family meals

Maybe Jamie Oliver needs to invade our homes, not our schools. Between shuttling tots between activities, managing our careers, and running our households, moms are busier than ever before and it's showing in how we feed our kids.

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that more kids are eating foods prepared outside the home than ever before and this may be tied to the rise in tots' daily caloric intake. According to researchers, since 1994 parents have been feeding lil ones more store-prepared and fast foods than ever before, and they're not eating them in their own homes. In 1977, kids ate 23.4 percent of their calories outside their home, while in 2006 that number was closer to 34 percent.

Busy times call for meals that can be grabbed and consumed on the go. Tell the truth, how often does your family really eat a home-cooked meal at home?

Editor’s note: The following is a guest post written by Annabel Karmel, the British children's chef and kiddie cookbook author. This week Annabel shares tips for ensuring lil ones get enough to eat throughout the day!

There is no definitive guide to portion sizes for tots. Babies' appetites vary for many reasons, so it is important to be flexible and not to worry if some days they don't eat very much. A baby's appetite may increase during a growth spurt and they may eat less when cutting teeth as the gums can be very sore.

Generally tots will tell you when they have had enough as they often stop opening their mouths or they throw food on the floor! Between nine-12 months, babies need to drink 18-21 ounces of breast milk or formula — any more may fill them up so they will not eat as much as they should. Giving the daytime drinks in cups (with teats) is another good way to ensure baby doesn't fill up on fluids but still remains hydrated.

For toddlers it is a good idea to make individual portions in small ramekins or bowls such as mini fish pie. Small versions of your family meal will be appetizing, rather than daunting, for them and will look more attractive than a dollop of food on the plate. You can make several individual portions at a time and then freeze them so you have your own healthy convenience food on hand on days when you don't have time to cook.

To see three of Annabel's perfectly portioned recipes, read more

Chicken — it's what's for dinner . . . a few nights a week! When time is of the essence and there are hungry mouths to feed, mama needs a few tricks up her sleeve to get dinner on the table. Takeout may be fast, but it takes a toll on the wallet. Rotisserie chicken — be it the $6 kind from Costco or a $20 version from a gourmet shop — gives moms endless options for providing the family with a nutritious meal. Here are 10 kid-friendly ways to serve up the dinnertime staple without it ever feeling old.

• Chicken Pot Pie: The favorite comfort food can be whipped up over the weekend and reheated on a busy school night.
• Rotisserie Chicken with Dried Fruit and Pine Nuts : The sweet addition of dried fruit will win over picky eaters who shun the protein.
• Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas: This south-of-the-border dish sneaks in iron-rich spinach hidden beneath melted cheese.
• Chicken Pita Pockets: Cold sandwiches are ideal for families who squeeze in dinner between soccer practice and homework.
• Chicken and Mozzarella Panini: These warm, pressed sandwiches also pack well for school lunches.

To see the rest of our rotisserie chicken meals, read more