Today, I've got a fun way to start encouraging healthier eating with your kids. Ever since I saw these plates a few months ago, I've been thinking of a way to use Porcelain pens...so,
Healthy Eating Plate!
I had a great conversation with Mitzi Dulan the other day about incorporating more fiber into your family's diet. We both agreed that one of the best ways to do that is to eat more whole grain and fruits/vegetables. In fact, if you try to fill your plate half full with fruits/veggies, a fourth full of whole grains, and a forth of lean protein, you are right on track!
So, the girls and I created these plates and they LOVE them! They can see for themselves how to fill their plates and they've had so much finding new ways to do it.
All you need for this project is an oven and:
- A small white salad plate (we got ours in a set at Fred Meyer for under a dollar each. You could also check your local dollar store). You could also use big plates, but this size is a little better for the kids.
-Porcelain Paint Pens. We used the Pebeo brand and they were very easy to use--no smudging or blobs of paint, two thumbs up from us! Check your local art supply store or you can order online here. They are non-toxic and will be dishwasher/microwave safe once baked.
Directions:
Make sure plate is clean and dry. Draw dots around the entire edge of plate, then divide in half with dots. Divide one of your halves in half again with dots.
Label each appropriately and draw little "examples" of each section (the kids loved this part!). 
Let dry for 24 hours then bake in a 300 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Once baked, the plates are microwave and dishwasher safe.
Now, just for fun...To get the most out of our Porcelain Pen investment, we also made some large plates to send them to Grandma and Grandpa for Mothers/Fathers day. I think they'd also be a great end-of-the-year Teacher gift written with things the kids liked about their teacher or something they learned that year. The possibilities are endless! Have fun!
