A restricted diet can be daunting, but if it is embraced it can be surprising just how easy it can be to prepare and how tasty the recipes are. This keeps the focus on what can be eaten and enjoyed rather than what cannot. The right diet for children is one that helps them grow and develop, but also one that establishes a foundation for normal behavior around food and one that is varied, tasty and nutritious. Unfortunately some children who have food allergies do develop abnormal behavior around food. Some are scared of food because they associate it with an unpleasant experience whilst others associate certain foods with anxiety – (sometimes parental). This is why normalizing food, and eating as much variety as possible is the key to successful management. Issues that some children with food allergies can have due to their mistrust of foods include: • Poor acceptance and or dislike of certain textures. Dislikes of lumps or more than one texture served at a time • Dislike of foods touching each other on a plate – if they are served in separate bowls or on compartmentalized plates this is often acceptable • Refusing to eat with others – some want to eat alone or even in their bedrooms • Hiding foods that are considered as unacceptable • Accepting foods only when what is being eaten can be identified. A dish containing mixed foods such as bolognaise or stew is not acceptable to the child • Refusing foods usually eaten because a disliked food is on the same plate With nutritious recipes for meals and snacks, this cookbook will get your fussy eaters eating a healthy and well-balanced diet. Everything a parent could ask for.
