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Simple Meal Planning - Plan to Eat

My Child’s Dinner Was Veggie-Less, But I’m Not Worried.

May 22 Feeding the Family

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I have a lot of posts on this blog that might make it sound like we are doing wonderful in the eating department. I give my baby homemade baby food, I introduce my children to new foods often, and I teach my kids eating habits that will help them eat well throughout life. But guess what? I struggle just like you. Here’s a story for illustration:

It was a long day, my girls were acting up as usual, and I started making dinner five minutes before dinner time. I had some chicken, cheese, and eggs in the fridge and that was about it. No veggies, or at least none that could be quickly prepared.

I hurriedly threw something edible together and sat the girls down in their chairs to eat. They ate no problem. Neither of them asked for broccoli or salad. They were just content to eat some eggs and cheese. It was while I was feeding them that I started thinking about the lack of veggies on their plates. Then I pushed that thought aside and just enjoyed the quiet that dinner time often provides for me. The girls were eating and happy, and I was getting some relief from all the whining and yelling.

Here’s some encouragement for you, mom. You’re not a bad mom or a failure if you aren’t giving your kids veggies at every meal. You can do better, yes. But you are not failing.© Subbotina Anna / Dollar Photo Club

Why We Should Consider Overall Nutrition

Did you catch the part where no vegetables were served? Where I just enjoyed the moment and couldn’t have cared less if their meal was nutritionally complete?

I wasn’t worried about their veggie-less dinner, because I knew that they ate veggies earlier that day for lunch and that they would likely eat veggies tomorrow. The point is not to be strict at every meal and make your kids adhere to every single food rule in order to see their eating habits improve. No, in fact, the point is to have some guidelines to follow so you don’t go completely off the nutrition track.

I’ve Failed as a Mom Because I Gave My Child Junk

I’ve seen some moms online showing pictures of their child’s lunch or dinner and saying that they have failed as a mom. That’s baloney (pun intended!).

You gave your child food, right? Ok then, you didn’t fail.

You intend to do better next time, right? Ok then, you didn’t fail.

When you’re feeding your child, it is easy to think that you have failed or are failing if

a) your child doesn’t eat the veggies (or other food group/vitamin/mineral)

b) your child refuses to eat anything for dinner

c) your child throws a tantrum every night at dinner time.

Kids are finicky about food a lot of times, but if you consider what they are eating as a whole rather than just at one meal, you will realize that you are not failing. No, you are doing your best. Sure, there could be room for improvement, but at least you are trying.

The important thing you need to remember is that as long as you are offering good, healthy foods, your child should be getting what her body needs over time. Children know how much their bodies need as long as us parents do not interfere with that natural instinct.*

I’m Trying and That’s What Matters

Just because of one dinner sans veggies, my kids are not going to start down the path to junk food, and I’m certainly not failing as a mom. Evaluating my progress over time is what keeps me at it. Maybe yesterday Bella threw everything I gave her on the floor, but today she is happily chowing down, even on the tomatoes and broccoli.

Keep a positive attitude and try to always improve. After all, you’re only human and so are your kids.

Here’s a great read if you need some more encouragement: My Kid Likes Junk Food. And That’s Okay.

*Source: “Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility in Feeding” by Ellyn Satter on Ellyn Satter Institute.

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  • Author
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Charlee Flaminio
Charlee Flaminio
I'm a mom of 3 on a journey to feed my family nourishing foods. Personally, I believe you can cook healthy food and still have time for your loved ones.
Charlee Flaminio
Latest posts by Charlee Flaminio (see all)
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By Charlee Flaminio on May 22

Comments

  1. Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says

    05.22.15 at 8:03 am

    Well said, Charlee! There’s always tomorrow…and the next meal. We Moms can be so hard on ourselves sometimes. Thanks for a great reminder to show ourselves grace – and serve veggies next time!

    Reply
    • Charlee Anne says

      05.22.15 at 2:32 pm

      Ha! Yes! I’m so glad you felt encouraged by this post, Kristen. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Nina G says

    05.26.15 at 9:26 pm

    Absolutely, Charlee. There have been many times where our dinners are just meat and carbs but I don’t sweat it because we eat healthy nearly all the time.

    Reply
    • Charlee Anne says

      05.27.15 at 7:19 am

      That is great, Nina! I could probably get some healthy eating tips from you. 🙂

      Reply
  3. June says

    03.09.17 at 6:26 pm

    This was such a good reminder! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Kids and Food: Let the Food Rules Guide, Not Rule - Humble in a Heartbeat says:
    09.02.15 at 6:01 am

    […] moments that are stressful in themselves, but I don’t like to focus on one meal at a time. I am focused on overall nutrition. If they eat well over the course of a week, then I know I am doing my […]

    Reply

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I used to struggle big time with getting veggies into my family's meals. After several years and much trial and error, though, I now believe you can cook healthy food and still have time for your loved ones. Click here to find out more.

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