Trump Fights Back After Cases Against Comey and James Dismissed: Live

Trump Fights Back After Cases Against Comey and James Dismissed: Live

M Hasan    7:55 AM   

Legal Challenges and Political Maneuvers

The Trump administration has faced a significant legal setback after a federal judge dismissed criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The ruling came as a result of the unlawful appointment of interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, who had signed off on the cases. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed confidence in the legitimacy of Halligan's appointment and indicated that the Department of Justice would appeal the decision.

Comey and James are among several high-profile figures targeted by investigations under the Trump administration. These cases have sparked considerable debate over the use of the Justice Department to pursue political enemies.

Pentagon Investigation into Senator Mark Kelly

In another development, the Department of Defense has launched an investigation into Democratic Senator Mark Kelly following his participation in a video encouraging active military service members to ignore orders that violate the Constitution. Kelly, a retired naval officer, is the only one of the five Democrats involved in the video who falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense. This has led to a "thorough review" of potential misconduct, with the department stating it will ensure due process and impartiality.

Kelly responded to the investigation by asserting that he would not be intimidated and that he would continue to hold the administration accountable. He emphasized his long-standing commitment to the country and its constitutional values.

Trump's AI Initiative and International Relations

President Donald Trump has also taken steps to advance technological innovation through an executive order establishing the "Genesis Mission," an initiative aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to merge scientific data across federal agencies. This effort is expected to significantly accelerate research and development, particularly in the fields of drug discovery and other major breakthroughs.

In addition, Trump announced plans for a visit to Beijing in April and a state visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping later in 2026. This follows a "very good" call between the two leaders, which covered topics such as trade, Taiwan, and the proposed peace deal for the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Internal Struggles Within the Republican Party

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Republican figure, has announced her resignation from Congress, citing growing tensions with the president. This move has prompted speculation about whether other GOP lawmakers might follow suit. Reports suggest that morale within the party is low, with some considering early retirements.

Greene's departure has also raised questions about her future political aspirations, although she has denied any plans to run for president in 2028.

Public Sentiment and Economic Concerns

Public sentiment regarding the economy remains mixed, with many Americans expressing concerns over the cost of living. A recent poll revealed that four in ten Republicans believe Trump is sugarcoating the impact of inflation and rising prices. Despite these concerns, the administration continues to tout record-low gas prices ahead of the Thanksgiving travel season, though data suggests prices were actually lower last year.

Other Developments

Other notable developments include the suspension of operations by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a controversial group backed by both the U.S. and Israel. Additionally, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing to announce a new healthcare proposal aimed at making medical care more affordable for Americans.

As the administration continues to navigate a complex landscape of legal challenges, political maneuvering, and public sentiment, the focus remains on how these developments will shape the future of American politics and policy.

Legal and Political Implications

The dismissal of the indictment against James Comey and Letitia James highlights the ongoing legal battles within the Trump administration. The ruling underscores the importance of proper appointments and the potential consequences of procedural errors. The White House's response to this decision reflects the administration's determination to challenge the ruling and continue its efforts to target political opponents.

In contrast, the investigation into Senator Mark Kelly illustrates the broader implications of the administration's actions. The Pentagon's involvement in this matter signals a shift in how the administration is addressing perceived threats to its policies and leadership.

Media and Public Discourse

The media landscape continues to play a critical role in shaping public perception of the administration. From the release of the Genesis Mission to the ongoing discussions about the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the press remains a key player in disseminating information and influencing public opinion.

Additionally, the administration's rhetoric towards Democrats has drawn criticism from within its own party, with some Republicans urging a more measured approach. This internal tension highlights the complexities of maintaining unity while pursuing a specific political agenda.

Conclusion

As the Trump administration faces a series of legal and political challenges, the focus remains on how these issues will impact the broader landscape of American politics. From the dismissal of indictments to the investigation of a senator, each development contributes to the evolving narrative of the administration's tenure. With the upcoming presidential election looming, the stakes have never been higher for both the administration and its critics.

