As a mom to a wonderful, nonverbal son on the spectrum, I’ve learned to celebrate every small victory. Recently, one of our biggest wins has been discovering a super frugal feeding hack for one of his favorite foods – Chinese lo mein.
If you have a child with autism, you know how challenging it can be to find foods they love and stick to. My son’s diet is very limited. It can get expensive to keep up with his preferred meals. For example, one of his safety foods is bacon. Fortunately, this hack has been a game changer.
So, take a seat mama. I’m thrilled to share this feeding hack with you.
Preferred Safety Food: Chinese
My son absolutely loves Chinese food. He specifically likes lo mein noodles and chicken fried rice. I used to buy six packs of veggie lo mein from Sam’s Club for $15. While it’s a decent deal, it was still adding up. Especially considering his little sister liked the noodles too. We could easily clear two boxes of it a week.
The situation put me in a bit of a bind. How could I curb the cost on our groceries without compromising his already limited diet? Fortunately, I found a simple frugal hack.
Chinese Lo Mein – Wikimedia Commons
The Discovery: A Feeding Hack?
One day, I stumbled upon a simple yet brilliant idea that changed everything. I realized the key to my son’s beloved lo mein was the noodles and the savory soy sauce. It got me thinking – what if I could recreate this at home using something more budget-friendly?
Enter the humble spaghetti noodles and soy sauce. We often receive spaghetti noodles from food pantries, so they’re readily available and sometimes even free. Soy sauce is incredibly cheap and can be found in any grocery store. So, I decided to give it a try.
The Process: Feeding Hack In Action
Here’s how I did it:
- Boil the Spaghetti: I cooked the spaghetti noodles just like I normally would. Once they were done, I drained them and set them aside.
- Add Soy Sauce: In a large pan, I heated a bit of oil and added the spaghetti noodles. Then, I poured in a generous amount of soy sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your child’s preference. I stirred everything together until the noodles were well-coated and heated through.
- Optional Add-ins: If your child is open to it, you can add veggies or protein. My son prefers his noodles plain. I, however, can steam some veggies and protein on the side to put on top of some noodles for myself and my husband.
The Result: Was The Feeding Hack Successful?
If I’m being completely honest with you, I didn’t expect this to work. My son is incredibly picky when it comes to his safety foods. He doesn’t like new brands. Once he got a taste of the noodles, he inhaled the entire plate.
My son did not reject this homemade version like he normally would. Instead, he devoured it with the same enthusiasm he had when we ordered him Chinese. I felt a sense of relief wash over me, knowing I could provide him with something he loves without breaking the bank.
Chinese Lo Mein – Wikimedia Commons
And, now? Well, now I find myself boiling two pounds of spaghetti once a week and keeping a large container of lo mein noodles in the fridge. My son can get in the fridge and bring me the container, telling me when he wants noodles. Likewise, it is also something conveniently I can scoop a little on his plate when I’m serving him meals.
The Savings
This simple switch has saved us a significant amount of money. Spaghetti noodles from food pantries cost us nothing, and a bottle of soy sauce costs less than two dollars and lasts for many servings. Compared to the $30-$45 we were spending each week on lo mein from Sam’s Club, the savings are substantial.
Why Am I Even Telling You This?
For parents of children with autism, finding foods that our kids will eat can be a constant struggle. When we do find those “safe foods,” it’s often a huge relief. That relief can sometimes be limited depending on the price of that safety food.
This hack has not only made feeding my son easier but more affordable too. It’s one less thing to worry about in our daily lives.
A Message To Fellow Parents
If you’re in a similar boat, I encourage you to try this feeding hack. It’s a small change that can make a big difference. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Celebrate those small wins. Even if it comes as a simple plate of noodles and soy sauce.
Lastly, thank you for taking the time to read our story. I hope it inspires you to find your own little hacks and celebrate the victories, no matter how small they may seem.
