Clever Currents: It’s Not Your Fault – Picky Eating is Inherited

Didn’t we always suspect that this was a Nature trounces Nurture phenomena? How else could the child of foodies insist on Kraft? Now there is proof. In August, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the findings of a study that tracked the eating habits of over 5,000 pairs of twins. One conclusion is that a child who is averse to trying new foods has most likely inherited that trait from a parent.

The Blue Lake take on it:
Thank you Dr. Lucy Cooke of University College London for leading this effort. My sister calls me a “blanc”etarian based on my preference for plain (preferably white) food. Now instead of blaming this on lax attitudes by my parents (my husband’s pet theory) I can point to scientific research that says: it is the fault of no one. Stop blaming yourself. There are worse things you can do to your child than feed them spaghetti and salt every day. And if you need more support to feel better about your situation, check out the experiences of a Bon Appétit editor and parent of picky eater.