"Kid food"

Next time you go out to eat-anywhere- take a look at the kids' menu. What do you see? Mac and cheese, chicken tenders and fries, a burger (served with no lettuce or tomato, I bet.) Some places give the kids' menu an option. One entree, and one side. The sides include fries, mashed potatoes, some veggie, or seasonal fruit. How are we supposed to teach out children to have a healthy balanced meal, if one is not offered? (We make a point to order a side and a vegetable, even if we have to pay the extra two dollars.) The more I take my girls out to eat, the more I notice this frustrating trend.

Another of the biggest problems I see, is, kids who refuse to try food, get special meals made for them, and have no variety in their diet. More times than I wish, I have seen a family entering a restaurant, with a child aged three to nine toting a bag of fast food.

We are a fat country. We are getting fatter, and this will not stop if we don't teach our children to eat healthy, balanced meals. There is a rule in my household. You must try everything that is presented to you during a meal. Mya has tried avocado every time I eat it. She doesn't like it, but her reasoning is, "I might like it this time! Tastes change." It's a wonderful rule to live by, and has lead Mya to excitement about trying new things. Most people look at her with awe when she is eating an "adult food," such as stuffed peppers, or artichoke, but I believe it should be a normal thing, and we should expect our children to eat foods with flavor, and not so much salt.

Now, I am firmly against the 'clean your plate' rule, but one bite of every item must be gone. And, when a meal is presented, by me, it is healthy. I cook with all natural ingredients, and I make everything from scratch. While it may take a little longer to make our meals this way, the health of my family is important. I have perfected some delicious meals that are wonderful and healthy, and are made in less than an hour, including a low fat alfredo, and incredibly low fat pineapple cupcakes. (I will make future posts on these.)

I suppose this is more of a rant or public service announcement. Just take a look at what your children are eating. Don't cook a hot dog for your child, because you are having a salad, or stop at Mcdonalds, because a three year old won't eat at a Chinese restaurant. We are weeding out all other stereotypes, so let's get rid of this one.

I'd like to banish this "kid food" stereotype. Even if I have to try one kid at a time.