My Kids are Bottomless Pits...

[NHdisneylover]

I never thought I'd get my DD off KD - but here we are - I have a box in my pantry she asked for at the grocery two weeks ago.......

What's KD?

Actually, I do three meals 'from scratch' every day. LOL... but no bowing please.... It's not that hard - it is just figuring out how to do it easily.
L

Oops! According to Disneylover's standard, you have just been disqualified as a "from scratch" candidate! LOL!

Nah--she is disqualified from making three full meals It is not a bad thing--I think how we are all saying we cook is normal. In spite of what the grocery store looks like I do not think most people use processed preprepared foods for their every day eating--though I think it is getting worse and worse with more and more children growing up only knowing how to prepare those things. None the less, I am NOT criticizing using leftovers, serving cold breakfasts (my own eat a yogurt and piece of fruit for breakfast most morning in the warm weather; they get hot breakfast in the winter only because DD wants it enough to et up and make muffins or oatmeal--the real stuff goes pretty quickly on the stove top as well really BTW). I just think it is normal behaviour and therefore it does not amaze me.
If you do cook 3 full meals of hot food daily and make everything from scratch (breads, pastas, sauces, soup stocks, etc--places where many of us cheat at least some of the time) then I think you go well beyond normal and i am amazed. That is all I was saying Me, I don't have time for that. I like to hang out with my kids, and get out of the kitchen once in a while (hey I need time for the DIS) and I think it is healthy to have cold breakfasts and we have cold dinners more often than not in the summer (that or off the grill), etc. Not bad just not AMAZING.

We have a rule in our house - NO GRAZING! If the kids are hungry they have to ask for a snack and we give them several choices. Meal times are planned out meals that are less impactful on the budget than letting the boys just eat their way through the pantry...

We are the food police. We are the Sleep Police. We are the Wii Police. I own you, you bottomless pit!

Well, I don't do three meals a day from scratch, unless you count pouring cereal in a bowl and adding milk! We do make fancier breakfasts on weekends, but during the week, I refuse to be a short-order cook! 4 kids, 4 different schools, 4 different wake up and eating times.

How do you do it? I have had to deal with, at most 2 schools, and that drove me nutty. I am also amazed by anyone who juggles big families and stay sane. Two kids are wonderful but they are also all I can handle.

 

[Planogirl]

I decided to check the ingredients of Chef Boyardee ravioli. My teen son loves this stuff and I really should know more about what's in it.

Water, Tomatoes (Water, Tomato Puree), Enriched Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and Folic Acid), Beef, Crackermeal (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and Folic Acid), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: High Fructose Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, Soybean Oil, Salt, Carrots, Textured Soy Protein Concentrate (Soy Protein Concentrate and Caramel Coloring), Onions, Flavorings, Caramel Coloring, Potassium Chloride, Oleoresin Paprika, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Enzyme Modified Cheese [Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), and Annatto (Color)] and Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate. CONTAINS: MILK, SOY, WHEAT

Some HFCS which is too bad but not a lot. Some chemicals which I suppose are preservatives.

Then the "nutrition" content for one serving (two in a standard can):

Calories 240

Sodium 900 mg
Potassium 350 mg

Total Fat 8g
Saturated 3g
Polyunsaturated 0g
Monounsaturated 3 g
Trans 0g
Cholesterol 15 mg

Total Carbs 35g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 5g
Protein 8g

Vitamin A 6% Calcium 2%
Vitamin C 0% Iron 10%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This isn't as bad as I expected. The sodium is high. The trouble is that DS can eat two cans which adds up to a lot! Ugh.

Just got curious!

 

[hsmamato2]

Hot pockets seem disturbingly common here I don't think I've bought one in 20 years..... really,they've never crossed my radar,but I keep seeing everyone seems to eat them..... I have cold cereal,etc in the house, but I value highly making our own food..... the other day the boys wanted to stop at a drive thru and buy fries,instead we came home and I taught them to frie up thin sliced potatoes..... they had to admit the taste wasn't even comparable when you make your own....... both of my kids know how to cook,it's a family activity around here they still complaon that I'm an evil foodlord wielding power over them....

 

[hsmamato2]

Caramel Coloring, Potassium Chloride, Oleoresin Paprika, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Enzyme Modified Cheese [Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), and Annatto (Color)] and Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate.

this is the part of ingredient lists that gets to me....you all seem worried about corn syrup and other things that you're somewhat familar with..... but what is disodium guanylate?!?!?!?!?!?!
I'm not overly concerned about salt,flours,cheese,etc. It's all the chemicals that go into processed foods that scare me....

