I am feeling overwhelmed with planning all my meals, plus feeding my family all of their meals. It feels like I am always making something or cleaning up in the kitchen. How do you busy moms do it? Do you just feed the kids the same stuff you eat at each meal, and "tough" if they don't like it?

While I am not one to cater to the kids' whims, but I cannot seem to figure this all out. They are all still eating so many things that I don't want to be eating, and I cannot afford to buy all the yogurt, etc, for everyone, as everyone wants to eat whatever's here. (In other words, it is difficult to enforce portion control. For example, I can buy enough cottage cheese to last a week, and the next day find it all gone...leaving me to figure out what I will do for my food. So I have just said, "Cottage cheese is off-limits," etc.)

Here's the issue:
7:30 AM (my meal #1 - protein shake - all I want after a workout)
8:00 (kids' breakfast)
10:00 AM (my meal #2 - by now I am hungry)
10:30 (kids' AM snack time)
12:30 (kids' lunch)
1:00 PM (my meal #3 - sandwich, etc)
3:30 (kids' PM snack)
4:00 PM (my meal #4 - snack)
6:00 (family dinner time -- I am not eating at this time -- not hungry!)
7:00 PM (my meal #5 - but by NOW, I am hungry)
9:30 (my meal #6 - something light)

There's all the shopping, planning, prep, and clean-up for all of these meals. Overwhelmed. Am. I.

Writing this down, I see that I can prepare my lunch when I make the kids' lunch. Same with afternoon snack. But I don't know what else I can do to simplify this. Perhaps the whole family should eat at 7 PM.

Ideas, please? Thanks in advance!

When working with clients, I usually suggest that you feel the family the same things you are eating. When I take a look at "kid" meals, I often find snack cakes, cookies, Kraft Mac n Cheese and so on. Low value, high calorie junk that they really don't need.

What's worked well for these clients is the following-

Work through one meal at a time. Identify breakfast that works. Cereal that you won't eat, EFL pancakes (add honey or splenda if they aren't sweet enough), and omlettes are all good choices.

Next lunch. Work through things that work for you- have them try it and tell you what they don't like. You can do a "plain" batch for them, and a full version for you. Only takes a little more effort.

Follow this through all the meals and build a family friendly menu.

Next up- dedicate a day to prep for YOU. Make batches of breakfast food, pre cook chicken/fish, chop veggies etc. Eliminate as much work as possible.

Set boundaries. Establish a last to eat rule. If someone is going to eat the last of something, they need to check first with you.

Remember who the parent is. You aren't there to be the best friend. If I didn't like dinner I sat. If I really didn't like dinner I didn't get anything else. So I learned I better at least try things.

These are just a couple of suggestions. Others I'm sure will have more. Hope they help!

One word for you is SIMPLIFY. That is a crazy schedule to keep up with. And yes the kids can learn to eat what you do, if not they can wait to the next meal. When I cook something really different or spicy, my son has to try atleast one bite, if he doesn't like it, I have something he will eat.
If you don't have one already I would suggest a membership to Costco. They have large tubs of cottage cheese and flats of yogurt making it much more affordable for you, plus tons of other healthy snacks for kids(lots of organic food reasonably priced).
I see at least 3 times on your schedule you could vary your timing by 15 or 30 mins and you would be able to combine the meal times. Hope this helps. Cindy