Top Foods to Avoid and Embrace for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Top Foods to Avoid and Embrace for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

M Hasan    7:17 AM   

Understanding Vasomotor Symptoms

Picture this: You're going about your day, when all of a sudden you become intensely hot, begin to feel flushed, and start to sweat. If you're approaching menopause, or are already in it, hot flashes and night sweats—also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS)—can come on quickly, often accompanied by symptoms like heart palpitations, vertigo, anxiety, breathlessness, and more.

Hormonal therapies and lifestyle changes may help tame these menopausal symptoms, but one aspect of treatment that's often overlooked is diet. Here, learn about certain foods that may reduce the intensity and frequency of your hot flashes.

What Causes Vasomotor Symptoms?

Around 74 percent of perimenopausal women in the United States are affected by hot flashes and night sweaks. When you enter the menopausal transition, your estrogen levels begin to fluctuate drastically, interfering with your body's ability to regulate its temperature. A study presented at the 2022 North American Menopause Society Conference showed that while hot flashes and night sweats are both VMS responses to menopause, they are not the same thing. Both can interfere with sleep, but night sweats last longer and are more stressful.

Foods That Help Fight Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

While eating consistent meals throughout the day may help regulate vasomotor symptoms, here are some specific foods to try to reduce your symptoms:

1. Soy Foods and Natural Soy Products Isoflavone is a type of phytoestrogen—an estrogen-like compound derived from plants—and it's plentiful in soy. A small study published in 2023 found that postmenopausal women who followed a diet rich in soy, along with a low-fat vegan diet, saw their total hot flashes decrease by 79 percent and their moderate-to-severe hot flashes decrease by 84 percent. Those in the group who made no dietary changes experienced decreases of only 49 percent and 42 percent, respectively. Additionally, 59 percent of those in the soy group reported that they no longer experienced moderate or severe hot flashes at all.

I will recommend soy, and phytoestrogens in general, as a medicinal food almost. I don't know of any other foods that have that kind of effect. Try to include these in your daily diet, says Jenn Salib Huber, RD, ND, who was not involved with the study. Rule of thumb: The less processed the soy is, the more beneficial.

Overly processed soy products, such as protein powders, mock meats, energy bars, or sweetened soy milks and yogurts, often contain higher levels of salt, sugar, saturated fats, additives, and fillers. Minimally processed soy foods, such as the following, contain more healthful vitamins and minerals: * Tofu, miso, and tempeh * Soybeans and edamame * Soy milk * Soy nuts

1. Avocado, Almonds, and Other Vitamin E-Rich Foods Several studies suggest that vitamin E supplementation reduces hot flashes. One concluded that vitamin E reduced the incidence of hot flashes by nearly one-third of the base amount. Granted, this study was done using supplements, but it couldn't hurt to incorporate more vitamin E into your diet naturally.

Vitamin E may benefit your heart and immune system too. Consider the following foods: * Asparagus * Avocado * Almonds * Beet greens, collard greens, spinach * Mango * Peanuts and peanut butter * Red bell pepper * Sunflower seeds and sunflower oil * Wheat germ, safflower, and soybean oils

1. Plant-Based Foods Research shows that when it comes to hot flashes and night sweats, the more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes you eat, the better.

Findings from the same study of postmenopausal women mentioned above suggest that a vegan diet improves VMS symptoms. It concluded that a dietary intervention consisting of a plant-based diet, minimizing oils, and daily soybeans significantly reduced the frequency and severity of postmenopausal hot flashes and associated symptoms.

If you want to try veganism, consult with a registered dietitian who can help you create a balanced, nutritious diet plan. If you can't manage veganism or vegetarianism, try to eat more low-fat and unprocessed foods. Recent reports have found that the intensity of VMS symptoms is associated with high-processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars in postmenopausal women.

1. Cold-Water Fatty Fish and Omega-3s Research has found that omega-3 supplementation has a positive effect on hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep quality in menopausal women. Another study reported that omega-3 supplements combined with vitamin E reduced hot flashes.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of research on foods (rather than supplements) and vasomotor symptoms, but nutritious food sources of omega-3 acids, such as the following, might be helpful: * Cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines * Fortified foods, such as certain brands of eggs, yogurt, cereals, juices, milk, or soy drinks. * Check labels for added omega-3s; they may be listed as EPA or DPA, which are different forms of omega-3s.

