I’m participating for the first time this week in a new meme – well new to me – called Mamalicious Monday.  It’s a meme hosted by The Gift Closet in which us mom’s just write a post up about something in the life of the mom.  How easy is that? So what could I talk about mom related?  After thinking it sounded so easy, I’ve quickly thought  - “geez….which topic do I choose?”

Then I decided to share this neat tip for getting your kids to try new things and eat all of a serving.  I read this in a magazine a few months ago and it has worked so great with my youngest who hates the idea of ever trying anything new.  Instead of using normal plates, we use a muffin pan.  Yep you read right a muffin pan like the one you see on the left.  Think of it kind of like those trays you use in school with each section in them.  Then we put a serving of each thing we are eating in each opening.

This makes it seem like only a small amount so she’s more willing to try it.  It also makes mealtime seem more fun.  I invested in a set of the flexible plastic muffin pans like this as I wasn’t keen on eating out of the metal ones. This really makes eating a little more exciting.  Cameron doesn’t really like to eat any vegetable or trying new things, but when I put them in this fun tray, she’ll sit down and try them without the fuss. 

I’m also working on eating smaller portions and a more varied and healthy diet and find that if I limit myself to a serving in one of the muffin openings and don’t go back for seconds that I am eating less.  If I make Cameron eat a vegetable, I put a serving in my “tray” also so I’m doing better at eating a healthy meal.

If you have anything to say regarding parenting, marriage, funny things kids say, recipes, home-organizing tips, seeking or giving advice, etc. Anything a Mom would want to share or read!, join in Mamalicious Mondays at The Gift Closet. This is a great way to get to know other mom bloggers and there’s usually a prize involved.