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.
Trista says
I know you posted this a while ago, but I found this on my search on picky eating. I’m interested in reading this book, but let me tell you about what our battle is at the dinner table. There’s that rule, “You don’t have to like it, but you do have to try it.” It has turned into a shouting match more than once just trying to get our son to try things. I tell him he doesn’t have to eat it all, but he does need to try it and it’s a huge battle. Any tips on how to get them to just try it without the arguing? It has seriously gotten to where we don’t even eat as a family at the table because I am so tired of the arguing over dinner.
Katie says
I know exactly what you mean. This has gotten easier as my kids have gotten older, now almost 9 and 6. They have come to learn my expectations at the table and there is less attitude about trying the one bite. My daughter (6) will try almost anything if she sees her big brother do it first, so that helps. If he starts having a bad attitude then it can go one of two ways – Madeline adopting his bad attitude or Madeline giving him some positive peer pressure to try the bite/that the food is good. I’ve also had to make some tough calls of not allowing snacks after dinner and before bed if people are hungry because they chose not to eat their food. I also don’t allow much snacking in the couple of hours before dinner to make sure they are hungry. If they are really hungry before dinner and not just wanting to eat out of boredom then I’ll allow fruit or vegetables. Another thing that I do at dinner is try to make it so at least one of the foods on the plate is something that I know everyone will eat. Now that they are older I have started putting all the food out on the table and allowing them to serve themselves (but they have to take something of everything) instead of me making up their plates. I hope that this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m happy to answer them.
LarsLove says
This is our struggle because our daughter is not a great eater. She is only 2 but we try to encourage her to try everything. She will usually try it but then throws to the dogs. In the end we just give her yogurt or something else we know she likes just to be sure she eats something.
Stephanie Howard says
Thank you so much for this post. The book sounds wonderful. I am sorry I missed the contest…I guess I will have to buy a copy 😉
My Children started out eating everything (I think because my rules are similar to the French), but my son has recently decided that he is picky at 16… go figure.
Misty says
Katie I can relate with you completely. Our daughter was diagnosed with a soybean allergy when she was two. (she’s now 7) I trly believe that started a phobia with food. She has even a small panic attack if we put something new on her plate, even if she doesn’t have to eat it. It completely paralyzes her to eat even the food she likes. I have tried it all when it comes to food and her and it scares me to think that there might even be a predisposition to an eating disorder later. I am always reading your food posts to see about anything new, I will definitely be buying this book. I know there has to be some hope out there for our sweet girl.
Thanks for being an ecouragement,
Misty
Cecilia says
I also like Good Life Eats and Karen Le Billon on FB.
Cecilia says
I shared this post on Facebook!
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!!
Diana says
My boyfriend has two picky eaters, who are used to a steady diet of processed foods. I would love to use the tips in this book to make the transition to my cooking style an easier one.
Barbara says
I LOVE this! My parents employed #6 & I see how important it is. All these rules will be practiced in my house from now on!
Kala says
I like good life eats and Karen Le Billon on fb (Kala Thomas DeMeyere)
Kala says
I would LOVE this!! My daughter is the worst! I am guilty of letting her eat healthy snacks between meals because she’s always hungry but never eats lunch or dinner. We have to get better about serving more variety of veggies also.
Elizabeth says
Just pinned it. My daughter is the worst at snacking. I always thought snacking was a good thing and I encouraged it. But lately she won’t even try her dinner. I was sending her to bed without eating but then started feeling like I was starving her so I have been making her a separate meal. Obesity is a struggle in my extended family and I am very concerned about my own kids becoming that way. It is so important for me to learn healthy habits to pass on to them.
Sara says
I have a very picky little nephew who needs some assistance!
shelby says
I like you both on Facebook
shelby says
I shared this on face book
shelby says
I followed you on twitter.
shelby says
Sounds like an interesting read!
Catherine Hardaway says
My 20 month old son is a very picky eater. I would love to read this book. Also due with my 2nd, so it will be nice to get a head start for the next little one.
Catherine Hardaway says
Just pinned this on Pinterest!
jan says
I babysit my nephew 6 days a week (b/c I am unemployed right now)and he is such a picky eater. I have to make “special” food for him, then he decides he not hungery. I’ve tried getting him involved in gardening etc. but, nothing works. I hope this is a phase only.