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

What's KD?


How do you do it? I have had to deal with, at most 2 schools, and that drove me nutty. I am also amazed by anyone who juggles big families and stay sane. Two kids are wonderful but they are also all I can handle.

It's actually worse than you realize--I have one in HS, one in middle school, one in elementary,and one in preschool! After this next year, though, it's two each in HS/elem. And only the middle school (DS13!) has me on speed dial.

Seriously, though, the older two get themselves out the door pretty independently. I'm not personally a big cereal fan, but typically get them the kind with the dried fruit in it, or granola, so it stays with them better. They also do their own lunches, but I'm right here, so I can keep an eye on things. I worry a lot about the oldest and protein--she's a long-distance runner who also dances 8-9 classes a week. And she doesn't care for meat. So, I get her soy protein bars and she has her own jar of peanut butter that she eats straight. I also get a lot of yogurt--they like the ones with the mix-in stuff. They prefer the granola mix-in, which is good, but then I sometimes get the Oreos/Butterfingers mix-ins. I figure, I'm more concerned with protein and calcium. And DD actually has trouble keeping weight on, when she's in prime running season. DS13 has been gaining some weight, but grew 8 inches in the past year, so he really needs the calories and protein, too.

The little two (7 and 4), aren't quite the food pits, but need more help and guidance. And DD7 can be a picky eater, but likes healthy things, so we work around it.

 

[NHdisneylover]

t I'm an evil foodlord wielding power over them....

Oh i WANT that title!!! And, ummm, where is the tag fairy????

Caramel Coloring, Potassium Chloride, Oleoresin Paprika, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Enzyme Modified Cheese [Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), and Annatto (Color)] and Disodium Guanylate and Disodium Inosinate.

this is the part of ingredient lists that gets to me....you all seem worried about corn syrup and other things that you're somewhat familar with..... but what is disodium guanylate?!?!?!?!?!?!
I'm not overly concerned about salt,flours,cheese,etc. It's all the chemicals that go into processed foods that scare me....

I agree. I am not just worried about HFCS--it is all of it together that gets me. I do think processed fats and sugars also have a different (and worse) effect on the body than the regular stuff. I base this somewhat on how high fat food from the 50s was (or food in Germany and France IS) but how much thinner populations were in the 50s (and are in Germany and France today). Lack of exercise and portion control issues are clearly a part of the issue too--but I do think it is all of these together (and probably other stuff as well).

It's actually worse than you realize--I have one in HS, one in middle school, one in elementary,and one in preschool! After this next year, though, it's two each in HS/elem. And only the middle school (DS13!) has me on speed dial.

Seriously, though, the older two get themselves out the door pretty independently. I'm not personally a big cereal fan, but typically get them the kind with the dried fruit in it, or granola, so it stays with them better. They also do their own lunches, but I'm right here, so I can keep an eye on things. I worry a lot about the oldest and protein--she's a long-distance runner who also dances 8-9 classes a week. And she doesn't care for meat. So, I get her soy protein bars and she has her own jar of peanut butter that she eats straight. I also get a lot of yogurt--they like the ones with the mix-in stuff. They prefer the granola mix-in, which is good, but then I sometimes get the Oreos/Butterfingers mix-ins. I figure, I'm more concerned with protein and calcium. And DD actually has trouble keeping weight on, when she's in prime running season. DS13 has been gaining some weight, but grew 8 inches in the past year, so he really needs the calories and protein, too.

The little two (7 and 4), aren't quite the food pits, but need more help and guidance. And DD7 can be a picky eater, but likes healthy things, so we work around it.

and here I am celebrating because the kids' new school requires that everyone eats school lunch (it is organic and vegetarian so I can't complain, but they do come up with odd combinations at times). I still pack them a good sized snack (because half the time DS--who also can barely keep weight on) will not eat the lunches--sigh. DS is also not fond of meat (he'l eat some chicken). Will your DD take a hard boiled egg or some nuts to school as another source of protein to break up the peanut butter and soy? Those work well for DS.

 

[Poohbear5]

I've got two in college that live at home and still eat endlessly.

When I do a stock up sale, I now "hide" boxes at the back of the cupboards, closets, etc. It would never occur to them to move things to find what they are looking for, so I use that laziness to my advantage!

If the fruit and vegies are washed, cut up and front and center on the top shelf of the fridge, they will grab it if the cheezits are not right in front of them.

Though they would watch a watermelon rot before it would occur to them that they could actually cut it up themselves!

