Healthy Food and Children Can it Work?

kideatinghealty

Trying to get our children to eat healthy foods can be hard. Kids have more reasons as to why they shouldn’t eat their fruits and vegetables then why they think pizza is at the top of the food group chain. If it’s not the taste then it’s the color or they might be allergic to it. As parents we have heard it all and kids continue to master there way of getting out of eating healthy nutritious foods. Yet with a little imagination and quick thinking there are ways to accomplish what most mothers believe can never be accomplished. Hey if they can sneak it to the dog then we can use our own stockpile of weaponry to make sure they eat healthy.

Plan Meals Together

Kids are more apt to eat something they made, or at least planned to make. Letting your kids design the weekly meal, and even help cook the meals increases the chance they will try and like foods you are preparing.

Children are stimulated and become completely engrossed when they have the opportunity to get into a hands-on position. By allowing them to help plan the meals and to prepare and cook the food, children see exactly what goes in to the pot and there are fewer surprises for them to come up with the excuse they don’t like what is in it.

Have Healthy Options Available

Nothing is worse than watching your kid look for a snack, finding nothing healthy and heading right for the ice cream with chocolate sauce and whip cream. Children learn from, and rely heavily on the ability to make their own decisions, whether it is on what clothes they want to wear to the types of foods they want to eat. It is important to offer a wide variety of choices to your kids. Just remember to respect their likes and dislikes and change the different options up frequently so they don’t get bored.

Let Them Follow Your Lead

Children’s minds are like a piece of bread, soaking up all of the oil surrounding it. Being a role model and continually trying new foods in front of and with your child can help to shape their ideas about trying new things. It is important to let your kids see that it is ok, and even fun, to try new things from time to time. Demonstrating the adventure and intrigue of trying new foods will stick in your child’s memory for the rest of their life.

Getting your children to eat healthy is as simple as letting them get involved. Interacting with all of their senses, suddenly trying new foods becomes fun and intriguing. Allowing children to help out in preparing the meal builds a sense of pride and accomplishment. If all else fails, throw some new fruits and veggies in the blender with a little honey and they will never know the delicious smoothie they are drinking is actually good for them. Hiding the foods they don’t like, inside of foods they love, is a great fail-safe weapon to keep locked and loaded.

The Microwave Myth

microwave

Our beloved microwave, or as some may call it the greatest invention since sliced bread. Suddenly dinner doesn’t seem like such a hot dreaded task anymore. Just pop a meal in and snatch it out. Microwave cooking can be a faster and easier way to cook.  Is it always healthy and is it affordable? Let’s find out. 

Fast and Healthy?

Everybody loves those quick fixes at the end of a hectic day. Yet we wonder if that is a healthy way to prepare foods. The answer is yes and no. There are some microwavable meals that have the vegetables and fruits included while other meals may only have the meat.

Though the fruit and veggies might not be there another plus of microwavable meals is that they are extremely easy to add sides to. Throw in a favorite fruit cup or grab a banana. The main goal of a microwave meal is finding a healthy quick way to make that rumble in your stomach go away.

Though there are meals that are healthy there are also ones you might want to watch out for. That quick little Hot Pocket probably isn’t going to give us very many nutrients. When out shopping, pay attention to the picture on the front of the box or container.  If you see green beans, mashed potatoes and roast then chances are it’s going to be a pretty balanced meal.

Vegetables in their original state are the best. They have food enzymes that help metabolism and keep us full of energy to tackle those tasks that lie ahead. It’s not necessary to microwave or cook them. Just eat them raw. That’s when there in their best form and the healthiest. Add fresh vegetables or fruits to a microwave meat for a healthier addition.

Saving Money

Budget is a common word in today’s world so every little bit of saving helps. Savings is just one of the many pluses of microwaving. It makes it possible for quick and painless trips to the always crowded super market. Not having to purchase multiple ingredients can help to make your wallet that much thicker.

 In some cases the ready-made meals might not always be the cheapest way to go. Sometimes you might spend more on the meal opposed to buying individual ingredients. Careful planning on shopping day can help keep your budget in check when purchasing microwave meals.

Choices and Options

There are also many options to choose from when wondering what to cook in that “high speed oven.” Full meals all packaged up with all the ingredients already mixed together ready to go. Who can beat that!

Helping Hand

Microwave can be an even bigger help when you have children to feed. How often do you pre heat your oven for chicken nuggets for that afternoon snack? Microwave cooking can cut the cooking and waiting time in half, giving you more time to spend doing the things you and your family love to do.

As you can see microwaves have their ups and downs. Using your head about the things you cook in a microwave can make a difference both in saving money and eating healthy foods. Give dinner a microwave chance and see if the myths become facts for you and your family.

Bow Tie Chicken and Cheese

bowties

What You Need:

2 C onion, chopped
2 C of whipping cream
8 oz. American cheese, cubed
8 oz. Swiss cheese slices, torn
1 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp pepper
4 C of cooked chicken, chopped
1 (16 oz.) box of bow tie pasta, cooked and drained

How to Make It:

Whisk together in a small mixing bowl the onions and whipping cream.
Stir in both kinds of cheese, the sage and the pepper.
Place the chicken into the crock pot.
Pour the cheese mixture over the top of the chicken coating it well.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 hours.
Stir the chicken mixture well then add in the cook pasta, stirring to coat.
Recover and cool 5 minutes or until heated through.

