The struggle or should I say the fight to finish the plateful of food has to be a regular , interesting and easy but sustainable exercise.
The importance of a balanced meal is all but known to us, to incorporate it some times gets sticky. A few choices that have worked for me are-
Breakfast options
A mug full of milk, ( plain or with cereal) ,a few almonds and an egg for that good dose of protein is ideal. A little carb thrown in by way of the crumbly sawdust called a toast completes this meal. A pancake made with almost all of the above is an easier option to not have the child say, I’m done ! halfway through the egg, toast or milk! Basically, at a school going age , when sleep triumphs over crunch munch first thing in the morning, an all rolled in one breakfast option is a good choice , from my experience. A French toast would do a similar palate approval from mommy dear! A banana thrown in or a few slices of some fruit almost makes you the greatest provider ever, where nutrition is concerned. In Indian households, where vegetarian options have to be exercised, if one can manage to get past that plate of poha, upma or even that humble sandwich, one is home!
Lunch/ dinner options
Nothing comes close to a square basic meal of protein, carb, veggies and yoghurt for me. It usually takes care of most food groups needed by a growing kid .The choice and the ways to include these food groups are specific to households but by and large, this provides a wholesome palate.
In betweens/ snack time
Now, when it comes to this which is the most sought after for kids, again, I have a few options which are quite easily doable.An easy to make cheese/veg/jam sandwich, a frankie made out of whole wheat flour with the fillings one has at home- could be plain egg, leftover veggies, sausages etc., some noodles/pasta again with the choice of meats/veggies, idlis and dosas ( these are batter driven dishes so this has to be prior planned) , any kind of toasty snacks with interesting toppings/ quick assembled dips or of course the good old cookies and the many kinds of biscuits come to ones rescue when time and mood is the crunch! Fruit works well too! Whatever it might be, as long as largely we are satisfied in providing some filling and interesting options, we should all give ourselves a good pat on our backs!
Will write my experience on foods that have worked for me on a holiday with kids soon!! Just back from a break so trying to get my kitchen organised!
GrowingupMatters 