🍗 Nugget of the Week

If you’re knee-deep in a daily food battle with a child, this post is for you. Before we dive in, just remember:

1. You’re the boss, not them.

2. Going to bed hungry sometimes does not = malnutrition.

Aside from specific behavioral / health issues, the average kid might not be thrilled about dietary changes, but they’ll get used to it if you’re firm about it. If they have to go to bed hungry a few nights, let them. They’ll wake up more open to trying something new if their bellies are growling.

Here are five super effective tactics to try this week:

1. Start with dessert. I’ve never met a kid who declines a brownie, have you? So make better brownies for them and don’t say A WORD about what’s in them.

2. Be an example. If you want your children to stop asking for McDonald’s, you’ll also have to stop going there.

3. Cook ONE meal. If they don’t like it, too bad.

4. Don’t allow snacks. If meals are balanced, kids don’t need snacks and they’ll come to the table ready to eat whatever you make.

5. Involve them in prep. This could range from shopping to gardening to baking or even just setting the table. If mealtime is exciting / rewarding, they’ll want to be there for it.

🔧Tips + Tools

1. Don’t stress about not eating enough fruits and veggies especially if you’re at the beginning of a transition to cleaner eating. Grab a good multi vitamin to cover all your bases and enjoy the journey (as best you can).

2. Whatever you do, do NOT put your kids on a low fat diet even if they’re on a weight loss plan. Children especially need fat for brain development, hormones, mood and growth. They’ll also be a lot more satisfied after meals which helps immensely with not snacking.

🍽 Recipes

1. Tons of healthy kid-friendly recipes for ideas

2. 3-Ingredient peanut butter cookies (perfectly carb-fat balanced)

👩🏻‍🌾 RD-Approved

1. If you need something quick, Little Spoon makes balanced, healthy, ready-to-eat toddler and kids meals.

2. Smoothies are another great kid-friendly meal! If you don’t have time to make your own, I recommend Daily Harvest.

📚 How-To Library

1. Lower Cholesterol Naturally

2. Eat for Mental Health

3. Make Better Smoothies

4. Read a Food Label

Disclosures:

This is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before taking supplements or making any major dietary and / or lifestyle changes.

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