grocery shopping dilemma
dkuhlman77
Posts: 2 Member
I struggle with buying things that will help my husband and I lose weight, but we also have 2 younger ones that we buy for. I struggle with having enough food and having enough healthy food in the house. I also struggle with meals because since they are young, they don't like the same foods we do. I am open for any suggestions.
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Replies
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Honestly, give your kids what you are eating. If they don't eat, fine. They wont starve. They WILL eat eventually. May not be dinner night number 1, but they will eat.
If you want to eat healthy, kids should to. You are the parent, if they don't eat what you serve-they wont eat. Healthy food isn't a "abnormal, gross, cant possibly give my kids food". Plus, it makes it easier on you that way.0 -
Buy fresh or frozen vegetables. Brown rice, pasta and bread. Greek yogurt and fruit. Kids eat what you give them. When mine were babies I gave home cooked vegetables and meat puréed. They are not fussy and they do get treats like sweets etc but after they have eaten their main meals. Chicken is good and eggs. Try not to buy processed food and buy fresh. Good luck.0
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I had that same struggle and ultimately decided that...if they want to do the shopping, they can buy whatever they want. Since they're 6 and 9 and have a) no money and b) no transportation...they've learned to enjoy what has been prepared for them. I'm not a total scrooge, I'll buy em junk food n what not every now and then and it's that point that I not only have to control my own urges to not devour the junk food, but to also teach them that the box of cookies is a snack, not a meal.
They've been really good and choosing healthier snacks. fruit cups, veggie stuff, etc
Good luck!0 -
+1Honestly, give your kids what you are eating. If they don't eat, fine. They wont starve. They WILL eat eventually. May not be dinner night number 1, but they will eat.
If you want to eat healthy, kids should to. You are the parent, if they don't eat what you serve-they wont eat. Healthy food isn't a "abnormal, gross, cant possibly give my kids food". Plus, it makes it easier on you that way.0 -
I try to make something at every meal that my kids like. If I know they won't like a chicken marinade, I'll make theirs plain. They like creamed corn and mac & cheese. I really don't care for either, so it's no big deal for me to have those on the table. I just eat a bigger salad that night.
I also buy them small bags of their favorite treats. That way they only eat a serving, and I won't grab a cookie or chip out of an open container that they leave on the table.
I've been on my weight loss journey for about 2 months and it's getting easier. My kids are learning to like new foods and getting used to the house not being a junk food bonanza.
Hang in there, you'll figure it out.0 -
Children's taste buds do not appreciate adult food; their growth and activity has them craving things that are higher in calories than what you need to lose weight. The problem is that they don't need that stuff either, they just want it.
Your job as Mom is to provide healthy food and adequate amounts of food for them. Your job is not to make it taste good, although if you're a good cook that is a bonus. They do learn to like the healthy stuff after a while.... if that is all they have as options when they are starving.
Okay, so they throw a fit, or give you the silent treatment, or drop it under the table, or generally make a scene over it....and if it works, they will try it every single time afterward. Children are little gamblers, and they will bet against your patience every time.
But in reality, It takes an exceptional child to outlast the parent at the dinner table struggle, and an exceptional parent to win it. Buy what you need, make enough for them, and set a good role model for them so they learn to enjoy what is good for them. It worked for my kids, and they are now in their 20's, asking me for my healthy-cooking recipes!0 -
Hi. I have three kids under 5. Four years, 21months, and 7 months old. I feed them the same food as what my husband and I have. Baby has the vegies pureed.
When I first started this new healthy eating plan I we made the decision that no one would have different meals. I dont want my kids growing up seeing mummy on a diet and thinking that they have to do that. I want to teach them what a healthy lifestyle is, not how to diet. I won't use a smaller dinner plate to everyone else because I don't want them to think that you have to restrict/starve to be healthy.
Wea are doing this together because we are a healthy family.
