Mealtime Success Step 4: Choose MyPlate

I am a mom, first and foremost, and as a registered dietitian, I often receive comments from others about “I bet your kids eat so healthy”.  Well, to an extent I would say my kids are healthy eaters, but they also have their moments like any other normal child.

  • Like the fact, that my daughter wants dessert with every meal and she bases her decision to eat her actual meal on how bad she wants dessert.  Even tonight.
  • Or the food service staff at school telling me that my son hasn’t been choosing his vegetables like he use to.
  • Or, my daughter picks out every last carrot shred that I put into the spaghetti sauce – let’s get real here – they are carrot shreds that you could barely see.

I try not to let these things bother me, but instead focus on giving them a chance to eat healthier foods by offering them at each meal and then teaching about why they are so good for you.  What does frustrate me though is that I have had one too many parents walk by me in the grocery store while I am showcasing a healthy recipe and say to their child “you won’t like it” and then complain later how their kids don’t eat anything healthy.  Well, if you give any child a chance to eat healthy food and make it fun – that is half the battle.

We are all busy – I am too – and our time is precious.  And I am always looking for balance.  Balance in my work and family life.  Balance in the amount of time I want to spend making meals.  Balance in what those meals look like.  Let me simplify the mealtime process for you!

A quick and simple way to add balance to your day and meals is the My Plate way of eating.  It’s not a diet, it’s not a fad.  As a registered dietitian, I believe in sound science and eating a balanced diet like this is a tried and true method that will help you be healthier.  By incorporating the necessary food groups to make a balanced meal, you will also be getting the right nutrients your body needs to keep you healthy.  Best of all, it’s easy and there is no monthly fees!  You can start today and teach your family what it means to eat healthy from here on out.  All food groups are included and it’s something you can do the rest of your life without eliminating any food groups – it’s all about balance.

Choose MyPlate!

myplate_green

This step is essential so you can plan healthy meals to have mealtime success.  To make over your meals with more fruits and veggies:

My Plate Idea 1
My Plate Idea 2

All through the month of March, in honor of National Nutrition Month, I will be posting healthy ideas for My Plate Meals to inspire you and encourage you on how it can be accomplished.  Be sure to subscribe to catch all of them!  I would love to see your ideas for My Plate Meals too!

Related Posts:

Mealtime Success Step 1

Mealtime Success Step 2

Mealtime Success Step 3

Meal Makeover Images courtesy of The Beef Checkoff.

1 Comment

  1. […] day life is all about balance. And one thing I recommend frequently is to have balance on your plate. It’s one way you can start making over you meals to be healthier. I’m […]

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