Daughter takes too long to chew food

[LTKoch]

My daughter is 6 1/2 years old.  She has always been healthy and within normal limits as far as height and weight.  She is a very picky eater.  I joke that she is a "carb-ovore".  If it were up to her, she would live on pop-tarts, chicken nuggets, cheese pizza, peanut butter and honey sandwiches and grilled cheese sandwiches.  We are constantly trying to introduce/force a wider variety of healthier foods to her - fruits and veggies and meat that isn't breaded.  This is where the problem arrives.  She either works herself up so much that she gags, or she takes so long to eat a bite of meat (not a large one and not tough in texture), like more than 15 minutes for a bite, that the meal ends with threats, tears, and frustration on everyone's part.  I don't understand why she can eat a chicken nugget in less than one minute, but a piece of pork the same size or smaller takes 15 minutes or more!  Is this a texture thing?  Is she just being stubborn?  Any and all advice or help would be so greatly appreciated!
Thanks!!

[specialmom]

My son has an issues just like this and has that dirty word . . .  a disorder!  But we don't see it as a bad thing, rather an indication of areas he needed some help in.  Things that are a little irritating aren't a disorder and people write of picky eaters all the time,  but for my son, his eating issues were related to his sensory issues.  And by tackling it, we've made significant change.  Whether the poster's child's issues are due to anything like my son or not is irrelevant, there are great tips above that would help any kid.  And it feels good to share the things I've seen help mine!

[specialmom]

Oh, and how do labels 'follow' a child?  Just curious.  I am pretty sure there is nothing stamped on my son's head and don't see anything creeping around behind him with a blow horn "HE"S GOT A LABEL."

[margypops]

These are just my opinions , I do not consider the normal habits of a child any disorder.  Re reading your post it tells me that your child could use some healthier eating habits which you can start by only buying foods yet allowing her the nuggets and food she enjoys aswell.  .Many children I have known eat slowly and it can be frustrating at breakfast time if parents get up earlier and allow the child to have more time it seems to work, they are happier. Good luck  

[specialmom]

there is a book called "food chaining" which is really helpful for kids that have the reaction that your daughter does.  

[specialmom]

Whether your child's eating issues are due to sensory or not matters not one bit, the tips I've learned and shared really help any child.  But, still---  how is her handwriting?  :>)  Oh, and her speech.  good luck!!!

[margypops]

I had two of my children eat slowly and also were 'picky' I stopped being concerned about it, said nothing, let them eat the way they chose to , they did okay I sometimes think we get too concerned about their eating habits ..I myself am a slow eater I am always the last to finish ....lol