I am not trying to have a go at you at all. I think I have written that mainly for myself. All the best with finding the right balance for your family.0 -
What a wonderful gift you'll be giving your children, teaching them to eat healthy now. Perhaps it will save them from doing battle with weight problems of their own when they are adults.0
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If you want the kids involved with a healthy lifestyle, get them involved with it. With my kids, each time we went to the grocery store, we went over to the produce aisle. Each time, we picked a NEW fruit or vegetable we never ate before. I used Google to figure out what the veggie or fruit was and how to prepare it.
Fast forward to today: I have a 19 year old and an almost 16 year old. They have eaten foods such as starfruit, kumquats, mangoes, jicama, parsnips, turnips, etc., etc.. They LOVE THEM ALL!
Also, make meal preparation age appropriate. Depending on the age of the children, they can help assemble the food on the plate, cut up vegetables, use a masher, use a food processor. Kids tend to like things more if they have a vested interest in it.
You got this, Mom! Friend me if you need encouragement. I was once where you were.0 -
I have recently started meal prepping and I love it! I spend one day a week cooking most everything we need for that week.
For example this week we cooked: homemade family style lasagna, baked chicken, homemade coconut curry soup, then I boiled chicken, steamed veggies, cooked a whole pot of farro and divide these into 12 individual meals for simple grab and goes. It helps my husband and I stay on track and prevents us from relying on the convenience of fast food. Also if you like prepping salads I recommend fresh kale, it holds up best over time.
AND REMEMBER YOUR FREEZER IS YOUR BEST FRIEND! Prep and freeze!
Our son is 6 months old so I blend his food the same day I cook ours. But I agree with the pervious post, your kids should eat what you eat. That was a house rule of ours growing up.0 -
Awesome, sounds like your method works!I had that same struggle and ultimately decided that...if they want to do the shopping, they can buy whatever they want. Since they're 6 and 9 and have a) no money and b) no transportation...they've learned to enjoy what has been prepared for them. I'm not a total scrooge, I'll buy em junk food n what not every now and then and it's that point that I not only have to control my own urges to not devour the junk food, but to also teach them that the box of cookies is a snack, not a meal.
They've been really good and choosing healthier snacks. fruit cups, veggie stuff, etc
Good luck!0 -
Honestly, give your kids what you are eating. If they don't eat, fine. They wont starve. They WILL eat eventually. May not be dinner night number 1, but they will eat.
If you want to eat healthy, kids should to. You are the parent, if they don't eat what you serve-they wont eat. Healthy food isn't a "abnormal, gross, cant possibly give my kids food". Plus, it makes it easier on you that way.
+10 -
Honestly, give your kids what you are eating. If they don't eat, fine. They wont starve. They WILL eat eventually. May not be dinner night number 1, but they will eat.
If you want to eat healthy, kids should to. You are the parent, if they don't eat what you serve-they wont eat. Healthy food isn't a "abnormal, gross, cant possibly give my kids food". Plus, it makes it easier on you that way.
Agree 1000%0 -
Make healthy food fun for kids. We called broccoli trees, brussel sprouts little green balls. There wasnt a food my kids wouldnt eat. My daughter had decided she didnt like cooked carrots til I told her that these ones were the special cooked carrots. She ate them right up. The best carrots ever she said. Feed your kids what you eat, they will learn.0
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"Since they are young, they don't like the same foods"? Says who? Do they actually reject all foods other than chicken nuggets and pizza, or are you assuming they don't like any other foods? My toddler eats everything we eat, because we don't offer any other options. Tonight he ate teriyaki salmon and sticky rice with the rest of us, because that's what was served.
It may take a while because they are now used to being catered to, but if you are consistent, your children will eat what you eat. I was raised to eat what was on the table, or go hungry, and it's how I'm raising my kid. It's worked out great so far. This saves us so much time and money, and also raises my child to be unentitiled, polite and grateful for what he gets. Good luck.0 -
Honestly, give your kids what you are eating. If they don't eat, fine. They wont starve. They WILL eat eventually. May not be dinner night number 1, but they will eat.
If you want to eat healthy, kids should to. You are the parent, if they don't eat what you serve-they wont eat. Healthy food isn't a "abnormal, gross, cant possibly give my kids food". Plus, it makes it easier on you that way.
