The “I don’t like it bite” — fussy eaters refusing new foods

Refusing new foods is the one of the core aspects of picky eating. Taking one bite (or more likely a nano nibble) and declaring it unacceptable is also the bane of many parents’ lives.

Whether you have a food box with frequent new dishes, the cheaper version with a menu plan like Meals Mapped Out, or would just love your child to eat new foods, this article is for you.

Although it is based around the experience of one family who did order food boxes, if you are finding your child/children take a quick bite and declare every new food a “no” this is also for you.

A “no thank you bite” is quite a popular suggestion among parents with fussy eaters, and even some professionals working in the sphere.

I am not fond of it on two levels:

1. It is quite a negative concept. Even the wording is pre-empting a no!

2. For children who find food difficult, pushing them to take a bite can be anxiety producing. I believe food is about love and pleasure. Forcing someone to do something does not fit into that ethos.

However, even if you are not using the “no thank you bite”, many children still create their own version, the “I don’t like it” bite.