How to handle feeding growing children?

**Libby** · 05-23-2011, 01:59 PM

What about making a pasta salad w/veggies & chick peas or a veggie quinoa salad - a grain that has protein in it?

I still like the idea of a warm broth type soup - you could put diced tofu or veggies in it as well for substance if needed. A lot of Asian restaurants start their meals this way (when real course meals are ordered not the chicken balls and fried rice etc). I think the soup primes the stomach plus gives the feeling of satiety so one does not eat so much at the main meal where sometimes there wasn't that much food to be eaten to start. I remember starting meals and ending them with a bowl of the broth soup when I was growing up.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-23-2011, 03:10 PM

I'd have to do strictly clear broth because with vegetables, I know DS12 wouldn't touch it.

We did pretty well at lunch today. One package of 12 hot dogs (with fried onions) and one box of macaroni and cheese. The kids didn't complain about being hungry and DH ate about as much as I did.

**oheoh's momma** · 05-23-2011, 05:53 PM

My sons ate us out us out of house and home I stopped them after 2 plates full. I kept carrots, apples, oranges, bananas, peanut butter, graham crackers, muffins, pretzels ect they ate it all. If they are getting enough for seconds. have them wait for an hour before they eat. I did this and they went off to play sometimes good luck

**oheoh's momma** · 05-23-2011, 05:54 PM

i am sorry what I forgot to say is they just eat it is phase it will end

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-24-2011, 02:55 PM

Last night, I made enchiladas with rice on the side. DH ate two of the enchiladas and was full after that. But we both spent the night not feeling so well afterwards.

I think that by including meals with beans, it helps. However, the issue we both have now is how it affects us afterwards.

He said he was still full for the rest of the night and there was no snacking afterwards.

**Libby** · 05-24-2011, 03:19 PM

Was it a 'not feeling well' issue b/c he wasn't used to beans? A sudden intake especially a high one could cause severe upset stomach, gas & bloating and takes a lot of time to get use to that volume. I hope he drank a lot of water after the high fibre meal.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-24-2011, 11:07 PM

I think it was. Mine is due to my IBS flaring up. His was due to not having had a lot of beans before. The only time I can get him to eat beans is if I make a chili. I put 16oz of refried pinto beans in the enchiladas.

**Libby** · 05-24-2011, 11:15 PM

Oh my word, DH's poor tummy!!

If bean dishes are becoming regular in your menu rotation - I hope he adjusts quickly! (and I hope you make something else so you can eat dinner too) Remember the trick with fibre, guzzle down the water to help it 'travel' through your system with ease.

**BlissMommy** · 05-25-2011, 12:19 AM

What great suggestions. I'm going to try this with my kiddos, especially during the day, because they get so hungry right around lunch time.

**mndtrp** · 05-25-2011, 01:42 AM

While it may not help a lot with feeling full, you can use quinoa as a substitute for all of the beans you are eating. It has a relatively high amount of protein and fiber, and may not affect your IBS. I don't care for the taste by itself, but it integrates into meals easily. It should help stretch your meals, cutting down on meat without cutting out some health benefits. I believe we pick it up for about $1.50 a pound.

**zakity** · 05-25-2011, 01:26 PM

You could make two batches of things, one with beans and one without.

When I make lasagna, I have to make two pans to make enough. It would be easy for me to add meat to one and not to the other.

Enchiladas is something that I would need to make two pans of also. I have spicy sauce for DH and mine is super mild because my stomach can't handle the spice. I also don't eat a ton of meat and mine has less meat in it and more beans.

**brennasmom** · 05-25-2011, 02:27 PM

Here is another idea... I make up homemade hot pockets. I used pizza dough (usually get about 6 per batch of dough). Roll them out and fill with whatever you like (our favorite is ham and grated cheddar). Cook @ 400 for 20 minutes. Then I will freezer in a large ziploc bag. These can be heated right from the freezer for a quick snack/meal

**oheoh's momma** · 05-25-2011, 02:33 PM

I cut out soda pop at this time and made them drink water when my boys never quit eating. Tell them the kitchen closes so they do not cook all night long. It has been 6 years along time luck