Food Chaining: The Proven 6-Step Plan to Stop Picky Eating, Solve Feeding Problems, and Expand Your Child's Diet

The complete guide for parents of picky eaters -- how to end mealtime meltdowns and get your children the nutrition they need

Does your child regularly refuse foods or throw a fit at mealtimes? Are you concerned she isn't getting enough nutrition, or that that your child's pickiness might be caused by a hidden medical issue? For every frustrated parent, the food chaining method offers a medically-proven, kid-tested solution.

Developed by a team of internationally known medical experts, Food Chaining helps you identify the reasons behind your child's picky eating habits -- be it medical, sensory, or because of allergies. Then, with a simple, 6-step method centered around taste, temperature, and texture, target foods are selected that are similar to the ones your child likes, gradually expanding to all food groups. Does your kid like French fries but won't touch veggies? Try hash browns, and slowly expand to sweet potato fries and zucchini sticks -- and then work your way to steamed vegetables.

With helpful information about common food allergies, lists of sample food chains, advice for special needs children, as well as a pre-chaining program to prevent food aversions before they develop, Food Chaining is your guide to raising lifelong health eaters.

Cheryl Fraker, RD, LD, CLC, is a registered pediatric dietitian and lactation consultant specializing in pediatric feeding disorders. Her articles have appeared in nutrition journals, and she frequently makes presentations and lectures on child eating habits nationwide. She lives in Springfield, Ill.

Mark Fishbein, MD, is a pediatric gastroenterologist, who has written articles published in several medical and nutrition journals. Dr. Fishbein is an associate professor at the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He lives in Springfield, Ill.

Sibyl Cox, RD, LD, CLC, is a pediatric dietician and certified lactation consultant at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Sibyl is a member of the Capital District Dietetic Association, Illinois Dietetic Association, American Dietetic Association and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. She lives in Chatham, Ill.

Laura Walbert, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech pathologist. She has appeared all over the US and Canada to present treatment methods for children with feeding disorders. She lives in Sherman, Ill.