There are many mixed marriages out there. Carnivores are married to vegans, vegetarians are married to omnivores, raw foodists are married to those who only eat locally grown food, fast food junkies are married to those with lactose intolerance. So how can a person plan for family meals when each adult has specific food rules, and how to raise the children?
I am all for exposing children to the food traditions, likes and preferences of all adults involved in raising a child. As the children get older they will ask why certain foods are eaten or not eaten by certain individuals. This is a great time to discuss food choices, values, traditions and preferences. Let your children know why you are an omnivore, vegetarian, etc. Then let them experiment with the foods and ideas presented at your table. If meat is serve for one family member it should be available for the kids. If a child wants to follow the lead of the raw food parent, for a meal, a day or forever, let them. Forcing a child to eat only the foods of one parent or caregiver, when the other parent is eating different foods at the meal can be confusing and sometimes upsetting to a child. Don’t have someone the odd person out. Don’t extend more or less value to the choices of one person over the other.
As I have advised against making special food for a child, you don’t want to make special food for a spouse or partner because they only eat raw food. Make meals that are inclusive. Have two hearty side dishes, each representing a different food path, or make a main dish representing one type food selection with a side dish, salad or soup representing another. Perhaps a large raw foods salad, grilled fish and local corn on the cob. Everyone can eat what meets their own needs.
Enjoy the variety we are fortunate enough to have. Keep an open mind to the choices of others. For best healthy eat a variety of whole simple foods. Your and your children will thrive, whatever you choose.
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