our schedules are very similar. Really the only time I sit down to eat with the family is for Dinner. You can maybe try to eat 1/2 early and feed them 1/2 late and meet in the middle. If you don't have the EFL book yet, I would highly suggest getting it. There are many recipes that my kids LOVE that are very healthy.
I have slowly taken out junk food for the kids also out of the cupboards. I did it so gradually that they didn't really even notice. I let them have cereal for breakfast only once or twice a week. They LOVE protein pancakes or scrambled eggs with a bit of cheese on top.......just try different things and you'll soon find out what they may eat of "yours". Also, I like the Costco idea. I shop there mainly and pick up lots of cottage cheese, eggs, yogurt, salads, fruits etc. For my two earlier "snacks", I always just have a Right shake, very quick and easy don't even have to think about it and my pm snack (before bed) is always the same, cottage cheese and fresh blueberries. I like what tahoemom had to say "simplify".
Try differing your times...you'll find something that works!!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clara When working with clients, I usually suggest that you feel the family the same things you are eating. When I take a look at "kid" meals, I often find snack cakes, cookies, Kraft Mac n Cheese and so on. Low value, high calorie junk that they really don't need. What's worked well for these clients is the following- Work through one meal at a time. Identify breakfast that works. Cereal that you won't eat, EFL pancakes (add honey or splenda if they aren't sweet enough), and omlettes are all good choices. Next lunch. Work through things that work for you- have them try it and tell you what they don't like. You can do a "plain" batch for them, and a full version for you. Only takes a little more effort. Follow this through all the meals and build a family friendly menu. Next up- dedicate a day to prep for YOU. Make batches of breakfast food, pre cook chicken/fish, chop veggies etc. Eliminate as much work as possible. Set boundaries. Establish a last to eat rule. If someone is going to eat the last of something, they need to check first with you. Remember who the parent is. You aren't there to be the best friend. If I didn't like dinner I sat. If I really didn't like dinner I didn't get anything else. So I learned I better at least try things. These are just a couple of suggestions. Others I'm sure will have more. Hope they help!

These are great suggestions, Clara!

Great suggestions!
Are the kids old enough to understand this is "Mom's shelf" (in the frig) and off-limits to the kids? I have a hard time keeping yogurt and cottage cheese in supply in my frig, but when it's on "my shelf" they know it's off limits (usually right before shopping day)
Also, yes, we all must agree, healthy choices can be more expensive than eating not so healthy items. Two things I would do (if at all possible and within your budget) - get a Costco or Sam's Club membership for your family AND purchase a freezer to store sale items you can stock up on. Not only is the freezer great for supplies - that's where I store my "ready" meals for grabbing for work, and my last meal of the day.
And YES, you should alter everyone's schedule - how you are living now is exhausting! (I don't see how you are ever out of the kitchen for more than an hour at a time) The kids will balk, but they're far more resilient than we give them credit for - and who knows, they might actually LIKE eating with mom...
All the Best!
Mary

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! I will look this over again, and incorporate these ideas.

The reason the kids don't eat as much of what I (now) eat is 99% the expense of it, (versus taste bud preferences). I have never been one to particularly cater to picky eaters. (Just ask the kids.) So the challenges I have had are as much due to "protecting" my food as anything else. (If we are out of something, I cannot simply eat "any old thing," as you know.)

You have given me some terrific ideas!!! I am so glad I asked! THANKS!

Victory, I did want to say once your kids start eating nutrient-rich foods they will not be as hungry because their bodies will be getting the food value they need. Junk food (anything not authorized) leaves them only needing more because it is not fulfilling. The protein powder I use from Costco(Wellness brand) is around 35 cents/serving at 26 grams of protein, which could be 2 kids servings(2 cups milk, frozen banana,scoop of protein and blend). Also a snack I use for my son is whole grain crackers and peanut butter, ants on a log(celery sticks,peanut butter/ raisins on top).

If you have a friend or family member with a Costco membership they can add you on their card for $20. (or Sam's Club)
Hope this helps. Cindy

This is a great thread. One of my "challenges" this challenge is to get my son to try new things so that we are not all eating seperate meals. I'm trying meals out of EFL this week and am going to have him try them.

I'm on a grocery budget too. I have a shelf in the fridge with stuff my son can help himself to, so I really don't make snacks- he eats when he's hungry. On Sunday I wash and cut up celery sticks which he eats plain or with PB, baby carrots he dips in ranch, fruit (apples, lemons, peaches, plums, apricots, etc) and pickles. It's all simple, healthy, and cheap. If he wants anything from the pantry (crackers or the rare occasions we have cookies in the house) he knows he has to ask first. My son is 5, I'm not sure how old your kids are so they might be too young to be able to do this.

On the cost, I'm going to challenge you. Take a good hard look at what it really costs to feed your family higher nutrient value foods.