Foods to Avoid During Menopause

Discover foods to avoid during menopause and some healthy alternatives for a smoother transition.

5 Foods to Avoid

If you want to lessen the intensity and frequency of VMS, try to avoid or limit these foods: 1. Processed Sugars, Such as Candy, Cakes, and Sweetened Drinks Too much sugar, or foods that break down into sugar, can cause a quick spike and drop in blood sugar. When your blood sugar drops, it can bring on a hot flash, particularly if you have diabetes.

Carbohydrates are the most likely to create that spike and drop. The rule of thumb is the more processed a grain, the more quickly it turns to sugar in your system. Fast influx of sugar means a quick rise in blood sugar followed by a steep decline, says Elaine Stern, a licensed acupuncturist and naturopathic practitioner in New York City.

1. Caffeinated Beverages, Such as Soda or Coffee While older studies have found that caffeine consumption is associated with a higher risk of hot flashes, especially during perimenopause (the transition phase right before menopause), newer research has yet to be published regarding this connection.

If you find that drinking beverages like coffee, soda, or energy drinks triggers hot flashes for you, it's best to limit or avoid these drinks to see if it improves your symptoms. Try other ways to increase your energy levels, such as taking quick walks or eating foods like whole grains, fibrous veggies, and nuts to avoid sugar crashes, says Stern.

1. Hot Beverages Another problem with your coffee habit is that the beverage is usually served at scalding temperatures. Hot chocolate or tea (or anything that causes your body temperature to rise) may trigger your system to overreact and bring on a hot flash. Instead, to avoid overheating, try iced herbal tea, seltzer, or cold water. If you do need to drink decaffeinated coffee, let it sit for a few minutes so that it's not piping hot, says Huber. Or opt for iced coffee instead.

2. Alcohol, Such as Red Wine Alcohol, red wine in particular, seems to trigger hot flashes, especially if it's consumed close to bedtime, says Huber. While studies on alcohol's connection to hot flashes have had mixed results, many women say that reducing their intake brought relief.

If you are dealing with VMS, it can't hurt to try eliminating alcohol from your diet to see if it works for you.

1. Chilis, Wasabi, Chorizo, and Other Spicy Foods Those salsa and jalapeño poppers may do more than set your taste buds on fire: Spicy hot foods can trigger menopausal hot flashes. That doesn't mean you have to eat blandly. Many restaurants can adjust the heat to your preference and tolerance. Or you can up your flavors with milder spices and seasonings such as basil, bay leaf, cardamom, Chinese five-spice blend, cinnamon, coriander, lemon balm, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley.

The Takeaway

Hormonal therapy and lifestyle changes can help relieve menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, but your diet is important for relieving symptoms too.

Adding foods like soy, fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds may help tamp down your vasomotor symptoms during menopause.

Limiting or avoiding hot beverages, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods may also help prevent the onset of hot flashes and night sweats.

If you're unsure about what to eat to relieve menopause symptoms, reach out to a doctor or registered dietitian who specializes in hormonal changes to come up with a personalized meal plan.

Republicans Oppose Trump's Healthcare Plan Before Release

Republicans Oppose Trump's Healthcare Plan Before Release

M Hasan    7:15 AM   

The White House Health Care Plan Faces Immediate Backlash

President Donald Trump has not officially announced his new health care plan, but the proposal has already sparked significant controversy within his own party. The White House delayed its plan to prevent a surge in premiums under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) after facing strong opposition from Republican allies and lawmakers.

The proposed rollout caused immediate concern on Capitol Hill, where many Republicans learned about the plan through leaks rather than official channels. The proposal faced criticism from conservatives who were unhappy with the inclusion of an extension for key ACA subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year.

Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute, expressed disappointment, stating, “What this means is the Republicans will be expanding Obamacare.” This backlash raises doubts about the GOP's ability to unify behind a plan addressing health care costs, despite Trump’s promises of a better alternative to the ACA.

