At first, it looked like normal toddler behavior. A few gags at the sight of spinach. A strong preference for crackers over carrots. A sudden refusal to try anything “green.”
But for one Zurich-based mother and pediatric nutrition expert, these red flags were too consistent—and too distressing—to be ignored. “I kept hearing, ‘It’s just a phase, they’ll grow out of it,’” recalls Anastasia Schenk, an integrative nutrition coach and pediatric feeding specialist. “But deep down, I knew something else was going on.”
That “something else” turned into a mission. In 2024, Schenk founded Early Eaters Club, a Switzerland-based health initiative devoted to helping families understand and navigate the true roots of picky eating—well before it spirals into something more serious.
And according to the research, Schenk might be onto something that many parents—and even pediatricians—are still missing.
Not Just a Quirk, but a Clue
Picky eating is often brushed off as part of the toddler terrain. In fact, studies estimate that between 14% and 50% of children aged 1–5 show signs of food refusal or strong dietary preferences. For many, it’s a transient phase. But for a growing number of children, picky eating is more than just selective behavior—it can signal sensory sensitivities, feeding disorders, or underlying gut health imbalances.
One 2015 study published in Pediatrics found that children with moderate to severe picky eating were significantly more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Another 2022 review linked persistent food selectivity in young children to higher risks of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a serious eating disorder that can impair both growth and psychological development.
“These behaviors are not always about control,” Schenk says. “Sometimes, the child’s nervous system is in overdrive. They’re overwhelmed by textures, smells, or internal discomfort that they can’t yet articulate.”
Gut Check: The Biology of a “Picky” Eater
Schenk’s approach at Early Eaters Club begins with the body—not the behavior. That means looking at the gut-brain axis, nutritional deficiencies, and even prenatal exposures that may influence how a child responds to food.
“Our gut microbiome—the community of bacteria in our intestines—shapes everything from immune function to serotonin production,” she explains. “And in early life, it’s still forming. If it’s off balance, so is appetite regulation and mood.”
Emerging science supports this. A 2020 study from the University of Alberta found that the diversity of gut bacteria at 12 months predicted obesity risk and metabolic health by age five. Other studies have linked imbalanced microbiomes to food intolerances, low appetite, and even neurodevelopmental challenges.
This research fuels Early Eaters Club’s focus on prevention. Rather than waiting for children to “catch up” with eating milestones, Schenk encourages families to spot the signs early—and take a proactive, not punitive, approach.
From Spoon Battles to Sensory Play
Instead of calorie counting or pressure tactics, Early Eaters Club offers something refreshingly different: a holistic, play-based approach to feeding challenges. Programs combine clinical strategies with real-life parenting know-how, including:
- Sensory food play: Encouraging children to explore new textures without pressure to eat
- Nutrient support: Using functional nutrition to address deficiencies in zinc, iron, or omega-3s—all linked to taste development and appetite
- Parent training: Teaching caregivers how to regulate their own mealtime stress, which children often mirror
For families stuck in a cycle of bribery and burnout, the shift can be transformative.
“Most parents think they have to either force the broccoli or give in to the pasta,” Schenk says. “But there’s a third path—curiosity and connection. It’s slower, but it sticks.”
Why Early Matters
Feeding disorders can sneak up slowly: first a dislike for eggs, then all protein, then even the look of certain foods. What begins as pickiness can quickly narrow into nutritional deficits, social anxiety, and fear-based eating patterns.
That’s why Early Eaters Club emphasizes what Schenk calls “family longevity”—not just getting through the toddler years, but building a foundation for 80 years of metabolic, emotional, and immune health.
“Children build their relationship with food early—sometimes before their first birthday,” Schenk notes. “If we wait until school age to intervene, we’ve already missed so many windows.”
Her team works with families to identify red flags like:
- Reliance on less than 10 foods
- Meltdowns at mealtimes
- Gagging or vomiting when exposed to new textures
- Failure to gain weight or grow consistently
- Parent anxiety so high it affects meal planning or family dynamics
By offering both online consultations and science-informed tools, the Club helps families catch these issues early—before they become entrenched.
Beyond the Plate
Picky eating isn’t just about what kids eat—it’s about how they feel. Mealtimes can quickly become battlegrounds, filled with bribery, pleading, or shutdowns.
But they can also become rituals of connection, safety, and curiosity. That’s the future Schenk is building—one bite at a time.
In fall 2025, Early Eaters Club will release Europe’s first children’s book series focused on picky eating prevention, blending playful storytelling with clinical exposure therapy. It’s one of several projects aimed at turning the tide on a growing public health concern.
“If we can stop viewing picky eating as just a stage,” Schenk says, “we can start seeing it as a starting point—a clue into what our kids need most.”
For more on Early Eaters Club’s programs, research, and community, visit earlyeatersclub.com or follow @earlyeatersclub on Instagram for tips and insights.
