by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 13, 2020 | Food Allergies and Special Diets, Holidays and Special Events
6 Tips to Get Picky Kids to Eat Vegetables on Thanksgiving
My son has sensory issues with food and has since birth. As a result, I have discovered that forcing him to eat foods he can’t tolerate OR waiting until he is hungry enough to eat the foods he hates doesn’t work. Instead, I have found ways to encourage him to at least eat more of a variety of foods than he may otherwise eat.
Here are 6 Tips to Get Picky Kids to Eat Vegetables on Thanksgiving. (Post may contain affiliate links).
1. Serve at least one favorite vegetable (or fruit, if she doesn’t like veggies) as part of the meal.
For example, my son likes broccoli the best, but he also likes carrots. Since carrots (and fresh green beans) are part of our traditional Thanksgiving meal, we won’t have to serve anything extra for him.
2. Serve combination foods separately, if you can.
For example, my son is not willing to eat most combination foods. By serving the parts of mixed dishes separately, I can encourage him to eat more variety.
This year for Thanksgiving I discovered a salad that I know everyone except my son will like. The reason I’m going to serve this salad is:
- It’s healthy
- The recipe has several foods he likes–if they are served separately
- It looks delicious!
I’m planning to serve each food ingredient in a separate bowl. I will also offer another salad dressing as an option (one that I know more than one person likes, if possible). This won’t require more work because when preparing a salad, I chop everything up separately. The only extra work will be cleaning the dishes.
If you’re having special company this Thanksgiving, and you decide to serve this salad or something similar, you could put the dressing on the table in a cute salad dressing bottle and place the salad ingredients on fancy dishes. Most young children will eat the lettuce, apples, and cheese. If they don’t have an aversion to nuts, like my son does, the pecans will probably appeal to them as well (especially if you caramelize them*). If all they eat is the lettuce, apples and cheese, you’ve gotten two servings of veggies and fruit into their cute little bodies! The pecans are rich sources of magnesium and essential fats. So, if they eat the pecans, even better.
As a bonus, the little ones can pick up these foods with their hands, which I know toddlers love to do!*
3. Encourage your child try at least one new vegetable, fruit or other food that she didn’t like previously.
One taste is enough.
For example, we have green beans every year. They are southern style and have salt pork and onions in them.
Okay, so problem number one, it’s a combo food.
Problem number two, it’s not a preferred vegetable.
Problem number 3, he doesn’t really care for green beans.
So, this year my challenge is for him to put one green bean on a plate (just the green bean) and take a small taste. Then if he likes it, he can have more. If not, that's okay. Praise him for being willing to put the food on the plates.
4. Make sure your child is hungry by the time you serve the meal.
Snacking all day long will obviously dampen anyone’s appetite, especially someone with a smaller stomach, like kids. Food always tastes better when you’re hungry. So, if possible, no eating/snacking for AT LEAST 2 hours prior to the main meal. This should help in the enthusiasm department.
5. Try not to worry too much if your child doesn’t want to eat much on Thanksgiving.
It’s a special day, and there are probably a lot of other things going on that are much more interesting than eating. Kid’s usually eat less when they’re having fun and are around new or non-routine people.
6. Put small amounts of each food they will be eating on the plate.
Sometimes an overfull plate can overwhelm the child and cause them to lose interest in eating at all. They can always ask for more!
GOING ELSEWHERE?
If possible, talk to the host ahead of time to get an idea of what will be served. That way you can create strategies ahead, especially if your child has sensory issues with or allergies/intolerances to food.
Pick something you know your child will like and serve it along with the other dishes served, so that it doesn’t appear like you are serving something special just for your child. For example, even if it is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, make enough to share, and put it out there with the other dishes.
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Click here for the article, “Why a Zinc Deficiency may be Contributing to your kid's pickiness.”
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Read about Homeschooling Dietitian Mom here.
*Click here for the salad recipe.
Thanksgiving is the best time of year to think on what we are thankful for.
If you need some inspiration and encouragement, click here for awesome and inspiring Mother (and other) Quotes, complemented by beautiful images.
Other Articles by Homeschooling Dietitian Mom:
What Attracts Kids to Fast Food?
High Protein Meals
3 Superfoods that Are Really Healthy
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Nov 9, 2020 | Homeschooling
How Parents Working From Home Can Find Equilibrium
(Post may contain affiliate links).
