A Few Rules of Thumb

There are a few gems in life that help us remember how to balance what is important. One I find useful is the 80/20 rule. When a well intended friend/family member/babysitter brings something less-than-healthy into our home, I remember this rule. It is that my kids can have 20% of their diet consist of things that are less than I'd prefer. This keeps balance in our lives and, I hope, keeps them from craving forbidden fruit (snacks).

The other heuristic I find helpful is the 60/40 rule. I'll write a lot about this as I find it's a key to introducing vegetables and keeping them going in our family's diet. Veggies and fruit are well mixed at a 60/40 ratio. My favorite example of this is our carrot/apple salad. I made this for my first child and it dropped off my radar screen as he was able to progressively eat more chunky foods. When my second child came along, we welcomed it back. This time it has stayed as a staple side or snack.

Carrot Apple Salad

- 2 peeled, small, sweet apples

- 1 medium peeled carrot

Grate together on the fine side of your grater, mix, add ground flax (optional) and serve.

I try to encourage using forks on this one, but it's most often eaten with clean hands at our house.

The great thing about the 60/40 rule is that it's a starting point. Once family members are used to the taste of the food, they're often more likely to enjoy the vegetable alone or in a more highlighted way. However, sometimes a 90/10 rule may need to be started and progressed to where you want. Start with a little of what you're hoping to incorporate and then gradually add more over time. For example, if you're trying to switch teenagers over to brown rice. Start with a little mixed into their traditional fare of white rice. Keep going until it's half and half and then onward to all brown. Slow and steady... the older the person, the longer it'll take to change their habits and palate.

One of the few instances when the 60/40 is a good idea and a ratio that shouldn't be changed is in the case of green smoothies. More than 40% vegetables makes it unpalatable for my family. Otherwise, go crazy! Keep pushing the envelope to see what works for you and those you love.