The situation highlights the challenges Congress faces in reaching a bipartisan agreement to avoid rising consumer health costs. Senate Republicans agreed to a mid-December vote on the enhanced ACA subsidies as part of a government funding deal. However, the deadline will be just days away when senators return from their Thanksgiving recess.

Over 22 million Americans benefit from the enhanced ACA subsidies, and they could face steep premium increases if these tax credits expire at the end of the year. This issue has become a focal point for both Democrats and Republicans, especially ahead of the midterm elections, which are expected to be influenced by voters' concerns about the cost of living.

A White House adviser noted, “The White House understands they have to do something on this, as bad as Obamacare is.” The tentative package proposed by the administration aimed to extend the ACA subsidies for two years while implementing conservative reforms, such as income caps and minimum monthly premium payments.

The framework also sought to encourage enrollees to choose lower-tier ACA plans by allowing them to redirect federal aid into health savings accounts. This approach aligns with Trump’s goal of giving more money directly to individuals rather than through insurance companies.

Other elements of the proposal included expanding access to non-ACA plans and imposing restrictions on federal funds for gender-affirming care or health care for undocumented immigrants.

Republican Lawmakers React to the Framework

Many Republican lawmakers found out about the framework through social media, leading to confusion and frustration. In the House, where Obamacare remains a sensitive topic, the proposal was met with skepticism, as key details remained unclear. There is little expectation that the plan, which includes a two-year extension of subsidies, would gain support from House Republicans.

Some conservatives viewed the framework as a departure from the principles the White House had previously communicated. A former senior administration official described it as “not very Trumpian.”

A White House official denied that the administration had finalized its health plan, stating that any reporting about the healthcare positions is speculative until President Trump makes an official announcement. The official also mentioned that the White House had not scheduled any formal announcement, though some lawmakers had been briefed on the plans.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to provide a new timeline, saying only that Trump is focused on unveiling a health care proposal that will fix the system and lower costs for consumers.

Bipartisan Challenges and Political Divisions

Despite the challenges, the framework received some praise from a few Democrats, including Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and Jacky Rosen. They expressed hope that the proposal could lead to bipartisan support.

However, most congressional Democrats rejected the plan, favoring a straightforward extension of the ACA subsidies. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon criticized Republicans for retreating into ideological crusades instead of working with Democrats to lower health care costs.

Within Trump’s circle, some allies pointed to the divisions within the Republican Party as evidence of the difficulty in creating a successful health plan. Experts like Michael Cannon argue that overhauling the ACA is no longer viable, as anything proposed by Republicans is often seen as undermining Obamacare.

Despite these challenges, Trump remains determined to achieve a sweeping health care deal. Advisers believe that offering more choices and making health care more affordable could resonate with voters heading into the midterms.

How to Handle a Toddler's Bathtime Rebellion

How to Handle a Toddler's Bathtime Rebellion

M Hasan    6:59 AM   

Understanding the Toddler's Resistance to Bath Time

Bathtime, bathtime is so fun, bathtime is for everyone. That is, until your toddler decides that it isn't — and she's never getting in the tub again. Protesting everyday parts of your regular routine is par for the course for your little one these days as she flexes her independence muscle again (and again, and again). It's also not uncommon for a tot to have bathtime snafus that leave her suds-shy, like slipping and falling or getting water in her nose.

"My little started refusing bathtime last week, putting up a crazy fight," says What to Expect Community parent OhamM22. "Full-on meltdown and tantrums. Doesn’t want bubbles. Her toys. Just does not want to get in. Even tells me to change her diaper (which she hates) so she can be clean but not get in the bath."

Despite her shifty stance though, she still needs to get clean. Here's what you can do to bring her back on board, plus how long your toddler's anti-bath phase will likely last.

Why Do Toddlers Hate Baths?

Many tots relish their nightly splashfests. That said, it's pretty common for your little bather to suddenly decide she's straight-up done with baths (much like she did with her former favorite snack or once beloved blue shoes). The most likely reasons why:

• She just wants to call the shots. Your toddler's go-to way to let you know she's in control: refusing to do things she's readily done (and even liked) before.
• She had an unpleasant experience. It's common for your sweetie to resist baths if she hit her head on the faucet last week or balk after she got bubbles in her eyes. She might even be bath-wary from another negative water experience in the pool or at the beach.
• She's scared. Toddlers get frightened by a loud vacuum, an overenthusiastic dog, or even Santa. So it's definitely possible that your cutie has developed a fear of the tub, like going down the drain with the bathwater.

