Ready to simplify your meals?

I'm wondering, how do you handle meals and snacks in your home? Do you tend to be relaxed and let everyone eat when and what they want? This might be snacking throughout the day at different times and letting everyone choose whatever they feel like having at meals. As my 7 year old quotes me one time saying, "It's not a free for all!" Or are you really structured with your meals and snacks? Do you only allow eating at certain times, almost always the same day to day, and you choose what to eat? What's served is served!

Do you have a kiddo who would only eat cookies, candy, and chips all day if you let him? Are you wondering, how to help your child's sugar obsession? You're definitely not alone! I hear this all the time from other parents too! You probably watch your kid eat an abundant amount of cookies at a party. Ask for ice cream all day. Or you give them a bowl of chips and they seemingly always want more!

Every time my mom watches my kids she says, "They eat so much fruit!" And, "They never stop eating!" She has started bringing fruit to my house when she watches them because she feels bad they go through so much. I know she wants them to be happy, get enough to eat, and to eat what they want. But it begs the question, "Should I let my kid eat what he wants?"

As the new year approaches, are you thinking about changing your eating habits? Maybe doing a 30 day detox or going on the popular Whole 30? While these programs tout themselves as "lifestyle" programs, they are actually diets in disguise. They involve following a set of rules, not eating certain things, and being restrictive. They also promise enticing results, sure to make you feel like you have to continue on the specific plan in order to achieve these things.