One step at a time...again...

Life would be a lot less complicated if we all just liked the food that is healthy for us...isn't that true?  Regardless of how I want my children or my family to eat, I personally still gravitate towards the foods that I loved as a child--chicken nuggets, pasta with butter and parmesan cheese, french fries, pizza...you name it.  I am actually proud of myself when I "shop the perimeter" of the grocery store, and see all the fruits and veggies and "whole foods" I put in my cart.  It is evidence that even I can change my ways. 

My kids are not always as adventurous as I want them to be (I really can't blame them--I never tried anything new growing up!)  But, I am trying hard to change that,  to help them love healthy food, and encourage them to consider "treats", well...a treat!  Also,  I am making more of an effort to make those treats myself, so I know the ingredients going into them. 

The biggest change I am trying to make is to just include them in the prep work and decision making in the kitchen.  I have a hard time "letting go" and just letting the mess happen.  I've always been that way--I can't deal with all the cleanup associated with them "helping" me, but lately I have been able to let them make a mess while they are preparing a dish--and I have NOT had a nervous breakdown!

I recently read an article about the many benefits of including your child in your (and their) food prep.  http://www.portlandfamily.com/posts/kids-in-the-kitchen-10-benefits-of-cooking-with-children/  After reading this, I know I am making the right decision including them in the dinner-making process.

Also, for a great kids cooking/food magazine, check out ChopChop.  They are fantastic!!  Check it out here: http://www.chopchopmag.org/

Have a great week!

Continuing on my path

I admit, I am a HORRIBLE procrastinator!  Actually, I am really good at it...that is my problem.  That is why it has taken me almost 6 months to blog again.  I hope I am forgiven, and I hope to blog regularly from now on.

I missed blogging about the summer Farmers' Market season!  It was fantastic.  I, personally, did not get there nearly as much as I thought I would, but when I did I kept kicking myself for not going more often.  The whole culture of the market is different.  The farmers and vendors really love their product.  Yes, they want to sell it to you, but they have more often than not, put their hard work and blood, sweat and tears into what they are selling and it is reflected in their attitudes.  They are interested and engaged in potential buyers, and I have learned they are always willing to teach and there is NEVER a stupid question!

Onto the healthy eating front.  I am still trying to move away from fast food as a whole for my family.  I don't think my husband has had it in months, and neither have I.  The kids have occasionally, as a treat.  But even in this crazy, busy fall season I am making a huge effort to even just put out cucumber slices and grapes as a snack, and make dinner at home.  Even if it is sandwiches, I know where all the ingredients came from and I feel this is a healthier alternative than the drive-thru.  I am hoping all these itsy-bitsy changes will eventually turn into healthier eating as a whole for myself and my family.  Do I still buy cookies?  Absolutely!! Do I still eat ice cream?  Most definitely!!  But, overall I am trying to make healthier changes to our diets so treats will remain just that...treats. 

In the next few weeks, I will be posting some kid friendly meals, and also posting about different ways to get kids involved with the cooking.  If they are involved in the process, they may be more apt to try something new!

Thanks for reading--have a great week!!