Has your household felt off-kilter lately? It’s all-too-easy for life to become unbalanced when you’re a full-time parent and a full-time remote worker. Because it’s important to find a healthy equilibrium, here are these tips and resources:
Set Up for Success
If you’re trying to work in a space that doesn’t support your efforts, it’s sure to reduce your productivity. Stay industrious and focused with the right set up:
- Whether you’re working from home full- or part-time, a dedicated space is a must.
- Your garage can be an ideal place to set up your home office, but your flooring may need work.
- Your work area should be organized and tidy so you can focus and reduce stress.
- Natural light enables you to be happier, healthier and more productive, and it doesn’t cost a dime.
- Aromatherapy can give your productivity a boost, too.
Lighten Your Workload
An efficient and focused place to work is one positive step toward equilibrium. Next, make room in your days for your top priorities.
- Take breaks in your day for time with family and self-care.
- Cutting the stress out of your morning routine helps you start your day off right.
- Consider a windowed work schedule to help balance your days.
- Depending on the nature of your work, you might consider hiring some freelancers to help.
Focus Your Family
You’re a family, and you’re in this together. Make sure everyone is on the same page, and that your lifestyle is happy and healthy for everyone.
- Homeschooling Dietitian Mom offers a K-12 nutrition and food science curriculum!
- Have a productive conversation with your kids about your work.
- Give your kids appropriate activities to enjoy.
- Since kids love electronics, make sure they have video games that are beneficial.
- Everyone needs to eat; why not toss together a family picnic during lunch breaks?
- Exercising is a great way to burn off tension, stay healthy, and bond—do it together.
With the world shaken up this year, many families are feeling unbalanced. Moms and dads who work from home can regain equilibrium by incorporating these simple tips into their lives.
Other things you might find helpful:
How to Make Video Games Fun and Safe for Your Family
How to Send Love and Comfort to Pregnant Friends
25 Things A New Mom Will Love
Article written by Lacie Martin
“Lacie Martin created Raise Them Well to help inspire parents to raise
their children well by prioritizing love over everything else. She firmly
believes that all moms and dads raising kids who know they are loved and
cared for are successful parents.”
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by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Oct 29, 2020 | Cooking Tips
Turkey Recipe and Cooking Time
I've been meaning to write about this new Thanksgiving recipe and safety e-book my husband created for you. So, here I am! And this Turkey Recipe and Cooking Time e-book is pretty awesome, in my opinion.
It started out as a general food safety e-book. However, with the Holidays swiftly approaching, we both decided it would be better to focus specifically on Turkey Safety, especially because the following 5 steps are EXTREMELY important to prevent food poisoning.
- Thawing
- Cleaning
- Separating
- Cooking
- Chilling
Of course, we didn't forget to add some tasty recipes, which my husband made and we taste-tested.
- Pumpkin Tart
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Whole Grain Blueberry Spice Pancakes (my absolute favorite)!
- Italian Stuffed Peppers that you can decorate to look like mummies
- A cute idea for serving vegetables at a get together or party.
These are basic, simple recipes that aren't necessarily low fat or low calorie. However, portion control is key when you are eating for holidays (or any other time). This is what I remember when I eat anything. 🙂
Last year, at Christmastime, we created a couple of kid-friendly recipes as well. Click here to check this out.
Check out this super cool Hands-on Fall Food & Spices project.
If you want more in-depth information on food safety, and you don't want to wait for me to finish my project on this subject, here are a few links to help you teach your kids:
Super cute teaching materials already prepared for you!
Food Safety with Beth
Government Food Safety Sites:
Centers for Disease Control Food Safety Home Page
Food Safety.gov
Post on how to use my Halloween Food Science and Math Unit Study
And don't forget to check out my Meal Planning for Kids Curriculum pack here.
Read my article, “Healthy Eating on a Budget” to give you a better idea of what “Meal Planning for Kids” is all about.
Sensory Friendly Vegetable Soup Recipes
Thanksgiving Desserts and Appetizers
Check out these super cute fairy tale books for preschool and kindergarten age kids
A Healthy Christmas Recipe for Kids
Printable Christmas Bookmarks
Nutrition Fun for Kids
Paleontologist Kids Elementary Unit Study
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Oct 21, 2020 | Education Materials
How to Send Love and Comfort to Pregnant Friends During the Pandemic
(Post contains affiliate links).