I spend a good bit of my time in grocery stores looking at other folks carts. I'll see healthy things for the adults mixed in with cheap bread, jelly, Kraft Mac n Cheese, Lunchabiles, CapriSun drink packs, SunChips, and the list goes on. That food isn't cheap. When you start breaking down per serving cost, it's actually pretty darned expensive. It doesn't fill them up, so they eat more crap, more frequently.

Additionally, what lessons are your kids learning? They are learning that healthy food is for grownups? Seriously, take a good look at what you are costing yourself and them long run. Take your last recipt from the grocery store and add up how much of it is kid junk. Then start swapping it out. They want yogurt? AWESOME. Get rid of the chips and crackers.

Encourage their healthy eating habits. Being the change isn't just about changing yourself. It's helping to change the world around you. I can't think of a better way to do this than through your kids.

I am a nanny for 2 little girls, 2-3 day a week and I bring my 3 year old daughter with me. The 2 children have always had a pattern of going to their pantry and grabbing snacks ALL DAY LONG. At first I tried to stop them by asking if I could make them something like a healthy meal, but they usually declined. It really bothers me that they can gorge themselves on sugar treats and partially hydrogenated fillers one after another. Their parents buy the SWEET POISON and put it there for the girls consumption.The kids give me the dirtiest looks when I tell them' "ENOUGH JUNK FOOD." So now, my daughter has been taught by their example. She will eat a bowl of cereal and then 10 minutes later will say she is so hungry and ask for some form of sugar, wait 10 minutes then repeat, repeat, repeat. I make her pick something healthy like fruit or cottage cheese. I have been diligently educating her on healthy vs. tastes good in our mouths but, not healthy INSIDE our bodies. We just finished our own 30 day challenge where we would not eat out at any fast food, or regular restaurant. Any food we ate had to be prepared from our surplus foods from the fridge, freezer, and pantry. Not all healthy, but we are trying not to spend money and use what we have. My daughter just came up to me and asked for some OREOS. So I read her this comment I am typing, then I offered to make her apples with raw peanut butter. I threw the OREOS out! I model everything for my daughter and I am responsible for her. I will get all the remaining crap out of this house today. Together, my daughter and I will make healthy choices. I owe that to both of us.

Good for you, wichitwitch!!! She will be better off for it. Cindy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clara On the cost, I'm going to challenge you. Take a good hard look at what it really costs to feed your family higher nutrient value foods. I spend a good bit of my time in grocery stores looking at other folks carts. I'll see healthy things for the adults mixed in with cheap bread, jelly, Kraft Mac n Cheese, Lunchabiles, CapriSun drink packs, SunChips, and the list goes on. That food isn't cheap. When you start breaking down per serving cost, it's actually pretty darned expensive. It doesn't fill them up, so they eat more crap, more frequently. Additionally, what lessons are your kids learning? They are learning that healthy food is for grownups? Seriously, take a good look at what you are costing yourself and them long run. Take your last recipt from the grocery store and add up how much of it is kid junk. Then start swapping it out. They want yogurt? AWESOME. Get rid of the chips and crackers. Encourage their healthy eating habits. Being the change isn't just about changing yourself. It's helping to change the world around you. I can't think of a better way to do this than through your kids.

I totally agree!

My question was more about planning and organizing, as I am doing a lot of things at once. I totally agree that the kids should eat well.

For what it's worth, I don't usually buy any of the stuff you mentioned in that shopping cart. My post wasn't all that clear, I suppose. I was focused on one aspect of this - the organizational details of all the food prep, etc.

(We are transitioning out what's left in our pantry. That is true. Yet that doesn't include Cheetos and whipped cream for kid snacks. My last receipt, and my typical receipt, has none of that junk. I am not that person you see there in the store, with that cart load of junk...although my kids probably wish I was! Not all moms out there are totally indulgent to their kids' eating preferences.)

When I brought up the cost, it had to do with portion control, so that there's some there when I need it. I don't want to be the Portion Police all day long, but I need the food to be there, so I don't run out and buy something at the fast food junkhouse, just because I am hungry. Maybe my kids are atypical, but they are ravenous eaters of healthy foods. Bottomless pits.

This thread has given me a lot of ideas, and I am grateful. Thanks for your input!
~Kimberly

Quote:

Originally Posted by wickitwitch IThe 2 children have always had a pattern of going to their pantry and grabbing snacks ALL DAY LONG.

