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Do your kids eat too much pizza?

Restaurants are still on my mind.

The suggestions of good spots for kids impressed me. It’s clear parents appreciate a place that welcomes kids, whether with menu specials, an activity or just an attitude. So keep offering more ideas. Post them here or on the earlier post.

Still one comment struck me. Here it is, in part:

Holy cow, do you people ever feed your kids anything healthy? Donuts, noodles, pancakes, fried food. Geez, no wonder childhood obesity is out of control.

A bit snarky, but this raises a real issue. We all wage a quixotic struggle to get our kids to eat well. Failure awaits at every meal. Chicken nuggets beckon. Given this, should we skip restaurants entirely? Or is it OK for my preschoolers to eat pizza once or twice a week?

This prompted some simple online research. Turns out the USDA’s website allows parents to design a food pyramid for your kid. Give it a try. I did, and reminds me of a simple lesson: kids learn to eat well at home. Get that straight and then enjoy that night out. Sounds easy, doesn't it?

POSTED IN: Matthew Strozier (59)

Please comment

Comments

Mr Strozier,

We had commented on the earlier blog regarding restaurants, and it is with interest that I read this one.

I was the parent who posted about donuts, and as a family who sits down to a homemade meal consisting of healthy foods with plenty of vegatables. So, I did find your comment a bit "snarky" as you say. There is a difference between feeding your kids nothing but junk, and engoying an occasional treat now and then. You should not ask for favorite restaurants and then assume all your readers feed their kids junk. As w working mother who goes to school at night, sometimes you can't help but pull through a drive through.

Thanks for the comment. Maybe I wasn't clear in the post. I think a night out for dinner, or a treat, makes sense. We do it all the time.

I think, as parents, we are up against a food culture that makes it difficult to NOT serve alot of nuggets and pizza. I have tried to make my own pizza (half the cheese and a lot more vegetables) in an attempt to get my kids to eat more healthily. It is hard - we do eat alot of pizza.
Lisa
http://www.snacksnoop.com

Mr. Strozier,

Here in Stamford, Conn., we're trying to let our kids enjoy themseleves and not worry so much about what they eat. You should try to do the same.

-TM

We need to make sure they are well nourished down here for all their time at the beach. Is there a beach in Stamford?

It was a very nice idea! Just wanna say thank you for the information you have shared. Just continue writing this kind of post. I will be your loyal reader. Thanks again.

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