You know that Homeschooling Dietitian Mom has you covered with nutrition and homeschool tips needed to stay stress-free in lockdown. But what about your relatives and friends who are pregnant during these stressful times? Those women may need a little extra support from you to stay sane, and here are just a few ways you can safely provide that extra care and love.
A Thoughtful Gift Can Go a Long Way
If you want to support your loved one, consider sending a gift that will relieve stress and help her feel extra comfortable during these challenging times.
A Comforting Meal Can Also Be Helpful
Trying to grocery shop while pregnant or with a new baby can feel impossible during a dangerous pandemic, but you can help by providing nourishing meals.
Listening Can Often Be the Greatest Gift
Honestly, your loved one may not need actual gifts to feel safe and supported during this pregnancy but would prefer less tangible support.
In addition to carrying a child, your pregnant friends are also carrying the same COVID stresses as the rest of us. That’s a lot for anyone to handle on their own, so try to reach out and provide support when you can. Trust us, your efforts will be greatly appreciated!
Remember to turn to Homeschooling Dietitian Mom for useful tips and advice throughout your parenting journey!
Other things you might be interested in:
Nutrition for Pregnancy – Recipes and Suggestions to Help You Start Out Right
10 Best Foods to Eat When Pregnant
Best Fall Recipes
Preschool Broccoli Activity Pack
Photo Credit: Unsplash
How to Send Love and Comfort to Pregnant Friends During the Pandemic
Article courtesy of Alyssa Strickland
Alyssa Strickland created millennial-parents.com for all the new parents on the block. Alyssa believes the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child, but she also thinks it takes a village to raise a parent! Millennial-Parents is that village. Today’s parents can be more connected than ever, and she hopes her site will enrich those connections. On Millennial-Parents, she shares tips and advice she learns through experience and from other young parents in three key areas — Education, Relationships, and Community.
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Aug 8, 2020 | Food Allergies and Special Diets
12 Early Signs of Dehydration
How to Tell Whether Your Child or you are Dehydrated
(Post may contain affiliate links).
Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluids than you take in. One of the most obvious early signs of dehydration is thirst. However, thirst is not something you can count on to tell you that you are dehydrated. One of the reasons why thirst is not dependable is that certain individuals do not experience thirst until they have already been dehydrated for awhile.
Most people think dehydration is more of a problem during the summer. It's true that summer is a high-risk month for dehydration because of sweating. However, during cooler months of the year, dehydration can be a problem as well. This is because people don't get as thirsty when the weather is cold. Also, during cold weather there is less moisture in the air. Young children and older adults are the most at-risk for dehydration. But anyone can become dehydrated.
And children do not always drink enough liquids. For example, when my son, Nathan, was younger, I tried to follow the typical advice of limiting juice because, “If he gets thirsty enough, he'll drink water.” I was hoping he would start drinking water.
Wrong. IT NEVER HAPPENED.
To this day, I can hardly get him to drink more than one or two swigs of water. So, how do I know when he is dehydrated? Another of the early signs of dehydration is dry, scaly skin. When my son gets dry, scaly skin, I know it's time to make him soup, because this is one of the ways I can be sure he is getting enough fluids.
It's also a great way to increase vegetable intake in his diet.
So, how can you tell if your child or other loved one is dehydrated?
Below are 12 early signs of dehydration.
Infant or young child
Dry mouth and tongue
No tears when crying
No wet diapers for three hours
Sunken eyes, cheeks
Sunken soft spot on top of skull
Listlessness or irritability
Adult
Extreme thirst
Less frequent urination
Dark-colored urine
Fatigue
Dizziness
Confusion
When to see a doctor
Call your family doctor if you or a loved one:
Has had diarrhea for 24 hours or more
Is irritable or disoriented and much sleepier or less active than usual
Can't keep down fluids
Has bloody or black stool
So to help prevent dehydration in the winter, I highly recommend giving your family more soups. Remember, “soup is good food!”
Click Here for delicious, easy, kid-friendly, and healthy vegetable soup recipes.
Other Articles by Homeschooling Dietitian Mom
Why a Zinc Deficiency May be Contributing to Your Child's Pickiness
10 Persons at Risk for Magnesium Deficiency
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
