Pocketing food and spitting it out

[user1508013898]

My 3 1/2 year old used to eat anything and there were never any issues around food. Just lately she has been pocketing food where she holds it in her mouth for ages and then spits it out. She also keeps saying she can't swallow foods like fruit etc. Funnily enough she can swallow crisps, chocolate etc I've completely stopped giving her treats but she is refusing everything. Used to wolf down melon, now says she can't swallow it. Wouldn't eat a lentil dhal as she said she doesn't like ' orange food' she got massively constipated over the weekend as she has stopped eating fruit and veg. I explained to her that was the reason but she does not care.

Any advice? It's becoming ridiculously frustrating and she is hardly eating anything

I'd stick with just giving her normal meals but not making her eat anything. Just sit and eat your own and then ask her to take her plate to the kitchen when she is finished and don't comment on it or any food left over. I tell mine they have to let me put a bit of everything on their plate but they don't have to taste it if they don't want to. (They aren't allowed to scream make a fuss about food and neither will I.)

I'd also add in some extra softer foods, like yogurts, fruit / veg smoothies, and lots of water (or diluted juice if needed) to avoid constipation.