Mealtime Tips

• Be a role model for your child, make sure your portions aren't too big.
• Resign from the "clean plate" club. Allow children to stop eating when they
  are no longer hungry.
• Allow children to serve themselves whenever possible.
• Encourage small first portions, reassuring children that they can have
  seconds if they are still hungry.
• Encourage children to eat slowly and take "small bites."
• Package snack items in individual servings.
• Use smaller plates and bowls.
• Buy smaller packages of snack foods.
• Prepare food in batches and divide prepared recipes into the number of servings specified BEFORE eating. Save leftovers or freeze.
• Don't put the pan of food on the table. Serve individual portions on each
  plate.
• Do put the veggies and salads on the table, seconds of these are good!
• Don't put the whole loaf of bread on the table, one slice per plate.
• Always drink milk or water with your meal.
• Talk between bites, it makes your dinner last longer.
• Provide companionship at mealtimes and promote family meals.
• DO NOT have the TV on while you are eating dinner.
• Invest in a crock pot so meals are ready when you walk in the door.
• Make placemats to use at the dinner table.
• Make dinner family time, everyone helps from beginning to end.
• When time is of essence, keep meals simple yet nutritious.
• Have some guidelines, no fighting or teasing at the table.
• Try not to control conversations.
• Be open to trying new foods.
• Have everyone cut their food up, don't shove big portions of food into your
  mouth. Remember, it takes 20 minutes for your body to send you "full" messages.
• Dessert isn't a necessity, make it a once a week option or serve fruit as
  dessert.
• Don't put bags of chips or food on the table, always put serving size only.
• Follow nutrition guidelines when planning or serving dinner.
• Choose foods that require a little cooking time, rather than instant foods.