Aoife Hearne: My Leaving Cert child is picking at his food and not eating meals

A ‘little and often’ approach to eating nutrient-rich meals can be easier to manage during the exam period

An approach that might work is to go buffet-style. Set up a study snack station, keeping the food visible and easy to grab. Picture: iStock 

My eldest is sitting his Leaving Cert soon and seems to have lost his appetite, with the stress of it all. He’s never been a great eater, so snacks, like nuts and fruit, don’t interest him. He starts the day with a smoothie made from banana, natural yogurt, and strawberries, but says he’s not hungry at other meal times and picks at his food. I recently found him eating a bowl of chocolate cereal late at night. What would you suggest?

With the warm weather and the stress of exams, I’m not surprised to hear your son has lost his appetite. However, just because we don’t feel hungry doesn’t mean our body doesn’t need the nourishment that food and fluid provide. This is especially true for the hard-working brain, which requires regular energy and fluid (and rest) to perform at its best.