When Do Toddlers Grow Out of Their Fear of Baths?

Much like that sudsy bubble mountain, your munchkin's tub terror will fizzle out before long. Many of the situations that spook her now will become a nonissue as she grows into a more mature preschooler, who's capable of thinking a little more rationally. That said, you won't have to wait months (or years) before you're able to give your little one another bath. (Pee-eew!) Some gentle reassurance should help desensitize her — and make her more willing to take a regular dip.

What to Do When Your Toddler Refuses to Take a Bath

Good news: You don't actually need to do battle every night when your toddler is in a no-bath phase. It's perfectly fine to limit baths to two to three times per week, as long as she's not visibly dirty, sweaty, or sticky. (And if she's got dry skin, fewer soaks will actually do her good.)

When it is time for the tub, these tips can help get your munchkin more on board with the bath:

• Let her move. If you haven't already, ditch the safety seat (but make sure the tub bottom is slip-proof). Being able to splash around more freely may wash away her resistance.
• Go for the gear. Tub toys rock, so supply her with nonirritating soap crayons and bubbles, as well as plastic cups, stick-to-the-wall letters and animals, and a couple of rubber ducks (who can resist?). Be sure to rotate the assortment every month or two.
• Switch up the timing. The novelty of a bath before dinner instead of after, for example, may seem totally fascinating to a tot. Up your enthusiasm ("Who wants a bath at a special time?!"), and she just might match your excitement with some of her own.
• Enlist a bath mate. That could be you — with or without your swimsuit! You might also wrangle your partner or an older sibling for a soak á deux. Just remember, when showering or bathing together, keep the water temperature warm (not hot) for the sake of her sensitive skin.
• Try pretend play. Invite your tot to use her imagination to turn the tub into a pirate ship that sails the high seas, or a fishing boat trawling for her next catch. If she needs some encouragement, try reading a water-themed tale tub-side.
• Invite someone else to do the job. If you have a frequent sitter or caregiver who comes over, try saving the bath for them to tackle (at least temporarily). Even though your toddler may push the sudsy limits with you, she might be perfectly happy to go with the flow for someone else.
• Keep it short and sweet. Your sweetie can go a couple days without a bath. But if her refusal isn't easing up, at some point, you'll still have to bathe her. So get the job done as fast as you can and move on to another activity to divert your toddler's attention. And even though it might be tough, try to keep your cool. Losing it won't make things easier.

What to Do When Your Toddler Won't Sit in the Bath

Got a stander on your hands? A tot who's content to set foot in the tub but won't keep her bum firmly planted is a serious slip-and-fall hazard. A few helpful strategies for getting her clean while keeping her safe:

• Add a nonslip mat. A rubber mat will give your active bather a little more traction when she decides to pop up, reducing her risk of slipping.
• Turn it into a game. How long can your cutie stay on her butt for? When you turn sitting down into a challenge, she might be more prone to stay put.
• Consider a shower. If she wants to stay standing, the shower's the place to do it. Hop in with her or stay stationed by the shower door — your choice.
• Offer a warning, then take her out. If a shower's not an option, lay out the no-standing rule for your toddler and give her one or two warnings. Let her know that if she breezes past them, tub time is automatically over — and follow through with the consequence.

What to Do When Your Toddler Has a Sudden Fear of the Bath

Your toddler's tub phobia might seem completely irrational. But it's real to her, so recognize that and help her feel supported. Chances are a little TLC is just what she needs to get on board with the bath again. Some tips:

• Talk it out. If a boo-boo in the bath or another specific incident sparked the scaries, discuss what happened. Let your toddler know you understand how she feels ("I'd be scared too if I hurt myself, Honey"), and offer reassurances ("We'll make sure your eyes are closed when we wash your hair").
• Take baby steps. Slowly desensitize your toddler to bathtime. If she balks at getting into a tub full of water, start by having her sit in an empty bath with her clothes on. Then fill it with just a few inches and sponge her clean. Once she's okay with that, you can try adding a little more water at the next bath, and so on.
• Praise her efforts. Give your cutie a confidence boost by acknowledging her progress. Tell her how proud you are that she sat in the tub (even if it was barely filled), cheer her on, or even offer her a small reward like a sticker or stamp.
• Don't ignore it or force your toddler to get in the bath. You'll only end up making the situation worse — and maybe even spawn a bigger fear (like a fear of water in general).

