Last week, as I watched my son push away the butter from his sourdough, I couldn’t help but smile and sigh at the same time. This was the same child who, not so long ago, would sneak into the fridge and steal butter straight off the block like it was a treat.
Now, suddenly, butter was the enemy.
It’s funny how children change so quickly.
What they crave one day becomes what they reject the next. And as parents, we’re left wondering: What does their body really need? What are they trying to tell me through these shifts?
Nutritional imbalances don’t always scream. Often, they whisper through restless sleep, fluctuating moods, or slowed growth. When something feels “off,” it’s an invitation to pause and ask: What is my child’s body asking for?
For us, the answer wasn’t about overhauling their diet or panicking over phases of pickiness. Instead, it was about staying curious and observing. Tools like Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) can help us uncover the deeper story—the nutrient gaps and imbalances that even the most intentional diets might miss.
I want to ask you:
- Is there something your child loved but now avoids? Could this be a clue their body’s needs are shifting?
- Are there signs like irritability, fatigue, or frequent colds that might point to something deeper?
- What’s one small, intentional step you can take this week to nourish them better?
For us, it starts with simplicity: are they having enough protein, adding more colourful vegetables to their plates, ensuring healthy fats like butter and EVOO, and supporting their gut health with fermented foods. Small changes can make a world of difference when done with intention and love.
If you’re feeling stuck or curious about how to dig deeper, I’ve written about recognising these subtle signs and how tools like HTMA can provide valuable insights. Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present, curious, and intentional.
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Read our full blog about HTMA testing here.