Chef Gigi Gives Us the Scoop on Her New Book, “Food Fight for Parents of Picky Eaters!” by Nicole DeAvilla

Are you or a family member struggling with a picky eater? Want to eat healthier yourself? This week, we were thrilled to welcome #30Seconds contributor, Chef Gigi, as our #30Seconds Twitter chat guest! As a professional chef, Chef Gigi elicits the science of flavor to help combat the picky eater challenge. She also teaches how to instill healthy eating habits through shopping, prepping, cooking and how to avoid dangerous artificial ingredients. We got an insider’s look into Chef Gigi Gaggero’s new book, “Food Fight for Parents of Picky Eaters,” now in pre-sales!

Q: So Gigi, what made you decide to write a book on picky eaters?

I owned a cooking school for kids ages 3 to 16, from 1998 to 2014 and parents were always asking me the same question: “How do I get my picky eater to eat healthier?” I began teaching parents strategies to shop, prep and cook better – faster. I worked directly with the children, so I was able to test solutions and tweak them so they worked. Raising my own two picky eaters helped. Plus, I’m a picky eater. Shhh!

#30Seconds A1 Because that is a book I so need. My house if full of #pickyeaters

— lorri langmaid (@lorri1956) November 30, 2017

Say what?! I would not have expected that! Your recipes are so varied and diverse! #30seconds

— Elisa All Schmitz (@elisatalk) November 30, 2017

Q: What are some ideas with working with a picky eater that can help parents immediately?

It’s not that simple. Picky eaters should be examined on a case by case basis. Every child is different. Every parent, parents differently. So many things to identity. Such as, maybe it’s us who are creating our own picky eater. Many children use their power and control at mealtimes, because this is the only place and time they can. Or maybe it’s a different reason the child is being picky. Maybe a food intolerance. Many times, we need to examine our parenting techniques. Sometimes it’s what we take off the plate is just as important as what we add. I talk about this in my book extensively.

A2 Have a 2 or 3 bite rule? I know it can take multiple attempts to adapt to a new taste #30Seconds

— 🏈⚾️🐠Toni B 🎨 🎬🎼 (@rychepet) November 30, 2017

Nicole- Sounds like you need some closed ended choices! That parenting technique worked really good for me #foodfight #pickyeaters #30seconds

— Chefgigi (@chefgigi) November 30, 2017

Q: Once you identify where and why the picky eating comes into play, then what?

Well, you act on solutions. I’ve outlined several things we do as parents to contribute to the power struggle, like “the one bite rule,” bribery or punishment. Bribery is a huge parenting issue. Studies show that 91 percent of parents bribe their children. Kids are averaging over $4000 a year in recorded bribery earnings. It ruins humans in the long run. There is also the case that maybe you are seriously overcooking the broccoli. In that case you don't want to eat it either, so don't make your child. Be a role model. Don’t ask your child to do anything you are not willing to do yourself. 

My book, “Food Fight for Parents of Picky Eaters,” is in pre-sale right now for a few more days. I only need 350 more purchases to be matched with a big house publisher. If you like what you read, watch my video on the link provided and pre-purchase.

If I am not willing to try new things or I put down new things, I cannot expect my children to try new things. #30seconds

— Gina Valley (@GinaValley) November 30, 2017

A3: when she won’t eat dinner, I just give up and let her eat things like yogurt, fruit, bread, cheese. I feel like at least she’s eating something #30seconds

— Nicole Thomas (@mrspthomas23) November 30, 2017

Q: Can you tell us a few more of your solutions you have outlined in your book, “Food Fight?”

Yes, one of them is so obvious but we all stand guilty of. Have you ever given your child a piece of french bread or a celery stick off the counter while preparing family meals? We must remember a child’s stomach is only as big as their fist. Don’t feed them an unintended snack immediately before mealtime and expect them to clean the plate.

I also think it’s a great time to let a kid be a kid. Mealtimes are not the black and white ball with the boss. Lighten up, and allow your child to choose a small kitty or doggie bowl to eat out of. Just make sure to set the rules. What goes in gets eaten. And then don't screw this up with the over-cooked broccoli, parents. It’s a window of trust. It’s all about flavor. In my book I discuss an advanced battle, and elicit the science behind flavor. It's called umami (ooooh, mommy).

Keep in mind kids are often right! Sometimes we do make stuff for dinner that isn't very good! Be objective. Get a better recipe! #30seconds

— Gina Valley (@GinaValley) November 30, 2017

Chef Gigi's tips and recipes ROCK! And, her book is full of even more great info!! #30seconds #foodfight

— Elisa All Schmitz (@elisatalk) November 30, 2017

Q: What is umami and what do you do with it?

Well, umami is our fifth sense of taste. Bitter, sweet , salty, sour and … umami. Umami is activated by the glutamates on our tongues. Umami is heightened by certain foods. In “Food Fight,” I talk about cooking with umami-rich foods. Once you finally get the child to eat, umami can be added insurance they will like it, and continue to eat. My book is loaded with over 60 recipes and several umani introductions.

A6: There is a video of me in this link that you can watch after the chat and it explains everything https://t.co/yiF52JZxqp MY #30Seconds of FAME! Whooot! #foodfight #chefgigi

— Chefgigi (@chefgigi) November 30, 2017

Q: What exactly is this campaign you are doing with Publishizer?

Publishizer is like a Match.com for writer and publishing houses. If they can see there is interest in my book via pre-sales they will open negotiations with me. There is a video of me in this link that you can watch after the chat and it explains everything.

The more books I can pre-sell the opportunity for me to help a wider audience of families becomes larger. There are bonus packs, too, like classes with me, parties and you can even get your name in the acknowledgements area of my book. Please help me, help others by  pre-ordering your $20 pre-sale copy today. 

Thats amazing!! I know you will reach it! and Congrats Hun! How Exciting!! #30Seconds everyone go pre order after party!

— sherry bracy (@sherrybracy) November 30, 2017

Be sure to follow @ChefGigi, visit GigiGaggero.com, like Chef Gigi on Facebook and read her 30Seconds tips!