Mac No More

Luckily, my daughter, Kaila, is a pretty good eater most of the time. I’ve tried to prepare her balanced meals and expose her palate to a variety of foods and flavors since she was a baby. Yet when it comes to the dreaded salad (also referred to as “ewww leaves”) or the diabolical broccoli, Kaila’s fork will not go near these healthful greens without a fight.

If most kids had the choice, they would survive off of macaroni and cheese, juice and cookies. How do we get our children to actually like vegetables and healthful foods so that we can help them initiate a healthy lifestyle from a young age? For me it takes a little creativity in the kitchen and a semi-strict food routine.

First of all, I make most of our meals at home. Of course, we partake in take-out or fast food once per week or so; I don’t believe in withholding an occasional Happy Meal from Kaila as a treat, but I like to have control over what ingredients go into her meals and I have that control at home. For the most part, I use a majority of organics, and I steer clear of high fructose corn syrup and MSG.

I’m very adamant that Kaila cannot have a dessert unless she finishes most of her dinner or meal; yet, I don’t force her to clean her plate. This way she understands portion control, and can make an aware decision when she’s full. Often times a “dessert” is a small package of fruit snacks, one or two cookies or a treat she can choose from in an approved treat bucket I keep in the pantry.

Sometimes we moms have to learn to be artists or magicians in the kitchen to get our kids to eat. The simple step of cutting out her sandwich with a round cookie cutter and affixing raisin eyes and drawing a chocolate syrup mouth gets her excited over lunch.

Creating silly names for things also works wonders. Green onions look like “squids” before they’re chopped up, broccoli are “little trees,” and any meat can be called “chicken.”  

It may take 15-20 exposures to a new food before a child will try it. Some parents hide the veggies in sauces or bake them into inconspicuous items. I’d rather Kaila eat her vegetables in their recognizable state and create that positive association. But if your child is super picky, and this is the only way to guarantee they receive their proper nutrition, please proceed.

Snacks are limited in our house. If she asks for one I give her the option of two or three she can choose from. Usually that includes a yogurt, an apple or maybe some crackers.

Kaila also loves to help cook and bake with me, and allowing your child into the kitchen can positively affect their relationship with healthy foods.

Most important is being a role model for good nutrition. This allows our children to follow suit and choose healthy food choices—so next time you are in the kitchen with your child, opt for bottled water instead of that soda.