This week I’m going to briefly discuss my weekly meal plan — and then review the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Report. I like to keep my readers updated on public health recommendations including the latest nutrition research. I also wanted to let you know that we have a winner for our SOS cookbook giveaway — Merri Ann, mom of three from Texas. Congrats Merri Ann!
So two weeks ago I tried fish tacos for the first time. They were good but both my husband and I didn’t love them. My son ate up the fish (I used tilapia) and my daughter took a bite but didn’t continue. My husband made the comment “maybe there’s a reason fish tacos are fried.”
So this week we’ll stay basic and do bean burritos on Mexican Monday. And because it’s still June gloom I’m going to try this salsa and chicken black bean soup for the long slow cook day. I’m also working on expanding our lunches and snacks and plan to post some soon.
For more meal plan ideas see Org Junkie. (more…)
I am feeling a little less than smart…
We eat lots of fruits & vegetables (& even fish)
But I think we are eating too much – is that an option?
Also I read about serving sizes – so you could have a serving of vegetable, fish, & grains – that could be 3 servings – is that too much?
I think my problem & one that I may be teaching my toddler – he rarely passes on eating & will contimue to eat until the food is gone. Is over eating even though we are eating “good” stuff.
Amy and Joesph,
I think it’s important to look at the how of eating. Babies are born with the naturally ability to regulate their intake. Often how we feed our kids can affect how much they eat. For example, no structure with meals (grazing), letting them eat when they are bored or for comfort and eating while watching TV — see 5 Times You Never Want to Feed Your Kids for more details. http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2009/05/never-feed-your-kids/
But if we feed our kids with structure and they eat at the table, they should be able to eat the amount of food they need. It’s important to remember they don’t eat like us. They go through growth spurts where they eat like crazy and other times will seem disinterested in food. Some kids have higher metabolisms and will eat more. Studies show that if we restrict kids at mealtime, it can make them obsess about food and eat more (especially in the absense of hunger. So it’s a balancing act. As a parent you have to decide when your kid is eating more than his or her body needs vs. true hunger/appetite. I’ll be writing more about his in future posts. Here’s a great resource http://www.maryannjacobsen.com/2009/07/your-child%e2%80%99s-weight-helping-without-harming/
Overeating is definitely possible even when eating great food. In our home we eat whole grains, lots of fruit and veggies, beans, some nuts. Drink lots of water, etc. But my youngest daughter will over eat at every meal if we let her. We intentionally watch amounts.
We eat our meals at the same time daily. We also don’t snack. My first child’s appetite seems normalized and fine – plenty of energy, only hungry at meal time, eats a sensible amount, etc. My two year old though, will eat more than her seven year old sister, and she’ll eat until she cries because her stomach hurts. We’ve had plenty of blood work done and she’s not lacking nutritionally at all. Nor is she dehydrated. So we watch the amounts.
I understand that we’re supposed to be born with a natural ability to regulate amount of food intake, but like most things with children, it doesn’t happen across the board all the time.
So I think it is possible to overeat, even with good food. And it is possible for young children to overeat, even with good food.
Intentionally regulated my two year old’s appetite has worked out very well. She sleeps better, is less irritable, and has more energy immediately following meals.
Of course there are always exceptions and it is very possible for anyone to over-eat healthy, nutritious food. I would recommend anyone having trouble in this area to see a pediatric dietitian. Were you refrerred to someone?
It takes time to experiment with fish tacos. Did you try a sweet cream sauce? Sometimes that eases kids into them. You should join our linkup this week:
http://blog.foodonthetable.com/2010/06/introducing-no-whine-wednesday-with-chef-tracy/
Amanda, thanks for the tip. Will definitely check out your series. Sounds great!
I can’t agree with you enough.