 

[Duckiedee]

KD is Kraft Dinner - About one of the most processed foods out there I think! LOL. Like I said I USED to feed us this... I'm just glad she only 'thinks' she wants it a this point. I've even got her almost all weaned off of chicken nuggets! She has these about once every two weeks now. Anyone have a good recipe for homemade? I've tried three or four and she doesn't like them... maybe though now she's eating them so rarely - she'll be more apt to try?

Aritficial stuff/additives gross me out more and more because we don't even question, as consumers, what those ingredients are.

How many of you like eating bug parts? On purpose? Carmine - which is a red dye commonly used in food is made from ground insects.

Foods like:

Ice creams,
cranberry juice,
other fruit juices
yogurts
candies
burts bees lip balm, etc.
it can also be called "CRIMSON LAKE, natural red number 4, E120, cochineal dye, natural color, or color added"

Caramel coloring is mostly made from sugar - although safe, can be made from milk or corn and regarded as a possible allergen for some people. It may also contain sulphites (which can bother people with bowel issues like IBS, Colitis, Crohn's)

Potassium Chloride is interesting - seems it is okay in the body as the body does need potassium. Is usually a salt substitute - that say Potassium Choloride itself doesn't really provide much of a salty taste and is combined with SALT (LOL) to enhance it's flavoring! Potassium Chloride is also used in fertilizer and in lethal injections (in much higher quanitities).

Oleoresin Paprika is a natural color dervied from chilies.

Citric Acid is a natural preservative used and sometimes a flavoring for acidic or sour tastes.

Maltodextrin is an additive - digested as a glucose (sugar) considered safe.
Gives a sweet flavor.

Enzyme Modified Cheese - although sounds gross - is pretty much a cheese processed and enhanced so it's flavoring is up to 30X stronger than normal. Makes the cheese into a paste that sits for a few days so it is stronger. Lipase is the enzyme used.

Annatto sometimes called Roucou, is a derivative of the achiote trees of tropical regions of the Americas, used to produce a red food coloring and also as a flavoring. Its scent is described as slightly peppery with a hint of nutmeg and flavor as slightly sweet and peppery.

Disodium Guanylate. is not safe for babies under twelve weeks, and should generally be avoided by asthmatics and people with gout, as guanylates are metabolized to purines.

Purines are not found in nature but can be produced by organic synthesis. Examples of high-purine sources include: sweetbreads, anchovies, sardines, liver, beef kidneys, brains, meat extracts (e.g., Oxo, Bovril), herring, mackerel, scallops, game meats, and gravy.

A moderate amount of purine is also contained in beef, pork, poultry, fish and seafood, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, green peas, lentils, dried peas, beans, oatmeal, wheat bran, wheat germ, and hawthorn.

Disodium Inosinate is a flavor enhancer... and this is the tricky marketing here... alone it is NOT but when combined with the above Disodium Guanylate it is another name for MSG... sneaky buggers.

Interesting...

 

[Planogirl]

That is VERY interesting. Who would know that the two items combined would form MSG? Personally, I'm not convinced that MSG is bad for everyone but why mess with it?

I have to admit that the ingredients for ravioli aren't as bad as I expected though. The fat content is relatively low (and there is a lower fat version out now) but that sodium!

 

[dfchelbay]

Feel lucky they are eating you out of house and home...mine wasted food. Once a box of cereal, bag of chips, box of crackers, etc. was opened and eaten from once, it somehow became poisonous. It got put back in the pantry and not touched again. An open box of anything was finished by the parents...guess what...that sh&*$ stopped real quick. We stopped buying most of the named brand foods and started going to the Dollar Store for such items. You want to waste in this house, you'll waste a $1.00 box of cereal, chips, and/or crackers. When you get non "brand" named foods as your main source of food, the named stuff you wasted became so desirable...and a special treat ONLY. It's amazing how the wasting of food stopped.

 

[NHdisneylover]

KD is Kraft Dinner - About one of the most processed foods out there I think! LOL.
..

Thank your for clarifying I assume that is the Mac N Cheese in the blue box? I used to use that as an ingredient in casseroles and stuff when I was learning to cook. My DMiL bought the kids Easy Mac and taugh them to make it as preschoolers That stuff is extra icky but they were so proud of themselves that they could cook I let it slide as a once a week or so thing until they tired of it on their own. You have to give sometimes

 

[Duckiedee]

Exactly on the 'giving' part. We talk about healthy choices in our home daily and I take her grocery shopping and she cooks with me a lot.

That said - I think one of the worst things you can do is make any food a big deal. I will limit stuff, but not ban it. And just try to model good food examples myself.

