn’t their parents know to feed them kale and squash?? Then I had my own kids. Three of them. They don’t like kale, or squash, or even a nice, fresh peach. I wish I could go back in time to apologize to those mothers I silently judged. I can’t do that—but what I can do is reassure someday-mothers that if your child also turns up her nose at fresh produce, you can still keep her healthy and well-nourished…with a little help from the right supplements.
Here’s what to do when your child says…
“Meh” to milk
If your little one doesn’t like milk and dairy products, or other foods that are high in calcium, vitamin D and magnesium (milk’s most critical nutrients to a young, growing body), try Childlife Liquid Calcium. It’s got a yummy orange flavor and it’s free of gluten, artificial colorings and sweeteners, as well as milk and eggs (in case a milk allergy or vegan lifestyle is the reason for the lack of milk consumption).
“Gross!” to greens
Win the battle over the vegetables once and for all with a surprise secret weapon, otherwise known as Nature’s Plus Animal Parade KidGreenz Chewable. This sneaky supplement is packed with whole foods broccoli, spinach, kelp, spirulina and all of those other foods your children turn up their little noses at.
“Ick” to fish
No salmon for your sweetie? Your little one can still get in those omega-3s, which play a vital role in brain development, by taking fun and delicious Vitacost Omega-3 Gummies for Kids, which have no fishy aftertaste.* This product is a great option if you are worried about exposing your kids to the high levels of mercury that are in some fish.
“Blech” to beef
If you live a vegetarian lifestyle or your child simply won’t eat foods high in iron such as beef, steak, spinach, raisins, artichokes or beans, try Vitamin Friends Vegetarian Iron Gummies in kid-friendly strawberry pectin. This is a great, non-GMO and kosher choice that is especially useful when your child is undergoing a rapid growth phase and needs to have adequate levels of iron in the bloodstream.
“Yuck” to yogurt
Yogurt is filled with healthy bacteria, known as probiotics, which has been known to support overall health and to help with the occasional upset stomach.* If your child isn’t a fan of yogurt—or is on antibiotics and needs an extra probiotic push—try Culturelle Probiotic Packets. You can mix the powder into milk, juice, applesauce or a smoothie.
“I’m not hungry!” to anything you serve
As mothers, we have an instinctual need to see our children well-fed, and it’s pretty scary when they push food around with a fork for a half hour and ask to be excused. A high-quality multivitamin like Childlife Multi Vitamin & Mineral will ensure your picky kid has more than adequate levels of all of the recommended vitamins and minerals. This product is a great choice for any child, in fact—even the rare one who happily laps up kale, squash and peaches.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.