Because I'm THAT Mom

See, you have to know where one comes from to understand where one is now.

Or not. 

How many of us still cling to those wonderful memories of grandma feeding us butter and sugar sandwiches on white bread? Just me? Um...I'll, uh, be over here then. Because I would totally eat one if it magically appeared in front of me. Ok, just one bite. 

I never thought I would be the kind of crazy mom who thinks and agonizes over the long-term health effects of the shit I feed my kids. I never thought I would do a lot of things as a mom, but didn't we all? 

Growing up, I was not exactly fed the best diet. As a young child, doted upon my grandmother and great-grandparents, I basically ate whatever I wanted. I will say though, that I don't remember ever being picky, especially if there was even a hint of that white stuff in it. You know, those little crystals that are practically considered poison by hippies. It's ok. I'm a little bit of a hippy, too.

Maybe not a hippy. Just a nervous mom who thinks that she is poisoning her children, or at the very least, accelerating the process of bone weakness due to a lack of vitamin D. I do a lot of internet-based medical, health, and wellness research in my job. My colleagues and I are always swapping articles, interviews, or new books on the latest trends and data in health research. Mostly about food and diet. So I'm constantly overthinking about what I should be feeding my kids, in what ratios, and what supplements they may need.

Full confession: my kids, husband, and I eat way more sugar and grain-based carbs than I think we should be. That does not mean we eat like total crap, but there is definitely room for improvement. I read, and talk, and freak out over what we purchase, but I still send them to school with cheese puffs. If I could find non-GMO cheese puffs, even better. I'm sure you'll hear plenty about my never-going-to-work ideas for stuffing kale and quinoa into a candy bar somehow. Compared to the average American family diet, I don't have to be too concerned. But there is also evidence that establishing healthy eating habits even in infancy influences eating habits in later childhood, and possibly adulthood. 

So I could go on and on about nutrition because I'm a crazy person (S hates grocery shopping with me), but today I do want to touch on the importance of omega 3 fatty acids, and maybe give you a tip to help your kids consume more of them, and in the right ratios. 

A good friend of mine all but forced me to try the fish oil she gives her kids, and I have to say, I was hooked. We don't eat a lot of fish because my husband is a man-child and apparently can't handle the smell. I have been cooking fish more for myself and the kids, and disguising it as "chicken," with great success! I'll post a recipe soon. 

Anyways, we've been purchasing Barlean's Omega Swirl Fish Oil in Lemon Zest flavor for over a year now. It really is delicious, and kids of all ages can take it as it is not in capsule or pill form. Totally tastes like lemon frosting. And I would say it's kid-approved, which it is, but more importantly, its husband approved. Yes, man-child, I'm telling you. Note: I purchase this product at Wegman's (grocery store), and it is located in a small refrigerator in the vitamin aisle. Update: Amazingly, this product is available on Amazon, and I have started subscribing for auto-ship. Click here to view the product (affiliate link). 

So, back to being THAT mom. My kids will eat a few vegetables, but leafy greens are a struggle. And forget about trying different dressings. The looks I get when I offer ranch dressing...what kid doesn't like ranch dressing?! Obviously kids not raised in Texas, ahem. 

But a couple of weeks ago, I had a lightbulb moment. They had been asking for their daily dose of lemon swirl, so I attempted negotiation tactics. They already had a serving of "salad" on their plates.

"I'll give you fish oil in a minute. After you eat your dinner, INCLUDING your salad."

Whining ensues. Lightbulb then goes off.

"Ok, ok. I'll give you fish oil on your salad, but you HAVE to eat it. Not just lick it off."

Gone. All gone. The 4-year-old ate all of it. The 7-year-old ate most of it. The baby, well, she licked all the lemony goodness off, but she did eat her broccoli!

I realize that there are contamination concerns with fish oil, so there are many plant-based options. As always, there is plenty of conflicting information over which is the best source. I believe that consuming these nutrients in whole food is the optimal choice, but I also think that you have to do what you can to keep yourself from going crazy with worry over your kid's diets. 

So fish oil as salad dressing. It's the little things. 

What are some of your successful (or not!) lightbulb ideas to get your kids to eat healthy foods?

*While I do not automatically assume government reports and recommendations are always correct, I feel a responsibility to only link to government reports, peer-reviewed articles, or articles and research that I believe is valid. Keep in mind that anyone can interpret data and evidence the way they want.