Family dinner frustrations
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I use an app called paprika heavily for meal planning. You can search for recipes and create your own cookbook. Over time I have saved lots of recipes that fit into my meal plan. We often browse it to do the meal planning. She gets choices -- all of which are acceptable to my diet.0
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Do your kids eat veg if it's incorporated into a sauce, such as with pasta? In that case, to avoid a 'false' calorie count, you could grill your meat separately. Then make a veggie packed sauce and boil some pasta. Then put however much protein and veg aside as you want for yourself and toss the rest of the food in the pan with the pasta as a meal for your kids.
Have you tried pureeing the veg or using them in mash? Again, you could put some to the side for yourself before putting things together.
But in the end I think they should just learn to eat it. I always had to have at least 5 bites of anything on my plate, then if I still honestly didn't like it, I could leave it, but I would have to try again the next day. And I'd eat anything tossed with apple sauce, haha. What is it about brussel sprouts that your kids like?0 -
Make them eat it or go to bed hungry, they will learn to like it!0
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rides4sanity wrote: »"These look amazing! But my kids wouldn't touch them.
And no way I'm telling them they can have a sandwich. It's what I make or nothing, frankly (I just make them something else on days when I know it's something they don't like). Or they'd ask for a sandwich every single night instead of eating their veggies. They've gone to bed hungry quite a few times, honestly. But nope, the whole 'kids won't let themselves go hungry' thing doesn't work in my house, they'll stay hungry if they don't like something. I'm just tired of them not eating after I make dinner for us..."
No offense, but you asked for advice. The advice is all very similar, but you jjust say "No, that won't work." None of us said it would be easy. It can take months of sticking to your guns to get there. Is it worth it to you?
It seem like you to want validation for your current plan, more than advice on how to change.
Good luck
Well no offense, but my kids are picky. And I'm not a short order cook and will not let them have something else if they don't like it... period. I asked how people deal with it, and I appreciate the answers, and it's good if it works for them, but there are some things I just don't want to do.
I do try to give them at least one thing they'll like, it's just frustrating if they only eat the noodles or something... They don't really like roasted veggies more than steamed though, apparently (except Brussel sprouts, which I just bought more of). And no they don't like pasta with sauce either (aaaargh).
I do agree with not telling them they can't have dessert if they finish their dinner, but my husband started that one unfortunately and I can't do much about it. It seems to help getting them to eat their veggies though, most of the time (at least to try them the first time). And dessert is typically just a couple marshmallows, a 35 calorie ice cream pop or a cookie.
I'll look up those websites you guys linked, thanks!0 -
So, just to get an idea here.. what do they eat? Apart from meat and brussel sprouts.0
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I don't make separate meals for my picky children either. Nor did I suggest that. The thing about dessert isn't the calories as much as the habit it starts. Anyway. I'm sorry that I offended you, and am glad you are checking the links.0
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I grew up in a 'no dessert if you don't finish dinner' household. I don't see anything wrong with it. I actually think it's a pretty good way to teach children that desserts should be treats and not dietary staples.0
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So, just to get an idea here.. what do they eat? Apart from meat and brussel sprouts.
Well meat-wise, they're not that picky, my son won't eat fish, but otherwise they'll eat pretty much anything as long as it's not spicy (even meat loaf). They'll eat eggs once in a while.
Veggies - green beans, peas, sugar snap peas, corn (I know, I know...). Carrots are mostly a miss. Roasted cauliflower is 'usually' ok. Son doesn't like sweet potatoes. Daughter doesn't like broccoli. They like potatoes in most forms (except baked for my son) and mashed cauliflower. They don't like onions, peppers, squash (daughter likes spaghetti squash once in a while) and pretty much everything else.
They'll eat pasta with parmesan cheese but no sauce, plain rice, egg noodles... they don't like couscous anymore either.
That's pretty much it... Obviously they like most 'junk' food but not peanut butter and my daughter 'hates cheese' (except in tacos, even though it's the same cheese, and parmesan on pasta). They won't eat things that are mixed up together except meat loaf (even my shepherd's pie even though it's only things they typically eat).
