Changes in eating in toddlers

Toddlers are learning to regulate their appetites, so keep meals fun and relaxed. Avoid force-feeding, and help them recognize when they’re full or hungry.

Your toddler's natural desire for autonomy and independence impacts their eating. As their growth slows, they need less food and are learning to regulate their own appetites. Nutrition is measured over a week, not by one day of picky choices.
It’s developmentally appropriate for your toddler to be hesitant to try new things. Children often need to be exposed to a food up to 15 times to decide whether or not they like it.

Keep meals relaxed and fun, and aim to eat together 4+ times a week. Pull your toddler's chair up to the table, next to others, and allow them to feed themselves. Avoid threats, bribes, punishment or force feeding.
Teach your toddler how to ask for more and sign or say "all done". This can help prevent less pleasant signs that your toddler may be done, like food throwing or tantrums.
Help your toddler to recognize the feeling of being full by asking how they feel when they eat. Does their belly feel full, hungry, like it needs to go to the bathroom, or grumbly?
For new foods, let your toddler feed you a bite first. This models for them how to try new foods, while giving them a sense of control. Observe your child's reactions. Do certain textures bother them? Do they prefer to use a spoon or a fork? Make sure there are a few familiar items at every meal, but avoid getting back up to make something new on demand. Include them in shopping and meal prep when you can, and only buy what you want to serve.
Keep meals short (10-15 minutes). Most toddlers can’t sit still for long periods of time, so it is OK if you need to end meals when they are done. Slowly stretch the length of meals until your toddler can get used to sitting for longer.
Offer food when your toddler is hungry, and avoid filling up on milk, juice or snacks between meals.