cutting the carbs when you have kids

cincomomma

So about a year and a half ago, the hubby and I cut the carbs, not completely but way back. I've let them creep steadily back into my life and know I should cut back again. I've gained about 10# back of the 30# I lost. We have 5 kids and I just find it really hard to cut back with kids. I don't want to have to make separate meals,etc. Plus, being a family of 7, I like to make casseroles, etc that feed a lot of people. Any suggestions?!?!

jcgutierrez

Im very intrested in knowing how to cut back carbs as well. Hopefully someone has suugestions

Dragonwolf

Then don't make separate meals.

Technically, carbs aren't an essential nutrient, so your family could benefit from cutting their carbs back as well. However, if you (or they) still feel better giving them more carbs, then make an extra side dish that's higher carb.

For example, let's say you make lasagna with zucchini noodles, but your teen basketball player needs something to top her off on practice nights, then make her a baked potato, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or some garlic bread. Alternatively, let her have a glass of milk, sweet tea, or homemade lemonade instead of water with dinner (particularly if it's just before or after practice or games). None of those things will put you out much, but will add carbs (and possibly needed extra calories) to her diet.

Chances are, you can adapt your casserole recipes to cut down on the carbs. Most likely, their carbs come from noodles, so swap the noodles out for sliced or shredded zucchini or other squash. Alternatively, you can do a double batch (or batch and a half) of the filling and make a large casserole for those who need more carbs, and sub out the noodles in the smaller one.

CharRicho

Then don't make separate meals.

Technically, carbs aren't an essential nutrient, so your family could benefit from cutting their carbs back as well. However, if you (or they) still feel better giving them more carbs, then make an extra side dish that's higher carb.

For example, let's say you make lasagna with zucchini noodles, but your teen basketball player needs something to top her off on practice nights, then make her a baked potato, mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or some garlic bread. Alternatively, let her have a glass of milk, sweet tea, or homemade lemonade instead of water with dinner (particularly if it's just before or after practice or games). None of those things will put you out much, but will add carbs (and possibly needed extra calories) to her diet.

Chances are, you can adapt your casserole recipes to cut down on the carbs. Most likely, their carbs come from noodles, so swap the noodles out for sliced or shredded zucchini or other squash. Alternatively, you can do a double batch (or batch and a half) of the filling and make a large casserole for those who need more carbs, and sub out the noodles in the smaller one.

I agree with all of this.

There is no reason to be loading your kids up on carbs, you could be setting them up for bad habits in their lives, plus there are genetic links in PCOS so there is the potential that your daughter(s) could be affected with this as well, unfortunately.

Salads are very easy to make a big batch, or big bowls of steamed veggies.

Meat is sadly expensive, but it's important so try to get lots of whatever is on sale and freeze it. Roasts are good for big families (and you can do up a really big one on the weekend and re-heat it for a couple of days if there's no time in the week), but it's even pretty easy to do up a couple of whole chickens, or a tray of chicken parts, or even grill up a bunch of sausages/steaks/chicken... whatever really. What makes those things easier and faster is if you have pre-made rubs, marinates, or sauces that you can use every time, without having to make them from scratch (of course you can use store bought as well but they do tend to be high in sugar and/or salt).

Our standard dinner is a piece of some kind of meat with salad or veggies on the side.

If your kids needed more food, or extra carbs on a particular night, it's really easy to make up a BIG batch of rice at the beginning of the week, which can be heated up whenever it's needed.

Also if you don't have a slow-cooker, I'd invest in one in a couple of months. They are really good for making up big batches of stews, soups, roasts, and all kinds of things that are great for winter and easy to make in large quantities and easy to freeze. And stuff that can be made very low carb. There's some cook books out there dedicated to slow cooker meals, so maybe check one of those out too. You can throw the slow cooker on in the morning before work/school and it'll be ready when you get home in time for dinner.