Anna says
I pined the giveaway
http://pinterest.com/pin/207517495300266476/
Anna says
I Like GoodLife Eats and Karen Le Billon on Facebook.
Anna says
I follow on twitter and tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/frugalohio44/status/202078840170885120
Anna says
I just have had no idea what to do with my picky eater, with this book I will be able to tackle the problem and finally have a child I do not have to be embarrassed to bring out in “public”
ZeeS says
I shared this on pinterest.
ZeeS says
My son is a picky eater. No veggies or fruit except apples. Its so hard to get him to even taste something. I go back and forth between being a short order cook so he can eat something and putting my foot down. My daughter eats good stuff but she is also a snacker. She hardly eats anything at her meal and even if she does, she still wants a carb snack after. She doesn’t really do lunch but snacks her way through. I guess I am at fault for keeping the snacks around but I need to find ways to get healthier less carb/sugar laden snacks in her that are also low maintenance. Meaning I don’t have to prepare snacks for her every half hour. I would love to check out this book.
Andrea M says
My husband and I are in the process of adopting and one thing we keep learning over and over is the challenge meal times can be…that being said, I would love this cookbook to hit the ground running when our little guy finally arrives 🙂
Dawn says
Out of my 3 kids, I would say only one is picky. My other 2 are both pretty good eaters. We follow most of these rules already, but I think snacking is really hurting their dinner appetites. I would love to see how the book addresses it b/c I have really had a hard time figuring out what to do.
Yvonne says
Oh, please pick me. My 2 year old son is the pickiest eater ever. He pretty much survives on crackers and juice or milk. We have tried “waiting him out”, and he went nearly 7 days without a bite. He broke down and ate some chicken. But the next day he went back to refusing food. We found out that at day care he would crawl under the other kids high chairs and eat the crackers they dropped. This is one strong willed kid! But the doc said its just a power struggle. We could really use this book, just to bring some normalcy to food at our house.
Krissa says
My kids are super picky…and I’m so tired of being a short order cook and would love to cut out snacking! This book sounds great!
Katie says
My kids are not overly picky but I would like to serve them more than the basics that I know they will eat. I would love to read this book.
Emily says
My daugherty is a fantastic eater, but there is always room for improvement.
Tyra says
I have two great eaters, one picky eater and a 1-year-old who is trying to become a picky eater. My 1-year-old also has dairy allergy. In looking at the list of 10 rules, I found the ‘no snacking’ rule interesting. It makes a lot of sense!
Natalia says
We are not at the picky eater point yet. In fact, my 9 month old will eat anything and everything, and I’ve been trying to introduce her to as many things as possible to avoid this problem.
Lynda says
i like you both on facebook
Lynda says
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/oshkoshbgosh123/status/201454269898047488
Lynda says
my nephews are pretty picky. i plan on sharing this book with my sister (if i win!)
Suddenexpression says
Liked both on facebook!
Suddenexpression says
My daughter isn’t yet on solids, but knowing the type of eater I was and am I can see her becoming picky very easily. I would love to start out with a book like this, so she never becomes picky in the first place!
Holly says
My sister needs this book. Thanks for the intro. and the chance to win it!
Cori says
I like the “kids eat what adults eat” rule.
Andrea says
We’re lucky to have great eaters in our kids, but I’d love to find ways to make their eating habits even better.
Kim B. says
Oh my gosh, I just finshed reading this book from our library & LOVED it!!! I would LOVE an actual copy for myself 🙂 We too have adopted A LOT of great ideas from this book. Snacks are healthy, fruit, raw veggies, cheese, yogurt, rice cakes, etc. I do pack a treat in their lunch & have now started making desserts for after dinner. We don’t force them to eat their dinner, but if they do finish it AND try the new vegetable I’ve started introducing they get dessert. If they don’t finish dinner or won’t try the new vegetable then no dessert. It’s that simple. Didn’t know Karen had a blog, sooo excited to check it out!
saniel says
my 3yr old son is starting to develop a love for some things and dislike for others(broccoli)i just put a little cheese on it or blend it into his spaghetti sauce
Lorie says
Sadly, I do have 2 picky eaters and my goal in life was to NOT have picky eaters. I’m desperate to turn things around. I need all the help I can get.
Lorie says
I posted your blog on my FB page.
Lorie says
I “liked” Karen Le Billon on FB
Lorie says
I “liked” GoodLife Eats on FB
Debra Schramm says
This is on my Amazon wishlist. I’d love to win it!
