Become a “Contributor” to our New Cookbook & Enter our Latest Giveaway

by The Meal Makeover Moms on June 22nd, 2009

apron1It’s been five years since The Moms’ Guide to Meal Makeovers hit bookstores, and now we are happy – no, over-the-moon thrilled – to report that we’ve finally broken ground on our second cookbook.  But we can’t write the book without you!

Our vision for book #2 is to make it a collaborative effort between The Meal Makeover Moms (that’s us) and the parents who are part of our online world; those who receive our e-newsletter, listen to our podcast, read our blog and post comments, and send us emails (that’s you).  Our hope is that many of you will become “contributors” to the book by sharing your best-ever tips for turning mealtime complaints into compliments (in other words, getting your kids to try healthy new foods without a fuss) and volunteering to test one of our new kid-pleasing recipes and share your family’s feedback.

To accomplish this lofty and exciting goal, we have created a short survey on SurveyMonkey.com (click here to take the survey).  It is very straight forward and should  take less than 10 minutes to complete.  If you fill out the survey between now and July 13th we’ll enter your name into a giveaway for a Meal Makeover Moms’ apron and canvas tote bag and an autographed copy of The Moms’ Guide to Meal Makeovers.

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We’ve already gathered some really creative tips from fellow moms.  Here are a few examples of some of our favorites:

Diane P., a mom of three from Johnston, RI, offers this tip for getting veggies on the table and into kids’ tummies:
“When my children were 3, 5 and 7 years old I began to serve vegetables in a fancy side dish to only my husband and myself. One time they asked if they too could have some of the beautiful (expensive) asparagus. My husband and I looked at each other, acted as though we were giving away a treasure, and carefully portioned out a few delicate spears.
My children now 19, 21 and 23 still love asparagus.”

Deb S., a mom of two from Springfield, Ohio gets her kids excited about good nutrition by putting them to work in the kitchen:
“My kids pack their own lunch every day. They started in first grade. They come home from school, pick a snack (usually pretzels, popcorn, toast, apple, etc) then start homework. As soon as homework is done they put their lunch together and stick it in the refrigerator. They have to include at least 1 fruit and 1 vegetable, a serving of whole grain (usually whole wheat bread, Triscuits, or dry cereal like raisin bran) and a serving of protein (usually lunch meat or peanut butter). A small water bottle goes in each lunch. They may also pick one small “snack” (pudding, jello, etc). By having them pack their own lunch, they are learning how to look for and create a well balanced meal. I no longer have to make them eat vegetables or whole grains…they LOOK FOR IT.”

To get her two finicky boys to try new foods, Amy D. of Houston, TX, takes the “p” out of “picky” and lets her kids get “icky.”
“If my boys try a new food, I let them eat like a pig, and even squeal!  You’d be surprised what becomes more palatable when you can really be a pig. And, yes, there is a mess and they only get the piggy opportunity on NEW foods. Besides, after a ‘pig session’ we always get a few ’squeals’ when the same dish comes back around!”

We can’t wait to see your survey responses and look forward to working with you to make our second book a must-have for busy families.

To Enter our Giveaway, all you have to do is take the survey.

Our giveaway ends on Monday, July 13th at noon.  As always, we’ll use Random.org to choose the winner.  Good luck!

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1 Comment | Filed Under Giveaways, PickyEaters 

One Response to “Become a “Contributor” to our New Cookbook & Enter our Latest Giveaway”

  1. Donna Ducker on August 27th, 2009

    Congratulations on your next cookbook venture!!! What a great idea! After all….getting moms (and dads too) involved, is what it’s all about! I also think the key to getting kids to try new creations, is to involve them in both the menu and meal preparation. I find my son will eat anything (from salmon to chicken) when it’s made in a delicious marinade or rub. I have him pick out the ones he wants to try and then we make them together. He’s more willing and eager to try a food when it was his choice and his efforts that are behind it. I’d be honored to be a contributor….although I’m still learning how to ‘enjoy’ healthier foods myself.!!!!! It’s been a long battle (as a self-proclaimed veggie-phobe) to get myself on the right track. But, I’ve taken small steps along the way, and my family is eating better overall.

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