Yep0 -
My youngster was a strange kid: he didn't like things most kids do, like mac & cheese, or bbq on anything, butter, salad dressing, gravy had to be "on the side". BUT he would eat anything green (what kid asks for brussel sprouts?), anything in the way of seafood or fish, beef or chicken and likes fruit. He did go through a phase when he was about 5 of not wanting whatever it was I was fixing for dinner.
So, he had a choice: peanut butter (didn't like jelly, either) sandwich, or eat what we were having. After about 4 days of peanut butter sandwiches for dinner, that phase went away and never came back. He's 27 now, so he didn't starve
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When they are young is the best time to start kids on the healthier lifestyle. You may not think they are paying attention to what you are eating, but they are. If you are eating good food, serve it to them and show them that you like it. VERY soon they will be asking for a salad instead of the McDonalds hamburger.0
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Make healthy food fun for kids. We called broccoli trees, brussel sprouts little green balls. There wasnt a food my kids wouldnt eat. My daughter had decided she didnt like cooked carrots til I told her that these ones were the special cooked carrots. She ate them right up. The best carrots ever she said. Feed your kids what you eat, they will learn.
We were raised the same way. Yellow squash was called yellow moons, broccoli was baby trees.0 -
I love to make meals or prepare whatever I can ahead of time. I already make a meal plan, but I don't feel I am very good at getting the right foods or healthy foods that we are needing with out running out of money. So I have a few questions......How many times a week do you go grocery shopping? Are there recipes on this site that I can use. I am needing fast breakfasts, snacks for on the go(no fridge necessary) I have a college student that stays at school to study, but comes home for dinners.0
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I am definitely finding a balance in this area too. I have a 7 yr old and a almost 2 year old. I agree that you should have your kids what you are eating for dinner but also let them be a kid. My wife and I have been trying to find healthy ways for our kids to get the foods they love. We will make whole wheat pasta mac and cheese, or pizza with whole wheat crust. The essence is, the kids are happy they are getting pizza and mac and cheese and all that, but we do the best and healthiest way we can. It is also not done all the time. If I am cooking chicken breasts for a meal, I will have 1 or 2 plan ones for the kids. Then I will add the chicken into a meal I am preparing. I just find that meeting kids half way is a good way for me to stay on track, but also provide my kids with healthier alternatives than boxed meals. They might not know they are eating better, but I do, and that makes me feel good. Like another comment, we also have fruit and yogurt available for snacks. We allow the kids 1 snack "junk food" like cookies once or twice a week. Moderation is the thing everyone needs to learn. I am retaining myself after years of falling off the wagon with food. After a couple of weeks, I already find my will power stronger to say no to things I don't need. Good ol Protein that keeps you full helps a lot!!!!0
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For snacks, I keep a pitcher of a fruit smoothie I make once a week with a banana, frozen strawberries and blueberries, yogurt and skim milk. If I'm hungry I drink a half cup or cup, I also keep fresh fruit and nuts for snacks.
I grocery shop once a week. Get veggies from the farmer's market and cook/prep everything ahead. I have a 13 year old and my mom lives with us, so I marinate and grill 10 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and a turkey tenderloin every week. I eat the meat with salads, but my son either eats them with a salad, pasta or whatever. I also pre-bake sweet potatoes so I can heat one up when I have the need to eat more carbs (every 3rd day). They're great with just cinnamon. I make a big pot of soup with whatever veggies are fresh. This week it's onion, garlic, parsley, carrots, celery, Chinese eggplant, yellow squash, okra, spinach, and a bit of chicken bullion.0 -
For snacks, I keep a pitcher of a fruit smoothie I make once a week with a banana, frozen strawberries and blueberries, yogurt and skim milk. If I'm hungry I drink a half cup or cup, I also keep fresh fruit and nuts for snacks.
I grocery shop once a week. Get veggies from the farmer's market and cook/prep everything ahead. I have a 13 year old and my mom lives with us, so I marinate and grill 10 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and a turkey tenderloin every week. I eat the meat with salads, but my son either eats them with a salad, pasta or whatever. I also pre-bake sweet potatoes so I can heat one up when I have the need to eat more carbs (every 3rd day). They're great with just cinnamon. I make a big pot of soup with whatever veggies are fresh. This week it's onion, garlic, parsley, carrots, celery, Chinese eggplant, yellow squash, okra, spinach, and a bit of chicken bullion.