They'd probably eat breaded fish and whatnot, but I can't always fit that in my calories and it's a pain to figure out the calories for those anyway... I guess it would be easier to feed them if I could add butter and whatnot to everything to make it tastier for them (although I tried with broccoli and it was still a no go!).0 -
I'm not a fantastic cook by any means and can follow a recipe (skinnytaste etc) but frankly I don't like how inaccurate they often end up being (what if my portion has more meat and less veggies? 50-100 extra calories...) and the recipe builder is a pain in the *kitten*, so I often end up cooking everything separately and just making extra noodles/rice/potatoes for the kids (I eat some as well when I have calories to spare).
This is always the problem I have with certain recipes. So many of them on sites like skinnytaste look so good, but I always wonder how people get an accurate measurement on them. I don't make a lot of casserole dishes or crock pot recipes for that reason. Makes me a little sad as I love casseroles and crock pot food, but it's nearly impossible to get an accurate calorie count from them. A little off on the calories would be fine, but I'm always worried I'm way off, lol.
I always put them in the recipe builder - that way I can determine how many servings it is and if I decide to leave something out, or replace it with something else I know how many calories it is. I think the recipe builder has gotten better - have you tried it lately?0 -
I'm not a fantastic cook by any means and can follow a recipe (skinnytaste etc) but frankly I don't like how inaccurate they often end up being (what if my portion has more meat and less veggies? 50-100 extra calories...) and the recipe builder is a pain in the *kitten*, so I often end up cooking everything separately and just making extra noodles/rice/potatoes for the kids (I eat some as well when I have calories to spare).
This is always the problem I have with certain recipes. So many of them on sites like skinnytaste look so good, but I always wonder how people get an accurate measurement on them. I don't make a lot of casserole dishes or crock pot recipes for that reason. Makes me a little sad as I love casseroles and crock pot food, but it's nearly impossible to get an accurate calorie count from them. A little off on the calories would be fine, but I'm always worried I'm way off, lol.
I always put them in the recipe builder - that way I can determine how many servings it is and if I decide to leave something out, or replace it with something else I know how many calories it is. I think the recipe builder has gotten better - have you tried it lately?
Yeah it's very buggy and annoying for me
I still use it but it really doesn't encourage me to make more recipes. 0 -
So, just to get an idea here.. what do they eat? Apart from meat and brussel sprouts.
Well meat-wise, they're not that picky, my son won't eat fish, but otherwise they'll eat pretty much anything as long as it's not spicy (even meat loaf). They'll eat eggs once in a while.
Veggies - green beans, peas, sugar snap peas, corn (I know, I know...). Carrots are mostly a miss. Roasted cauliflower is 'usually' ok. Son doesn't like sweet potatoes. Daughter doesn't like broccoli. They like potatoes in most forms (except baked for my son) and mashed cauliflower. They don't like onions, peppers, squash (daughter likes spaghetti squash once in a while) and pretty much everything else.
They'll eat pasta with parmesan cheese but no sauce, plain rice, egg noodles... they don't like couscous anymore either.
That's pretty much it... Obviously they like most 'junk' food but not peanut butter and my daughter 'hates cheese' (except in tacos, even though it's the same cheese, and parmesan on pasta). They won't eat things that are mixed up together except meat loaf (even my shepherd's pie even though it's only things they typically eat).
They'd probably eat breaded fish and whatnot, but I can't always fit that in my calories and it's a pain to figure out the calories for those anyway... I guess it would be easier to feed them if I could add butter and whatnot to everything to make it tastier for them (although I tried with broccoli and it was still a no go!).
This actually sounds like a pretty good variety of food. If they will eat breaded fish, would it be so hard to bread theirs but not yours and then cook together?
Have you considered letting them help plan the menu?0 -
How about switching out the dessert for fruit every other day if they eat their veggies? It's a small move, they can choose the fruit from a selection of 2 or 3 when you're at the grocery store.0
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My five year old twins are picky. Meals are always a challenge and I refuse to make separate meals. We eat simple. I find that if I call it "meal planning" or put a TON of thought into it, I get stressed. Therefore, we keep enough on hand to make a meat, a starch, a vegetable. I often throw a pork tenderloin in the crockpot, shred it, freeze it in small portions. That way it's always there as a quick option. Plus, it can be "Customized." plain for the girls, hot sauce for the hubs, bbq sauce for me. We do individual salmon fillets (my kids think it's pink meat). Throw some frozen chicken breasts in our pressure cooker with some pineapple juice. We keep a stock of steam fresh quinoa and couscous, as well as steam fresh veggies. We both work full time and don't have time to mess with dinner. Meat. Starch. Veggie.
