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.
No information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.
About Angela Lemond
Angela is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and co-owner of Lemond Nutrition. Angela has been a nutrition media spokesperson for over 16 years with 9 of those years being a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2011-2021).
Angela still sees patients two days per week. Her specialty areas are clinical pediatrics, digestive health, wellness and behavioral nutrition (prevention and treatment of eating disorders). Angela realizes that behavioral health status is a big influencer in the individual's relationship with food and eating. She loves supporting individuals and involving discussion across the family unit. Angela is a strong proponent of the promotion of health and wellness regardless of body size. Gentle nutrition guidance versus a strict, black and white regimen is her philosophy.
Angela is a graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern coordinated dietetics program where she entered the food and nutrition profession as a second career professional. Angela is currently working on her master's in clinical mental health counseling and is working to be a dual role practitioner as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). She looks forward to creating more patient / client therapy in the food and mood space.
Nutrition advocacy and professional involvement is important to Angela. She is actively involved in local, state and national legislative issues pertaining to food and nutrition support and coverage. Angela’s a member of the following professional groups:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
--Academy Dietetic Practice Groups: Behavioral Health Nutrition (BHN) and Pediatric Nutrition (PN)
Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP) – DFW Chapter
International Federation of Eating Disorders Dietitians
American Counseling Association
(student member)
Texas Counseling Association (student member)
Angela is an avid world traveler and explorer of rich cultures and diversity. She adores the outdoors, her husband of over 20 years (co-owner) and her two children - Hannah age 17 and Evan age 14.
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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, LD