It can be frustrating when your toddler decides that baths just aren't her thing anymore. But chances are she'll bounce back to Team Tub soon enough. In the meantime, try to be patient, and maybe plan a relaxing bath for yourself after she's off to bed.

Why Toddlers Refuse Food — and How to Respond

Why Toddlers Refuse Food — and How to Respond

M Hasan    6:21 AM   

Your toddler won’t eat? You’re certainly not alone. Many a parent scratches their head when their former champion eater suddenly decides to turn her nose up at the dinner (and lunch!) menus. Truth: You could be dealing with a food strike, which occurs when your little one used to have a steady appetite, but now refuses to eat much of anything, including her favorite foods.

“My little one is 18 months and the last week he has been on a food strike,” says What to Expect Community user lovebeingamomma888. “Won’t eat anything. Sometimes only eats one meal a day and it’s usually not much. He won’t even eat his favorite foods.”

Frustration is normal when you’re faced with a food strike, but know that most of the time when toddlers won’t eat, it’s pretty normal. Here’s more about why toddlers refuse to eat, what to do when it happens at your house and, if something seems amiss, when to call the doctor.

Why is my toddler refusing to eat?

There are several reasons why your toddler may be on strike when it comes to meals and snacks, including her budding independence and a need for fewer calories too. Here’s the scoop:

• She’s super busy
  Toddlers love to run, play, and explore — and with so many other exciting things to do, she’s probably not keen to take time out to eat. The bottom line: Her eating may be erratic now.

• … and willful
  Her budding assertiveness means you can serve her, but she’ll decide whether to eat.

• Toddlers are famous for pickiness
  Selective eating, food strikes and more are just a few of the phases you can look forward to your child going through. (Let's see, there's the "only beige food" phase, the "no foods that touch each other" phase, the "one food only" phase, just to name a few.) "My son use to be a good eater but lately just eats a few bites," says What to Expect Community user jaslyneh. "He does love to eat a lot of fruit, cheese, and Cheerios."

• A little is all it takes
  Don’t forget the "one meal a day" phase, which is normal too. In fact, toddlers actually need less to eat than you think (those tiny tummies fill up fast), and they probably eat more than you know. (A handful of Cheerios here and a few cubes of cantaloupe there add up!) The bottom line: If your child is thriving, she's probably getting what she needs each day.

• It could be the liquids
  Too many calories from milk or juice can definitely keep a toddler's tender appetite satisfied, leaving less room for the chicken stew you spent so much time preparing.

• Or the snacks
  If your toddler has lots of opportunities to graze between meals, that can have its effect come dinnertime.

• She may be teething
  Finally, find out if she's teething. Molars, which usually make a painful entrance between 13 and 19 months, can also stand in the way of a toddler and her interest in food.

What to do if your child refuses to eat

Keep a cool head if your toddler won’t eat and then try a few of these smart strategies:

• Go with the flow
  Toddlers usually need to give food a full examination (touching, mashing, sniffing) before tasting. Just be matter-of-fact about this picky process and mealtime won’t become mayhem.

• Start small
  Sometimes size matters. A mountain of food can overwhelm a little eater — causing her to give up before she's started. Keeping portions small will make it easier for her to navigate the plate.

• Come back with combos
  Some toddlers reject new foods because they're not bland enough. In that case, try adding a little bit of the new, more flavorful food to a blander one (for instance, add a touch of peas to her brown rice). And just so you know: Almost all kids outgrow ultra-sensitive palates.

• Make some dip
  Toddlers love to dunk their foods into gooey dips so consider serving guacamole with her red pepper strips, hummus, and bits of pita bread or a white bean dip for pieces of chicken.

