I want my children to be healthy and strong. I want them to be energetic so they can learn and serve others without wearing down. What they fuel their bodies with is an important part of this equation.
I want my children to be healthy and energetic. What they fuel their bodies with is important. Click To TweetSo, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
Where Did I Go Wrong?
I am willing to bet that my kids are pickier eaters than yours. Unless your kids are like the girl that only ate chicken nuggets and french fries, there is a great chance I have you beat. Do you have a kid that won’t touch a vegetable, but will at least eat some fruit? I have a picky eater that won’t even touch fruit anymore.
If there were a “ Getting Your Kids To Eat Healthy” contest, I would win the booby prize. I don’t know where I went wrong. I don’t fix special meals for our kids. They are expected to eat what we eat. I always offer healthy choices at snack time. We keep fruit and veggies in the house. I gave them veggies first as babies so they would acquire a taste for them. What do I get for my efforts? Nothing! They often sit and stare at their plates, practically going hungry because they would rather starve than accidentally ingest a tiny sliver of tomato. They have become experts at excavating itty bitty bits of anything that could be considered true nourishment. My only hope is that my picky eaters might get a veggie or two by osmosis.
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” Genesis 1:29-31 ESV
School Lunches
Many of you send your kids to public school and pack lunches. Even though we homeschool, we are often away from home at lunch for Community Bible Study, co-op, or field trips. When we are home, I like to have lunch ready to go so we don’t take too much time away from our studies. It’s far too easy to grab a Lunchable for the kids and be ridden with guilt the rest of the day.
If you are on Pinterest, you see all these posts of adorable and healthy “kid” lunches. I turn to them in hopes of finding a solution to my picky eaters. Unfortunately, most of the time those lunches are dressed up adult food. My kids won’t eat that stuff. Plus many of them often take a huge amount of time to make. So here is a short, but powerful collection of resources for foods that my picky eaters might actually eat. Maybe…
Here is a short, but powerful collection of resources for foods that my kids might actually eat. Click To Tweet50 Back-to-School Lunchbox Ideas
6 School Lunch Ideas to Sneak in Veggies
Toddler Lunch Ideas (That Your Big Kids Will Like Too)
What are your favorite healthy lunches for your family? How do you impress the importance of health on your children?
We are clean eaters, and this is my worst nightmare! I to have extremely picky eaters, and we pack lunches. Everything has so much sugar in it, and I try to eliminate sugar consumption unless it is natural. I am always looking for new ideas! Thanks!
Rachael recently posted…Seasons: Embracing My Age
These are great ideas. I no longer have children at home, but my grandson is very picky. Lunchables are a standard for him, but I might just have to try some of these with him, when he’s at my house for meals or snacks. Thanks for the inspiration. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
What your kids do is exactly what I and my siblings did. Lol! My mum didn’t insist though. Ironically, we crave those healthy stuff we avoided like the plague then now that we are adults. God’s grace with your mummy duties. You’re a good example for others to follow.
It’s good to know they may change their minds later in life. That’s what my sister keeps telling me too!
Sandwiches, sandwiches, sandwiches – I find that sandwiches work 🙂
Andrea recently posted…Bless The Lord (10,000 Reasons) – Matt Redman
My kids are really picky, but I’ve managed to develop a list of healthy items that they will eat. It’s not diverse, but at least it’s healthy, lol! It’s encouraging to know that other moms have the same challenge :-).
Megan Elford recently posted…Visiting the HMCS Haida #ParksCanada
love great ideas for taking lunches. always helpful and a huge moneysaver
Marie recently posted…Back to School 2016
we have sandwiches, chips and a treat always does the trick. I also write a little note that reminds her I am proud of her
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
angie recently posted…Keep It Clean
Wow thats crazy and your right taking lunches is the best way to go.
PB&J is a huge go-to in this house. And Spaghetti. I not only homeschool my 2 kiddos but I also babysit a couple others a few days a week. The like the spaghetti so much at least once a week their mom brings all the fixings along with her. It helps and they eat it. We are also fans of English Muffin Pizzas.
Elizabeth Marshall recently posted…God is in Control
My child is still a baby and will eat whatever it is I have cooked for her tiny solid meals. I am hoping that she stays that way and eat what we eat when she goes whole hog on solids.
What awesome links though! The food there is edible indeed!
Rachel Dahl – a la modest recently posted…How to Have a Happy Baby
This is really helpful, I’m thankful that my son was not a picky eater, it’s hard to deal with them but you make it easy.
Nicole Escat recently posted…How to give your child a complete nutrients with Nutri 10 Plus Syrup.
My kids are old enough to make their own lunch and chances are, if they make it they eat it! I have a rule – I make them put a protein and a fruit or veggie on their plate. They raid the fridge and fill their plates. Traveling or being out and about makes it harder, and this is where I really like packing a lunch, because I always feel guilty getting fast food.
I do always prefer healthy food options for my kids to make sure they are energetic. These are some great tips that could be so helpful, particularly when your kid is a picky eater!
These are fun ideas! We try to eat as healthy as possible but it’s definitely a challenge!
Great healthy choices! Thanks for sharing. xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/blogger-on-the-go-essentials/
My little one mostly eats pb&j or grilled cheese sandwiches. He will each peaches or an apple if I remember to give it to him. Yes, I need to be more intentional about offering him healthy meals.
Tami recently posted…Night Night Farm {A Children’s Bedtime Story}
I’m fortunate that my little guy will eat peaches and green beans (just not together LOL). I, however, am the worst about NOT offering him healthier choices. Convenience is a beloved enemy to our health. These edible lunch ideas are going on my fridge as a reminder and useful resource.
Tami recently posted…VeggieTales Every Day With God: 365 Daily Devos for Boys & Girls