I like those ideas! Thank you for posting that.0 -
My 2 year old eats what we eat, unless I am making something that is really spicy, he eats what we do every meal. Model your good habits, and allow them to follow by making healthy choices. They don't need the processed or junk foods any more then you do.0
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Make healthy food fun for kids. We called broccoli trees, brussel sprouts little green balls. There wasnt a food my kids wouldnt eat. My daughter had decided she didnt like cooked carrots til I told her that these ones were the special cooked carrots. She ate them right up. The best carrots ever she said. Feed your kids what you eat, they will learn.
We were raised the same way. Yellow squash was called yellow moons, broccoli was baby trees.
Yep, we do the same thing. Squash and zucchini are yellow and green wheels, brussel sprouts are "sprouts" like the TV network he watches, asparagus are "spears" - we have sword fights with them. Cauiflower are "white trees". He eats lots of legumes, veggies and fruits. Pretty much anything you can cut up into finger food, he'll eat. No snacks if he doesn't eat his "real" food. He learned fast that he gets what we make him.
Pretty much anything that can be cut into a circle, we call wheels, and that gets him interested! Boys!0 -
Yo, you decide what your kids eat. That's the end of that. If they're gonna argue then you need to put your foot down. It is incredibly hard to focus on health and wellness when you have a house full of processed kiddy junk food. Teaching them good eating habits early will make their lives better.
As for the grocery store, I find frozen vegetables, chicken, beef, beans, eggs, almond milk, greek yogurt, etc to be staples in our home. I buy fresh vegetables when I can and I try to eat 'in-season' produce. Check and see if there are any farmer's markets in your area as you can get good produce for cheap. Same with a local butcher who can usually provide you with better quality meats at a lower price per lb than the big chain supermarkets.
I cook a lot. It's all simple though. Seasoning some chicken and putting it in the oven at 450 for 25 minutes is almost too easy. Probably once every day I throw a bag of veggies and some rice in the micro and steam 'em up. I also cook chicken and beef in bulk on Sunday night. A few days worth means I have left overs that just need reheating. I cook oatmeal, eggs, and bacon (cause my girlfriend loves it) every morning. I also wake up at five am and work 50+ hours per week. I have a crock pot for all-day roasting.
You've got to make it easy on yourself cooking and grocery shopping-wise. The simpler it is, the more likely you'll stick to it.
You can do this sort of thing too.0 -
My 2 year old eats what we eat, unless I am making something that is really spicy, he eats what we do every meal. Model your good habits, and allow them to follow by making healthy choices. They don't need the processed or junk foods any more then you do.
That is what I love about my almost 2 year old. He wants to be just like daddy. Now my 7 year old is a complete other story. I think she hate things just because I make it for her lol.0 -
+1Honestly, give your kids what you are eating. If they don't eat, fine. They wont starve. They WILL eat eventually. May not be dinner night number 1, but they will eat.
If you want to eat healthy, kids should to. You are the parent, if they don't eat what you serve-they wont eat. Healthy food isn't a "abnormal, gross, cant possibly give my kids food". Plus, it makes it easier on you that way.
+1
I have always fed my kids smaller amounts of the food that my husband and I eat. I don't usually have an issue. We eat pretty basic, though - dinners are meat, veggie, carb - with no casseroles or one-pot dishes. I also don't make pasta very frequently.
What I will do for them is take our standard meal, chop up the veggies and meat and mix in with rice (we eat rice almost every day as the carb), and let the kids pick if they want to add shredded or grated cheese, a pat of butter, or some taco, BBQ sauce, or stirfry sauce to individualize their meal. My little one, especially, will eat just about anything mixed with rice. My big one will often eat our dinner, chopped up, in a wrap or fajita, and dip it in some kind of sauce.
IMHO: do what you can to avoid making more than one meal. Most of us just don't have the time or $$ for that. But be flexible with what you do make - there are ways to make your meal more appealing to kids.0
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