• Offer choices
  Serve up two healthy options on the dinner plate and let her choose her destiny.

• Keep up your routine
  Stick to your regular meal- and snack-times, rather than offering food around the clock with the hope that you’ll entice your tot to open her mouth.

• Switch gears
  Sometimes even favorite foods suddenly get the ick treatment. If it happens, try serving it differently, or preparing it hot instead of cold, dry instead of with milk, as a finger food instead of spoon-fed, or with cheese instead of plain. These tweaks may prompt her to gobble it up!

• Fork it over
  Boost your toddler's budding independence and fine motor skills by giving her kid-size utensils. You might find that the novelty of feeding herself outweighs her impulse to reject her meal.

• Try family style
  Eating as a family may encourage your toddler to join in. Pass around a bowl of pasta with veggies and pesto or teriyaki salmon and brown rice, and your tot just might reach for a taste.

• Shop and cook together
  Hit the grocery store or farmer’s market and let your little one choose the fruit or veggies for lunch. And if she’s old enough, have her tear lettuce or stir muffin batter.

• Give it a break
  Simply take the rejected food away, and don't serve it for a while (unless it's asked for). In the meantime, offer nutritionally similar foods — if it's frozen waffles that have gotten the cold shoulder, serve pancakes. If it's yogurt, try cottage cheese. If it's apples, try bananas.

• Do bring it back with a twist
  When you return the rejected food to the menu, serve it with a different spin. Cereal for lunch instead of for breakfast. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich rolled up and cut into pinwheels instead of standard squares. Grilled cheese made with mozzarella instead of American.

• Don’t write off rejected foods
  What's off the menu today may be back on tomorrow, so don't give up. In fact, if a food strike is triggered by teething discomfort or a soon-to-appear cold, it may be back in favor once your little one is feeling like her usual self.

• Don’t rely on junk food
  It’s tempting to make only your kid’s favs or ply her with ice cream with the goal of getting her to eat something — anything — but this isn’t wise. Signing up to be a short order cook will allow the picky eating to continue and giving junk food regularly isn’t healthy. While you can't — and shouldn't — force your child to eat, you can make sure her plate is nutritious and nourishing.

• Try not to worry
  Your toddler's refusal to eat is usually temporary. As long as your child continues to gain weight and inches and remains healthy (aside from the usual colds) — and as long as her weekly total intake seems sufficient (don't look at each day in a vacuum) — there's little reason for concern.

• Don’t take it personally
  Just because your child rejects the food in front of her doesn't mean she's rejecting you. It's also not a reflection of your parenting (or cooking!) skills.

• Nix bargaining or bribing
  Promising extra cookies every time your tot deigns to swallow broccoli could serve to increase her craving for sweets even more.

• Change her seating — and keep it pleasant
  Has your toddler outgrown the high chair? She may be more willing to sit down for a meal if she doesn't feel confined, so consider a booster seat instead. And keep the scene low-key, quiet and free of distractions (like the TV or siblings playing nearby).

Is it normal if my child refuses to eat?

Yes, it’s normal for a child’s appetite to slump after age 1. In fact, a decreased appetite is to be expected at this stage of development. Your child is experiencing a normal slowdown in growth from her first baby year — and with it a need for fewer calories and food.

And keep in mind that it’s the rare toddler who loves everything at first bite. It often takes five, 10, even 15 attempts before your budding gourmand accepts (and swallows) a new food. If you’re concerned there’s just not enough getting inside her little mouth, you might keep a food log. Jot down everything she eats over the course of a week and then discuss it with the pediatrician.

When to call the doctor

If a closer examination of your toddler’s eating habits reveals an increasingly narrow diet, or one that’s missing a food group, talk with your child’s doctor to see whether giving her a daily vitamin-mineral supplement made for toddlers is a good idea. But you should definitely consult with the pediatrician right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Unusual weakness, lethargy or fatigue
• Fever
• Prolonged irritability
• Weight loss

Your toddler’s eating habits can feel like you’re riding a roller coaster some days! But as long as your tot is eating well enough over the course of a week and you’re offering healthy choices, she should be fine. And as with many stages of childhood, know that this too shall pass.