Meal Portions

[Blackcat31]

Good information. It just seems like such small amounts. A couple of my toddlers eat twice this amount.

I agree that the portions seem small but I also think that we (as a culture) tend to over eat.

I think ideally the portions ARE a good size.

Unfortunately, McDonalds and every other kid friendly place to eat serves portions so big that we "think" we need to eat that much when in reality we really don't.

It's common for adults to have that "A-ha" moment too when they diet or switch over to a healthier diet....one of the first things people say is "my portion sizes were way off" so I think our culture's idea of a portion size and the real required portion sizes is severely gapped.

[Unregistered]

Protein is in everything by the way, even veggies have protein

Correct! I hate the USDA guidlines! But since we have to follow them I was specific about protein.
I'd like to have a vegan daycare personally!!

[Unregistered]

I offer unlimited veggies after seconds.

Ditto! If they are hungry they will eat them. Lower calorie but tummy fillers!

[Unregistered]

I agree that the portions seem small but I also think that we (as a culture) tend to over eat.

I think ideally the portions ARE a good size.

Unfortunately, McDonalds and every other kid friendly place to eat serves portions so big that we "think" we need to eat that much when in reality we really don't.

It's common for adults to have that "A-ha" moment too when they diet or switch over to a healthier diet....one of the first things people say is "my portion sizes were way off" so I think our culture's idea of a portion size and the real required portion sizes is severely gapped.

So true. A happy meal is 500 calories. That's a meal for ME!

[mamamanda]

This is on me b/c I'm ultimately the one giving her the food, but I've been worried about this for a while and today I think I got my answer. I knew dcg had ate with dcd just before drop off, but since other kids were eating and she of course wanted food I went ahead and fed her again. Not a lot, but enough. A little while later she threw an all out tantrum over something completely unrelated, but she screamed and thrashed around until she threw up. I sent her home, but there's been no vomiting since and she seems fine so I'm thinking she overfilled her tummy and then shook it all up with the tantrum. So, I'm going to take the advice offered here and offer regular portion sizes and then more veggies if she's still "hungry." I do think she will be done rather than eat the veggies and will probably throw a fit about it, but at least the fit won't end in vomit. And if she truly is hungry, the veggies are always an option to her.

[Unregistered]

Sounds like you are feeding her plenty (portion wise) especially if she is getting seconds. Is she confusing thirst with hunger? I'd make sure she is getting water during the day.

Also, like others have said, make sure she is getting enough protein. With the spaghetti I'd serve extra cheese over the sauce or cottage cheese or both. I don't use hamburger. If I do beef it's roast beef.

[Baby Beluga]

I agree that the portions seem small but I also think that we (as a culture) tend to over eat.

I think ideally the portions ARE a good size.

Unfortunately, McDonalds and every other kid friendly place to eat serves portions so big that we "think" we need to eat that much when in reality we really don't.

It's common for adults to have that "A-ha" moment too when they diet or switch over to a healthier diet....one of the first things people say is "my portion sizes were way off" so I think our culture's idea of a portion size and the real required portion sizes is severely gapped.

I agree with this. When I was younger a chicken nugget value meal at McDonalad's was 6 pieces, now it is 10

[KarenSue]

I agree that the portions seem small but I also think that we (as a culture) tend to over eat.

I think ideally the portions ARE a good size.

Unfortunately, McDonalds and every other kid friendly place to eat serves portions so big that we "think" we need to eat that much when in reality we really don't.

It's common for adults to have that "A-ha" moment too when they diet or switch over to a healthier diet....one of the first things people say is "my portion sizes were way off" so I think our culture's idea of a portion size and the real required portion sizes is severely gapped.

I do agree. I printed it off and plan to use it.

[mamamanda]

I've been using these portion sizes the last couple days. I will allow seconds and then I say, "You've had enough for right now. We'll let our tummy rest and have some more at snack/lunch/next meal." Dcg still complains, but she is fighting me less on it. And the veggies are always an option which she declines so she must not be too hungry. And she is just as energetic in between meals as normal so I think we're doing just fine. Having the chart as a guide really helps. Thanks to all for the advice!

[AmyKidsCo]

I use those portion sizes too, and give seconds of everything, except milk - I offer water instead. I also allow unlimited veggies, but most of the time the child who wants 3rds of spaghetti isn't hungry enough for 3rds of peas.