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After several frustrating years of doctor visits, vitamins, bribery, and reward systems, we were struggling to get our child to eat. He never seemed to be hungry, never ate very well, and didn't even seem to have any food that he favored over any other. The main problem was that he failed to gain weight properly. In fact, most of his life he has been considerably underweight for his age. All blood tests came back normal and he was growing, but there had to be a reason why he didn't enjoy eating. At first, we chalked it up to him being an extremely active child who couldn't sit still for more than a few minutes. Also, he couldn't eat many high-calorie foods due to a milk allergy. The problem was that during times of extreme physical activity, he showed no improved appetite and lost weight.
After more doctor visits, botched blood tests and recommendations of a surgical procedure, we decided to try a new approach. We decided to put the botched celiac test behind us and we began a gluten-free diet that incorporated lots of fresh, whole foods.
For the first time in his entire life (seven years), our son has a real appetite! After six months on this eating regimen, he is gaining weight normally, sometimes asks for seconds, and even makes himself snacks when he gets hungry in the afternoon. He races to the table now, actually announces when he is hungry, and has definite favorite foods!
