As a mom of three, I am always trying to save money when shopping for groceries, and they are some excellent budget-saving tips in the article before this one. Yet, it isn’t always about the grocery list. For kids, it comes down to a few things.
First, will they eat the food? If they won’t eat the food, then don’t waste your hard-earned money.
Secondly, how is the food prepared? After my third kid, I came to realize a few vital food preparation tips that saved countless dollars. Tip 1: Thinly shaved deli meats for sandwiches and eating by themselves. Kids don’t eat bulky items. My third child and by far the pickiest eater taught me this lesson. He will eat ham that is thinly shaved, but he spits out a ham that is thick. Tip 2. Dice up your veggies. Make them small and they are more likely to eat them. Tip 3: Have your broccoli soft enough for a child whose teeth are still coming in. So many food issues from feeding your kid side of things come from either too hard of food, too texturally unpleasing or to big of an item.
Another money-saving tip, and to help with food wastage, don’t overfeed your kid(s). Opt to give a kid half the amount to start and ask if they are full. If your kid is still hungry they will let you know. If you have a kid wasting a ton of food every day of the week and at every meal, chances are you are over-feeding him or her. Try reducing the amount until your kid does finish the amount on his plate. Then ask if he would like more! So simple, yet so many parents just keep overfeeding their kids.
Kids love certain textures more than others! This brings me to adding sauces to items. Chicken can be quite dry for kids, but gravy helps. From a textured side of things, kids love jelly. It wiggles and bounces. Try making a jello salad for them. Dice up your veggies and fruits finely and add them in with some macaroni pasta. It is like a scavenger hunt through jello. Noodles… don’t go undercooked, but opt to have them over-cooked a little. Fat noodles from a kid’s perspective rock! Do veggies repulse your kid? No problem, just hide them in a pureed cream soup. Think Creamy yam or cream of mushroom soup etc. The idea is to make a dish they will eat and avoid wasting food. Kids waste so much food. Figure out what they’ll eat and you are already saving money in the long run.
Lastly, get your kids into the kitchen to cook with you. It helps get them to feel comfortable cooking themselves, and it will pay off tenfold in the long run. Imagine as a mom or dad, you’ll have your own chef in the house! Food knowledge starts by getting them in the kitchen. Share how to cut vegetables safely, or how to make their favorite dishes…
**Crystal Knutson** is the passionate founder of the **Eat Clean Sharing Community**, a dynamic digital space where people come together to stay accountable and eat healthier! A decade ago, Crystal launched this community as a way to make more informed food choices and realized that education sparks a deeper responsibility for what we eat.
With food reviews, mouthwatering healthy recipes, and fun challenges, Crystal has transformed the website into a lively personal health journal that inspires everyone. As a member, you’ll dive into exciting discussions, share your own journey, and connect with others who are just as pumped about clean eating. Join the **Eat Clean Sharing Community** and let’s make healthy eating an adventure, together!
My love for writing shines through in the health-related articles I craft, each designed to be both useful and informative. I delve into the latest trends, tips, and research to provide you with valuable insights into the world of clean eating.
I also enjoy conducting interviews with industry experts and innovators who have impactful messages, products, or services to share. Through these conversations, I aim to highlight the incredible work being done to promote healthier lifestyles and provide inspiration for our community.
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