In this day and age of convenience, we are more disconnected from our food than ever. It is no wonder that we have unprecedented numbers of children that are labeled "picky eaters." One of the big problems is that we don't involve kids in any process around eating other than when they get to the table.
One of the things we encourage folks to do is to involve your children more in all aspects of the food experience. A family garden would be great, but for many families we encounter that is not always realistic.
The great news is that there are pick-your-own-produce farms all around you! We recently visited one near us in Mckinney, Texas and our kids absolutely adored the experience.
Pure Land Farm is owned by father-daughter duo Jack and Megan Neubauer that allow locals to come and pick a variety of produce items they are growing. More than gathering your own food, the entire experience is such a learning opportunity for our children. Kudos to the Neubauer's for posting signs at the ends of each row of produce with instructions on how to harvest each crop.
Although Pure Land Farm is closed for the season, they will be back next spring. Until then, check out all the pick-your-own produce farms in your area. Our family has our eye on Henrietta Creek Orchard in Roanoke, TX for apple picking season!
Do you have a picky eater in your home? Don't bribe, nag or force feed. Do something more impactful. Involve your kids in more aspects of the food experience - harvesting and/or shopping, menu planning and cooking. You just might find that when it's time to sit at the table for that family meal, they may be a bit more open-minded.
Our meals are so much more impactful when we know where it came from and how it was made before you take your first bite.
About Angela Lemond
Angela is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and co-owner of Lemond Nutrition. She left a successful career in corporate marketing a in 2000 to pursue her love for nutrition. After graduating with honors from the University of Texas Southwestern coordinated dietetics program, she began her career at Children's Medical Center in Dallas (now Children's Health). She trained in all areas in the hospital before landing in cardiology then gastroenterology and eventually helped start the LEAN (Lifestyle, Exercise & Nutrition) Families program for overweight children. Angela started her private practice in 2008 and left Children's in 2009. Angela is Board Certified as a Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition. Most recently, she has co-authored and is certified as a LEAN Freedom dietitian coach.
After transitioning out of inpatient pediatrics, she started understanding the importance of wellness across the family unit. Angela loves to motivate all ages to show folks the power food has to help achieve their goals and purpose in life. Whether that be helping someone with a medical problem that food can provide therapy for, or for general wellness. The behavioral aspects of eating cannot be understated. Angela loves to coach her patients and clients on the what, when and how of eating well for their specific goals. Areas she feels the most passionate about are family wellness, eating disorder recovery and digestive issues.
Angela is a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which is the 100,000 member professional organization for food and nutrition professionals across the world. Quoted nationally on hot nutrition topics, her specialties revolve around children, families and general wellness. She is serving as a media representative and Delegate for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the 4,600-member Texas affiliate of the Academy.
Angela is married with two children - Hannah age 14 and Evan age 11.
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A note from Angela:
It is my honor that you came to visit our website! If you are looking for nutrition services for you, your child, family or even if you are looking to hire us for a wellness presentation or write an article - it's important to me that you know some background on what drives our company's passion. When it comes to food and nutrition guidance, it needs to come from someone you know cares and understands.
Be sure to read our mission, vision and motto. We know that it's important that you know who you are putting your trust in to optimize your health. The staff here truly puts their heart into everything they do - each have unique skills, personalities and specialties.
Read more about my personal inspiration here.
We have have people that have gone before us and mentored us along the way. Be sure to thank them. I would like to give a special recognition for the those poignant people in my life here.
In Health & Wellness,
Angela Lemond, RDN, CSP, LD