[anjy99]

My counselor at MRC told me that if you "cheat" it can kick you out of ketosis for 48-72 hours and that's it's very important to stay OP. I totally get that and it makes sense.. but I'm having a hard time making meals for my family without at least tasting once to make sure it's ok. How do you handle the tasting part? I've done it for 2 weeks now, no tasting.. but today I made some sausage couscous for my kids and I didn't realize it was a bit spicy until they of course tried it and acted like they were dying.

[JenB72]

Originally Posted by anjy99

How do you handle the tasting part?

I don't taste anymore. Instead, get someone else, like your kids, to try it for you. Sounds like they have good taste buds.

[rachels77]

I try not to taste, as much... but I'm nearing the end of program, so I've gotten more relaxed. And, it has bitten me on the scale!

I do notice, however, that if I go off-plan I notice a "blah" feeling and increase on the scale for about 3 days...

[anjy99]

Wow, well than that answers that question. Thanks ladies. I'm trying to get more creative with dinners at home for the family which is why it was on my mind.. but I'll wing it and let the kids decide. Haha

[rachels77]

Just a thought - I felt guilty about the kids having to eat differently when I joined the program, but I didn't want to cook two separate meals all the time...

So I modified their dinners with whatever I had cooked for me and they seem to really like it... For example, I made the grilled chicken into nuggets with some light ranch and they thought it was yummy... They also discovered that they like cauliflower (mashed) and broccoli with some light ranch. And, they didn't notice the switch to FF cottage cheese... They also liked the yogurt and seemed to really notice what they were eating, which I think was nice.

I still have one (my 7 year old) who is picky and takes 1/2 bottle of ranch for one broccoli floret, but we're getting there

[anjy99]

Rachels77-- I'm working on that.... baby steps.. they're definitely pasta, rice, etc type eaters and will not eat grilled chicken to save their life. But I'm working on it. The next 6 months will be a huge evolution in our family

[camaswa]

My kid is grown now but Ranch dressing worked wonders. Maybe if you cut the chicken into strips for dipping? It's really hard to have to make two meals,plus then you have more temptation. Another iidea is pasta for them, spaghetti squash for you. And have you heard of miracle noodles? Not on program, but I don't see why not- google it. I have made it a few times for me when my husband really wants pasta. I keep meaning to bring the bag into the center to ask. It has like no calories. Too expensive for kids, it would be for you when they have spaghetti.

[anjy99]

thx camaswa... I'll look into that. It has been tough making 2 meals each time, that's for sure

[aw82797]

I have been cooking the same meals for them as I do for me I just modify it a little, they eat the same meat as I do and the same veggie as I do then I will make them some kind of noodle dish (well I make my 10 year old cook that LOL), & I will have my melba toast or whatever starch I will have or we will have potato I just fix my tiny amount of potato differently then thiers. so far it is working well for me & deffinately less temptation because I only have to avoid one thing and eat one thing differently. but I am also that mean mommy that believes if you don't like what I cooked then you can go hungry (within reason of course I wouldn't make them eat spicy things)

[ynapier]

aw - I'm the same mean mom and I don't do two different meals on a regular basis. My kids have always eaten what we eat though. So that was not a problem in our house.

[anjy99]

I hear you.. unfortunately, I tried to stand my ground when my ods was 2 and started the picky eating, but he is underweight and has several food allergies, so it was more important to make sure he is eating healthy foods and gaining than to push the issue. Now, he's 5 and becoming better about trying new things and is gaining better, so that's why I say baby steps. Thankfully my 19 month old is pretty good eating what's in front of him.

[aw82797]

I understand, my youngest had an intolerance to potato & tomato for awhile when she was a year old thankfully it was not a true allergy and she outgrew it. & my middle child is underweight but he is tube fed & I have no desire for pediasure LOL but if he wasnt tube fed I am sure I would feed him whatever he would eat just to make him gain. (we're talking 33 lb 9 year old here, he just doesn't grow)