My kids have never been allowed to help themselves. They would never stop eating. If they could choose what they wanted at the grocery store, I have only one who would eat very healthy foods, as she is very much wanting to live a healthy life, and can think things through. My other two? My boys? They would prefer the instant gratification of a pure sugar diet. So, since they were able to toddle around the kitchen, they were'nt allowed to get snacks on their own.

That's why I posted the thread, as I am busy in the kitchen.

Now, they are old enough to get snacks (and meals) on their own, but if the boys are preparing the foods, I make them "clear" the request first, as the oldest would get (for example) 3-4 cups of cottage cheese and a couple of apples for a SNACK!!! One snack!!! For ONE person!!! Too much. No can do (budget wise.) A portion is much smaller than that.

(Sigh.) They are just getting to the teenage years, and I will need to seriously increase the food budget to keep up with their voracious appetites.

It's nice to see yuo setting a good example in the home where you are a nanny. Best wishes! Kimberly

Hi Kimberly,

Just happened upon this ongoing conversation. Don't think I have mentioned it to you, but a friend who is a supermarket manager for a large grocery chain says that he gets so dismayed seeing the "junk" that people buy for their kids "because it is cheap." He said that what they don't realize is that if more parents bought the better quality food for their kids, thus increasing demand, the resulting larger production of the healthy foods would cause THOSE items to be cheaper per unit. So, according to him, a major reason why the "cheap" (high-sugar, etc.) stuff is currently less expensive is BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE BUY IT!! Not because it is inherently less expensive to produce. And he says he knows they are only delaying costs for their children, because these children will have greater healthcare costs as they grow. SO, apparently we really do vote with our purchases!!

Glad your kids eat healthy food...which I can attest to. These kids don't come to Grandma's house expecting cookies and ice cream!!! They get LOTS of love in other ways!! (Probably partly why they call me "Grandma at the Beach".) Love ya and them, Mom

Hi Kimberly,

I know you are already busy in the kitchen, but just a thought for portion control for the kids: when you are putting the food away after grocery shopping, could you put the food in small, easy to grab-on-th-go containers? This way, a child could grab some cottage cheese, but it would be already portioned out, and he only gets one container.

You could have a differet coloured container for yourself, and they don't touch mommy's containers.

There are many resuable containers in the supermarkets now that aren't all that expensive either, so that helps...

You could even get the containers that have multiple sections, so one little box could have cut up fruit/veggies and cottage cheese, for example One ready-to-grab snack.

hope this helps!

t

Try to get your kids to snack on fresh fruits and veggies rather than alot of prcessed snacky foods. I know it is hard, but it is so much better for them! Portion control is key...Ihave a teenage boy and he can really pack it away! He knows he can eat as many fresh veggies as he wants ( raw carrots, celery, cucumbers, etc) or on the rare occassion I purchase cookies he can have 2...LOL...not very appealing....he'd rather have a huge bowl of raw veggies, maybe with a bit of salad dressing to dip them in. I also let them snack on air popped popcorn drizzled with hot sauce...they love it...

It is a process....and it takes time. Just like any good habit it will take time to establish :-)
(((((HUGS))))

I just make the foods that I eat throuhout the week in mass quantity. I buy "family packs of chicken or beef. I always have cans of tuna around the house. My family eats what they want, I eat what I want. My kids are a bit older and can take care of themselves though. I have no problem eating dry tuna right out of a can. I am now learningto eat salads dry. My breakfast is always oatmeal. I may be wrong in eating the instant Quaker Oats in the big container. I add a small portion of natural peanut butter and chocolate protein powder. It is my "Reeses Peanut Butter Cup". I lie to myself about that name but it works for me. I tell myself that what I eat for breakfast has a purpose, to nourish me and keep my system running efficiently. For lunch today I had left over qubed steak and chicken kabobs (2 pcs of each) with green pepers and purple onions. Just enough to hold me over till my 3:30 shake. I learned (HERE) that you should eat enough just to hold you over till the next meal and enough so that afterwards you can go out and do a cardio workout. Remember you will eat again. Don't eat like you will never eat again. You will in just 3 hours.