I wonder sometimes if, as moms, we feel pressured to have these fabulous meals at all times. I just don't think it's necessary. Pinterest and other meal planning sites do nothing but stress me out and make me feel inadequate. We are happy and healthy with our "simple" fare. We've automated the process so much that dinners are much less stressful.0 -
I found is that my daughter will eat anything that she helps make. When she was the same age as your children she ate no veggies and only chicken, and pasta. today, she is almost completely the opposite. She eat mostly veggies, very little meat and only whole grains. I just keep offering her the same food, making sure there was something on the table she would eat. I incorporated smoothies in the evening to make sure she was getting enough protein.0
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These are all meals I make – perhaps they will give you some ideas. ALL low-calorie;
These look amazing! But my kids wouldn't touch them.
And no way I'm telling them they can have a sandwich. It's what I make or nothing, frankly (I just make them something else on days when I know it's something they don't like). Or they'd ask for a sandwich every single night instead of eating their veggies. They've gone to bed hungry quite a few times, honestly. But nope, the whole 'kids won't let themselves go hungry' thing doesn't work in my house, they'll stay hungry if they don't like something. I'm just tired of them not eating after I make dinner for us...
On a side note, I am amazed that some of you have dogs who won't eat their food. Mine would eat the trash if I let him...
I understand being frustrated about spending time making a meal and not having the little people like it. But I don't get why you'd rather make two different meals, than have your kids eat a sandwich.
We have a standing rule in our home that every meal must have a fruit and/or veggie as a side. Which is why I don't really have an issue if my girls choose to eat a sandwich - though it happens rarely. They are included in meal planning, shopping, the prep and the cooking so most of the time they are eager to try new recipes.
I'm pretty dead set against sending my kids to bed hungry because they don't care for the food I've prepared. No, they won't starve - but that's not at all the sort of lesson I want to teach my kids about food. I'm thankful my parents never sent me to bed hungry to prove a point.0 -
One thing I did with my children was take them to the farmer's market with me and let each of them choose a fun new vegetable to try. We would then research how to cook the new vegetable and I would let them decide this. If they like cauliflower, they might be willing to try purple cauliflower.0
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This article is probably relevant: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/01/13/376963730/how-do-we-grow-to-like-the-foods-we-once-hated To put it short: tasting even a little of something repeatedly acclimates us and probably encourages accepting--and even liking--that thing. My parents went with a "just try it" approach to veggies for my older brother, and though he's still not a member of the fan club, he isn't in danger as an adult of getting scurvy or anything. Offering the item was the important part, even when it irritated them (and me) that he most often complained and turned his nose up.
So: sounds like you work hard and deserve to occasionally make the meal you want even if your fam won't appreciate it. Require them to try each part, not forcing anyone to finish a portion. Let go of any guilt: they're fine. You cooked them a nutritious homemade meal. Even if they don't eat it (all), they should learn appreciate that care. And there's nothing wrong with (politely, calmly) reminding them of that fact.
...Flashback: my dad cooked the only casserole he ever made for his children when my mom had her first grad school night class. He chose to make tuna noodle casserole filled with peas because he remembered that I loved peas and my bro loved tuna...but forgot about the boy disliking inextricable veggies and me hating fish. I have the distinct memory of the three of us looking mournfully at the almost untouched glass dish in the center of the table, and my barely 12 year old brother patting dad on the shoulder reassuringly, and saying: "Hey, you tried."
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I wonder sometimes if, as moms, we feel pressured to have these fabulous meals at all times. I just don't think it's necessary. Pinterest and other meal planning sites do nothing but stress me out and make me feel inadequate. We are happy and healthy with our "simple" fare. We've automated the process so much that dinners are much less stressful.
This is ironic as I was just complaining about something similar the other night with my husband. I'm a decent cook - and given time and limited distractions (ie kids screaming, wrestling, whining) I can put together some pretty tasty, complex meals. That's not so feasible on weeknights when I get home from work at 6:00 and try to have dinner on the table by 6:30 or 6:45. I've been trying to do better at meal planning, and the other night was perusing my hundreds of "Pinned" recipes and found nothing to make it on my meal planner. Nothing looked good enough - it was all simple enough stuff but things I felt like, "well I don't need a recipe for that, or a plan for that, it's just marinated grilled chicken!". My husband correctly pointed out that the point of my meal planner isn't to come up with elaborate Julia Child worthy menu items, but rather to help with organization and planning so that when I get home at 6:00, I don't have to decide if we are having Asian marinated chicken or Italian marinated chicken - and that if he beats me home, he can look at the plan, find the simple recipe, and put it together himself.