Lorie says
I started following Karen Le Billon on twitter
Lorie says
I just started following GoodLifeEats on twitter
CP says
I have two picky eaters and they have different things they are picky about – I would love to learn some tips to only have to cook dinner once! And snacking – well that is another issue.
Sarah L says
I’m pregnant with my first child and would love to read this book to get some tips!
polly says
our 3 year old grandson has a severe peanut allergy…this book would be great for other tips
pkeintz@gmail.com
Michele says
I shared this on pinterest!
Michele says
I liked both of you on facebook.
Michele says
I shared the giveaway on facebook.
Michele says
My girls take turns on and off being picky eaters, but most of the time my older daughter it the more picky eater. I have noticed that when I don’t give my girls snacks between meals, they are very hungry to eat and usually eat well. I love those rules and would definitely like to instate them at our dinner table. The book looks amazing!
Kara says
I also pinned these rules on Pinterest!
Kara says
I also “liked” GoodLife {eats} on Facebook.
Kara says
I also “liked” Karen de Billon on Facebook.
vanessa says
My 3 year old is a great fruit eater, but often resistant to veggies. I’m always looking for tips to get him to eat healthy foods. It sounds like French KidsvEat Everything would be very helpful!
Kel says
Sounds like a great book!
Kara says
I have seen these rules posted many times recently (including my own comment on my blog post reviewing Bringing Up Bebe!) and am intrigued as to how it might help my picky eater situation. We have eliminated morning snacks and resorted to the occasional fresh fruit/raw vegetable late afternoon snack, but I just waged a 20 hour food war w/ my 3 1/2 yr old this week. We have always recommended our kids follow rule #6. When she refused to even try one bite at dinner, I saved it for the following breakfast. When she refused that bit at breakfast, I saved it for lunch. When she refused it at lunch, I fed her sister her favorite meal and held my ground until she ate just one bite, and then could enjoy her lunch, too. In some ways I feel like I’m already losing the picky eater battle, and the level of guilt I felt after that ordeal still weighs me down. I would appreciate any suggestions you or Karen have, and would love a chance to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity!
Julie Haldeman says
I have a one year old, and while she is not a picky eater yet, I want to give her the best food foundation
Karan says
Our little eater is still exclusively breastfeeding but if he’s like his mother, he’ll be picky and always go for the sugar…I hope to give this book to his mom to reform her way of eating as well as prevent trouble with our little grandson.
Krista says
My 3 year old is picky and I really like these rules and would love to read this book.
Staci A says
I like both on FB. Thanks!
Staci A says
I have a picky 7 year old, and am trying to avoid going through it again with #2. I think the book would help me learn to set meal times and reduce the amount of snacking that goes on. It looks like a great book!
Anna says
I have 2 toddlers and already follow most of these rules, but we’re in the process of changing diets and sometimes they just refuse to eat. This usually results in a hunger meltdown near bedtime and messes with their sleep schedule. I’m hoping the book will help me to get them eat even when it’s not their favorite meal, so we won’t have these meltdowns.
Laura says
It seems that I can’t get my 4 year old daughter to eat anything. I am strict as far as no processed foods, lots of fruits and veggies, and what the adults eat for dinner the kids eat, too. but when we sit down to dinner she just picks. My 5 year old is getting better with trying things and finding he likes them, but I’m at the end of my list of ideas for getting my girl to eat!
Tracy says
We are now beginning the transition to mostly solid foods for my son. I’m always interested in reading about other culture’s approach to meal times.
Christine says
I just shared the post on Facebook.
Christine says
I love the subject of this book and have to read it! I have a picky eater with a peanut allergy. Last summer I started the mission to reform his eating habits. We follow many of the French rules and I am happy to say we made much progress. I would use the Good Life Eats book to expand my knowledge and share with my friends. We always talk about our children and how to improve thier eating habits.
Christine says
I liked you on FB and Good life eats on FB
Lady J says
My nieces and nephews are really picky eaters. Dinner time at my sister’s house is crazy. She is a short order cook. I only have one child at the moment, but I would love some tips that I can tell my sister about and use with my child to avoid being a short order cook
Jennifer says
I pinned this post to Pinterest.
Jennifer says
I have liked GoodLife {eats} and Karen Le Billon on Facebook.
