Divorce and Dieting, with kids

padanfain

I walked through the supermarket today, trying to get the things I need to stay on course for the week, and then a bunch of other items my kids will eat, dinners, lunches, breakfasts, snacks, etc.

My ex-wife and have 50/50 custody and go week-to-week. My weeks with the kids are challenging, food wise. I know what I need and I know what they'll eat. They don't like my food. Their food is tempting for me.

Anyone out there have some advice that would help me close the gap and get us all closer to the same page? I would love to instill healthy eating habits, and I could go full hard-*kitten* about it, but I don't think it's realistic to go too extreme too fast.

Any tips are appreciated.

rbartlett9671

I'm in a similar position... my son likes burgers, especially the ones from Wendy's. I've started buying the Boca burgers - I'm not a vegetarian, they're just healthier LOL - the regular ones are only 70 calories a patty. I slapped one in a bun with some low fat cheese, non fat mayo and sugar free ketchup and before you knew it, he was sniffing around and wanting a bite. He liked it. He's a very fickle eater so I'm hoping he'll be willing to try more of these in the future.

It might work for you

Clear skies!

Heather_Rider

I dont know how old the children are, but remember that growing kids need things that we may cut out. What I do is cook the main course low cal.. if its chicken, its skinless and broiled or baked. If its steak, its trimmed of fat and grilled. Then I always add one green veggie and for the kids, I add a starch. I control my portions, and tell the kids why and show them how to weigh foods, but they eat until they are full.

Ive never met a child who was killed by a food (of course, if they arent allergic!) Just because they dont LIKE it. If they dont like it, fine.. but you should have them eat a few bites because its GOOD for them. Remind them medicine doesnt taste good, but its necessary for them to get healthy. the moe veggies, the less likely they are to get sick!

Good luck!

dnish53

As a mom and a grandma I can tell you kids learn what to eat from their parents. If you are fruits and vegatables then they will to. You don't say how old the kids are but I would tell them they can have one vegtable that they don't have to eat and then stick to it. I have one grandson that tells me that he hates onions yet almost everything I cook has onions in it and he loves it.

Don't make them huge portions of any one item. You can always add something extra like mac and cheese but make it secondary and small. Trust me after a couple of weeks the kids will start to like what you fix. It is just like when as adults we change our habits it just takes time.

EAlexandraB

My mom ( who was/is a single parent) had a good strategy:

She would offer us a choice at each meal: would you like chicken for dinner, or salmon? should we have broccoli or beans tonight? would you prefer eggs or oatmeal for breakfast?

Always two HEALTHY options, but it gave us a sense that we were controlling what we ate. (There was no "I don't want either, let's go to McDonald's" option.) Then if we didn't eat dinner, that was fine, BUT if we were hungry later, we could only have whatever was for dinner.

So, allow the kids some choice, but only between two good choices! And model good eating habits for them - it's easier to learn good habits from the outset than to un-learn them later!

kmsairam

The kids eat what I eat and I don't make them special meals. I try to have good balanced meals and they are usually pretty good about eating their veggies. Usually we have a protein, a grain, and a veggie. I just try to up my personal portions of veggies and cut back on the grains and meat. I have a stepson who goes back and forth between our house and his mom's. It is hard sometimes knowing that he's allowed certain things at her house and much less of it (soda, unhealthy snacks) at ours.

I totally agree with dnish53. Also, I think there is a level of guilt in a divorce situation. It's like, you know this arrangment is hard enough on them and maybe there is a tendency to let them have more "stuff" (toys, certain food, etc.) to make up for it. I know we have experienced that. Not saying that is your situation, but just something to be aware of.

rompers16

You can always do something like a healthy version of chicken nuggets, turkey burgers, steam then puree cauliflower and serve it as mashed potatoes or just blend it in, etc. I'm not saying to cater to them but when you can, show them that eating healthy can taste good. My husband made Fettuccine Hungry Girlfredo tonight and the kids ate it up...only 99 calories a serving. We added a couple veggie sides and lots of fruit...no one left hungry.

padanfain

Thanks for the advice. I'll be back to re-read these again many times.