I knew when I gave birth to Tyler that the day would come when I couldn't believe how much my sons could eat. I just didn't expect it to be so soon. I mean, Tyler just turned one and Alex isn't even three. And yet, if I cook for four, there's pretty much nothing left over. Maybe just enough for one person. Certainly not enough for lunch for Marc and me, which used to be the case.
I know I have to adjust, but it's not as easy as it seems, mostly because I'm always pressed for time. So if I make macaroni and cheese, it's an all-in-one dish. I make it with whole wheat pasta, ground beef, carrots and spinach. Because there are veggies already in there, I rarely make a side dish, which would be the ideal way to stretch the mac and cheese. But now if I want the same amount of leftovers, my alternatives are to make more mac and cheese or to also find the time to make a side dish of veggies.
I would prefer the latter. It would be healthier and cheaper. And maybe Alex will finally eat some vegetables (he's good with fruit, not so much with veggies). Again, it's mostly the time issue that gives me pause. I mean, it wasn't that long ago that I could hardly find the time to cook anything.
Meanwhile, it blows my mind to think that this is just a taste of what's to come. Two growing boys will soon, I expect, each eat more at a meal than Marc and I eat combined. I'm going to need a bigger slow cooker and more casserole dishes!
4 comments:
My children are almost the same age as yours. My oldest is a boy and will be 3 in February and my daughter will be 1 in January.
I am quite suprised that my daughter, who is not yet 20 pounds, out eats my son!
I do most of our cooking and have become a wiz at crock pot meals for those days I know I will be working late. Tonight we had my favorite crock pot roast. I'd be happy to share the recepie if your interested.
I feel your pain. I have 3 boys - 16, 14 and 12. If I make macaroni and cheese, I have to cook for 8 (!!) and still serve a side and a salad. Usually an hour after a meal they are eating another piece of fruit, too. I still can't believe how much food they can eat.
I use my crockpot often - sometimes 3-4 times a week. I use it for beans (for burritos or soup) make lost of different soups, and sometimes a meat dish.
The best thing I can recommend is to be prepared. Keep cut vegetables in the fridge, so you can just grab them. Keep lots of fruit on hand. Less meat, more beans. Whole wheat and brown rice are your friends. They are more filling, and better for you.
Remarkably, I am still able to keep our grocery budget at $75-100 a week.
Good luck!
You're not the only one. My boys are 2.5 and 5 and we used to share food off our plates in restaurants. Lately we have been ordering them each a kids meal and they have been eating every bite. Last night I made tacos and neglected to make a side dish. My youngest ate 5 whole loaded tacos and my older ate 4. My poor husband who was late for dinner was stuck with only 2!
@Art - Wow, your daughter is busy growing! And sure, I'd love a copy of your recipe - thank you!
@Krista - Thanks for the tips! I am very impressed at your grocery budget!
@Tamara - LOL at your husband's dinner! My kids do seem to eat the same amount that he does sometimes - I can't believe it's happening already!
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