OP - I agree, when you listed the foods your kids eat, I was pretty impressed... I think there is a lot to work with on that list. Maybe try one of those meal planners - I think the hardest part of them is building up the list of go to meals in the first place, but now that mine is a work in progress, I'm hoping I can come up with a rotation of go to meals, with a few new recipes thrown in once a week.
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The sad thing is that I actually enjoy cooking (plus it keeps me busy during the dreadful hour when I get really hungry before dinner). I'm a SAHM so I have more time to cook I guess, as I said though it's just frustrating when they don't like anything. I actually don't really make new recipes.. did one a week ago but before that it was weeks (not counting the different quiches/soups I've been making). Otherwise it's just a protein, fresh or frozen veggies, then squash/potatoes/rice/pasta/mashed cauliflower...
Tonight was simple enough - feta pesto chicken sausage, roasted Brussel sprouts, mashed cauliflower. My daughter refused both the veggies (we made her have a bit of one though). Typically she eats those, but nope. At least the other three of us enjoyed it...
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The sad thing is that I actually enjoy cooking (plus it keeps me busy during the dreadful hour when I get really hungry before dinner). I'm a SAHM so I have more time to cook I guess, as I said though it's just frustrating when they don't like anything. I actually don't really make new recipes.. did one a week ago but before that it was weeks (not counting the different quiches/soups I've been making). Otherwise it's just a protein, fresh or frozen veggies, then squash/potatoes/rice/pasta/mashed cauliflower...
Tonight was simple enough - feta pesto chicken sausage, roasted Brussel sprouts, mashed cauliflower. My daughter refused both the veggies (we made her have a bit of one though). Typically she eats those, but nope. At least the other three of us enjoyed it...
That's a tall order for kids. I would eat neither of those vegetables even as an adult! I know you don't want to cook a separate meal but I would have thrown some thing a little more approachable on there for my kids, some string cheese or bread and butter, and some fruit. Not judging, because I'm envious of anyone that can get their kids to eat the meals they cook, just saying that I was a picky eater as a child and unfamiliar food was stressful. I think they are a lot more likely to try new things if there's a safety net of something they know they like on the plate. You did say normally your daughter would have eaten that, who knows, maybe it's just a phase...
Also if you like to cook check out those websites and Pinterest for some ideas, have the kids pick out some that sound good.
Anyways I'm off to make dinner! We are having meatball subs and parmesan roasted edamame (saw it on a cooking show and my son said it looked good!). Wish me luck!
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So, just to get an idea here.. what do they eat? Apart from meat and brussel sprouts.
Well meat-wise, they're not that picky, my son won't eat fish, but otherwise they'll eat pretty much anything as long as it's not spicy (even meat loaf). [...]
Veggies - green beans, peas, sugar snap peas, corn (I know, I know...). Carrots are mostly a miss. Roasted cauliflower is 'usually' ok. Son doesn't like sweet potatoes. Daughter doesn't like broccoli. They like potatoes in most forms (except baked for my son) and mashed cauliflower. They don't like onions, peppers, squash (daughter likes spaghetti squash once in a while) and pretty much everything else.
They'll eat pasta with parmesan cheese but no sauce, plain rice, egg noodles... they don't like couscous anymore either. [...]
They won't eat things that are mixed up together except meat loaf (even my shepherd's pie even though it's only things they typically eat).
They'd probably eat breaded fish and whatnot, but I can't always fit that in my calories and it's a pain to figure out the calories for those anyway [...].
Sounds like you have got some reasonable options there.
- Plain egg noodles (easier to portion out) with sugar snap peas and chicken.
- Plain rice with peas and breaded fish (you can bread it yourself and keep a plain fillet for yourself to eat)
- Meatloaf with green beans and potatoes or cauliflower mash
- Pork or chicken tacos with corn
- Asian chicken meatloaf with rice and beans
- Jacked potatoes
- Pasta with roasted cauliflower and parmesan
As for the days they don't want to eat anything: you can't always accommodate everyone. Children will be children and sometimes they are or choose to be a pain. If they refuse to eat things they are normally find with, I wouldn't go out of your way too much. Also, I agree with the suggestions above of having your kids help prep dinner: children tend to prefer anything they have a say in and are involved with.0
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