So once in a while an item will find it's way into our house - like Dora fruit snacks - but the 8-pack or whatever it is usually lasts a month or two because she gets one when she asks, but forgets we have them because I keep them basically out of sight.

Then when she asks for this type of food when we are out, I say "Maybe next time, when your Dora snacks are all gone" I am passively EVIL... LOL.

 

[apnep]

It's actually worse than you realize--I have one in HS, one in middle school, one in elementary,and one in preschool!

Yowza! You are one busy lady!

 

[apnep]

How many of you like eating bug parts? On purpose? Carmine - which is a red dye commonly used in food is made from ground insects.

Well, lots of other countries consider it common to eat bugs. They are good protein aren't they?

Disodium Inosinate is a flavor enhancer... and this is the tricky marketing here... alone it is NOT but when combined with the above Disodium Guanylate it is another name for MSG... sneaky buggers.

Wow. Good investigating!

 

[apnep]

That is VERY interesting. Who would know that the two items combined would form MSG? Personally, I'm not convinced that MSG is bad for everyone but why mess with it?

I have to admit that the ingredients for ravioli aren't as bad as I expected though. The fat content is relatively low (and there is a lower fat version out now) but that sodium!

Yup. That sodium is a kicker. That's why it's classified as junk food in my house and I don't buy it often. As far as fat content, it isn't bad and the small cup size is a good serving size, if only they make themselves a salad to go with!!!

Again, it's summer and I'm indulging in letting the kids have the things they like. But, I tell ya, its a good excuse to buy that Kitchen Aid ravioli maker I've been eyeballin!

Ang

 

[apnep]

Exactly on the 'giving' part. We talk about healthy choices in our home daily and I take her grocery shopping and she cooks with me a lot.

That said - I think one of the worst things you can do is make any food a big deal. I will limit stuff, but not ban it. And just try to model good food examples myself.

So once in a while an item will find it's way into our house - like Dora fruit snacks - but the 8-pack or whatever it is usually lasts a month or two because she gets one when she asks, but forgets we have them because I keep them basically out of sight.

Then when she asks for this type of food when we are out, I say "Maybe next time, when your Dora snacks are all gone" I am passively EVIL... LOL.

This is exactly what I'm talking about. You have to teach the kids how to balance their food properly and teach them that it's OK to eat whatever you want as long as it is in moderation. The last thing I want is for them to go binge on junk, and my kids enjoy eating ALL sorts of good for you stuff. That is why we were so frustrated when we went to Disney World this summer on the QDP, and all my youngest two could eat were chicken nuggest, macaroni, and burgers. They wanted the variety the adult menu offered and after two days were sick of their meal choices. I have to admit as much as I complained earlier, my kids have a very good palate for a variety of foods and will eat lots of different meats, fish, and veggies. I guess now I just need to teach them to cook more!

Ang

 

[NHdisneylover]

But, I tell ya, its a good excuse to buy that Kitchen Aid ravioli maker I've been eyeballin!

Ang

Now you're talking!

 

[dgthree]

Thank your for clarifying I assume that is the Mac N Cheese in the blue box?

Duckiedee must be in Canada - Kraft Dinner is the Canadian version of the US blue box, yes. And to be honest (even if is one of the least healthy things in the world), the Canadian KD is a heck of a lot tastier than its US counterpart. It's surprising how much less sweetener they use in products up there. Wish the US would get on that bandwagon...

 

[marthachick]

I actually have that book in soft cover, but it's been used so much the pages have all fallen out of the binder and are all out of order. Come to think of it, that cookbook is the one I learned to cook with...except using my mom's...the one with the hard cover. I should go get another one cuz it gives instruction on the differenct kinds of dicing and slicing and such...

Mine is falling apart too! It's a great cookbook. I have thought about punching holes in it & getting a binder for it though. I have notes on my recipes I use so I really don't want a new one.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Duckiedee must be in Canada - Kraft Dinner is the Canadian version of the US blue box, yes. And to be honest (even if is one of the least healthy things in the world), the Canadian KD is a heck of a lot tastier than its US counterpart. It's surprising how much less sweetener they use in products up there. Wish the US would get on that bandwagon...

Ahh, thanks for that. I never ran into it. I am not surprised at all that it is less sweet in Canada--we really noticed when we went back to the US in December how sweet everything (and I mean everything, breads and tortillas and pasta sauce) tasted now that we are used to foods that are not all filled with sweetener. We didn't really notice when we were eating it often but when we had not had it we were shocked (and it was really pretty icky tasting too).