Jennifer says
I too have a peanut allergic son who is a picky eater. He is intolerant to other foods as well. If I’d let him, he’s survive on goldfish crackers and much prefers any type of bread or cracker over any other food. I’d love to read this book to get some good tips for how to encourage and help him have a better diet.
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions says
I like both Like GoodLife Eats and Karen Le Billon on Facebook.
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions says
I am always looking for tips and tricks to help get picky eaters eating again. I would love to read this book!
Jennifer C says
I liked GoodLife Eats and Karen le Billon on Facebook.
Jennifer C says
I have two little ones and a third on the way. My biggest mealtime problem is getting into ruts with food (can we say cheese and crackers for lunch every day?) or my eldest saying “Oh, that looks yummy, Mommy, but I don’t want it” to nearly everything. And the second is starting to emulate her big brother. So I’m looking for help getting more variety into our meals and better balancing of foods.
Renae says
With 5 kids at times it is a struggle. I probably need to be more consistent about certain things. I’m very interested in what she has to say, because really I like just about any and every food and think my kids should too.
Jessica says
I shared this on Pinterest.
Jessica says
I would love to read this book and see if I can get more helpful tips. I have two picky eaters and one slightly picky toddler. I have a hard time getting my kids to even come close to Rule #6. It’s a lot of drama to try to get even one taste.
Alexis says
And I shared this on Pinterest!
Alexis says
My 3 year old seems to be getting pickier every day. We all eat the same dinner, but I find myself “short order cooking” for breakfast or lunch. I’m trying to be better at this, and I think this book could help.
Adrienne says
I like Good Life Eats and Karen LeBillion on Facebook!
Adrienne says
My son is a picky eater and although he is getting better about it as he gets older, I would love some tips. I think the snacking rule needs to be implemented in our household.
Julie {Bananas for Bourbon} says
Definitely rule 6 is the key to helping with picky eating!
amy marantino says
i Follow GoodLifeEats and Karen Le Billon on Twitter and ReTweeted
amy marantino says
i do not have a picky eater, but a dear friend does. i would gift this book to her if i win.
Dena Hamlin says
I like Karen LeBillon on FB
Dena Hamlin says
I like Good Life Eats on FB
Dena Hamlin says
Both my husband and I were former picky eaters and while my tastes have changed his most certainly have not and our daughter has most definitely picked up her picky eating habits from him. I, too have been noticing that she is starving when she gets home from school, starts shoveling in yogurt and granola bars and then we sit down to a meal, only to have her NOT EAT. Then want to snack right before bed. Would love this book to help us get everyone on track and train both her AND my husband who might as well be 10, to eat what is fixed, eat veggies and enjoy meal time.
Lissa says
I’m definitely interested in hearing the “no snacking” rules. I’m confused though, because I also think eating 6 small meals might be more natural than 3 larger meals.
Katie says
In the book they do eat an organized late afternoon snack (sitting down at the table). I think the purpose is more to prevent mindless eating out of boredom that so often happens in children. Then they fill up on things like crackers and aren’t hungry at dinner when the real nutritious foods are served. We’ve taken to only allowing a snack IF they are really hungry (not bored) and the snack must be a fresh fruit or vegetable. It’s cut down on snacking so much, which to me says that before the snacking was out of boredom not hunger.
Terri says
I struggle with picky eaters and would love to see this book! I need some more tools to get my kids to eat real food… and to at least try it!
Micky says
Pinned it! http://pinterest.com/pin/196047389999296672/
Micky says
I was a picky eater growing up and so I am really curious to see the steps mentioned in this book. Sounds like an interesting philosophy.
tawnya says
Oh, man. Even if I don’t win, I’ll be devouring (ha!) this book. My husband and I are NOT picky, but our son…while slowly getting better is killing me with the picky. And, with mama guilt, I feel I should have done something different / better.
Katie says
I totally hear you on the mama guilt! If I could just have known what I know now when he was born things would be so different. At least that’s what the guilt tells me!
Caroline @ chocolate & carrots says
We don’t have picky eaters yet, but I’m expecting my first any day now and I want to be as prepared as possible. I read Bringing Up Bebe and she talked some about French kids not being picky too. I would love to get this author’s take on it! Thank you for the giveaway!
Ali @ Gimme Some Oven says
One of my good friends was just talking about this book the other day! She has seen pretty remarkable change with her kids and their approach to food with these ideas. Great, simple ideas! 🙂