Makes 6 servings

It is not recommended to cook this recipe on high. High heat will cause the cheese to scorch. This is an economical meal that even the kids will love. Leftovers should not be frozen but will remain fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator of up to 3 days. T freeze do not add the pasta. Freeze the chicken mixture for up 2 months. Reheat on the stove then add the pasta and cook until heated through.

Preparation Time: approximately 20 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 4 hours 5 minutes
Total Time: approximately 4 hours 25 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 755; Fat 43g; Saturated Fat 25g; Carbohydrates 49g; Fiber 2g; Protein 43g; Cholesterol 186 mg; Sodium 886 mg

Choosing the Recipe Wisely

recipebox

Choosing the right recipe for those scrumptious meals can make all the difference. Many of us know that our children won’t eat certain foods. Yet we also are aware that some of these foods hold nutrition that our children need. Those favorite recipes can make all the difference in finding ways to get those finicky eaters to enjoy nutritious and health foods.

There are other ways of to get your family the nutritional balance of certain foods and that can be done with some clever hiding techniques. Depending on what you are trying to hide, there are certain techniques to disguise almost any food. Here are some possibilities:

Most ground meats are begging for some veggies. Mix some shredded carrots or beets into a hamburger or meatball for some added nutrition. It can also male that meat extra moist. It is amazing what a little well-ground vegetable can do to even the driest hamburger.

Almost everyone loves pasta. Why not grate some carrots or finely dice a couple of mushrooms or green peppers into the sauce? The red color will hide any evidence of vegetables and the tomato taste will mask anything that is small enough.

Chili and soups are another great way to hide vegetables. Take a chicken noodle soup and experiment with adding different vegetables to see which one your child likes the best. Chili is a giant mix and match of ingredients, so adding another one to the mix is no big deal.

Pizza is a win-win situation for kids and parents. Kids love to eat it and parents love to hide vegetables within its gooey goodness. Take a little of the tomato sauce described above as well as some finely chopped veggies under a layer of melted cheese and you have a slice of pie that is as nutritionally dense as a full salad, not to mention a winner for everyone.

When all else fails, you will be surprised how far raw veggies with a little dip will get you. There are numerous children, and adults too, who strongly dislike cooked vegetables, but when offered a veggie tray, will devour it in a second. A simple rule is, offer the veggies as-is first to see the initial reaction, then try incorporating them into different foods.

To get some grains into your family, try making grilled cheese with whole grain bread. Another possibility is making toast with wheat bread. The color will be masked when the bread is toasted or grilled and who doesn’t love bread smothered with butter and jelly or with a piece of melted cheese slapped in between.

There is no child that will refuse to eat his or her own baked goods. By letting your little one participates when it comes to baking and throwing in a few whole grains, some unbleached flour and some dried fruit. The kids will have a blast making and then devouring their creation.

Remember to keep the recipes simple. Try different ingredients to see which ones will pass the test. You might those picky eaters eating foods you never would have imagined. The whole idea is to use those valued recipes with a few new ideas. You’ll never until you try and there is no better time to start than now.

Cheesy Pear Sandwich

pears

pearsWhat You Need:

4 English muffins spit
2 T of Dijon mustard
4 Canadian bacon slices
1 pear, peeled and sliced thin
4 slices of cheddar cheese

How to Make It:

Spread the mustard over the cut side of each muffin.
Lay a bacon slice onto 1 side of each muffin.
Place a couple of pear slices and a slice of cheese over the bacon.
Top with the other half of the muffin.
Heat a pan over medium heat.
Add the sandwich and toast for 5 minutes.
Flip and continue cooking for 5 additional minutes or until nicely browned and the cheese has started to melt.

Makes 4 sandwiches

This is a great sandwich to serve to children. Try apple rings instead of pears. The kids will love them either way. Add celery and carrot sticks and a side of tater tots for the perfect kid friendly meal.

Preparation Time: approximately 10 minutes
Cooking Time: approximately 10 minutes
Total Time: approximately 20 minutes

Nutritional Information: (approximate values per serving)
Calories 303; Fat 11g; Saturated Fat 6f; Carbohydrates 34g; Fiber 3g;
Protein 20g; Cholesterol 40 mg; Sodium 851 mg

Warming the Mind as Well as the Body

hotchocolatemarshmallow

hotchocolatemarshmallowThe snow is falling outside and the kids are raring to go. Dressed from head to toe in bundles of clothing they can’t wait to get out side and build that snowman. They are warm now but in a short time the cold will settle in. Be prepared to warm them up by heading to kitchen to prepare foods that will warm not only their bodies but their minds.

Everyone knows that good nutrition if an important part of keeping our children warm and healthy. It is also a way to keep their minds warm and healthy. Playing naturally gives a child that famished feeling but the cold can triple that feeling. Warm and nutritious snacks can help revitalize their bodies as well as their minds.

The body can “shut down” when it’s overly cold. This chill can also shut down the thinking process. This makes it even more important when it comes to filling them with soothing warm drinks and foods.

Warm beverages are a wonderful way to warm up a child. Tea, warm cider and hot chocolate are drinks that children will relish when they are cold outside. Add a few marshmallows to that hot chocolate and the kids will be in warmth heaven.

Chicken broth is a way to include warmth into a health snack. There is something to be said about having a cup of chicken broth when you are sick. It gives us that warm, cozy feeling. It works just as well when fending off that winter chill.

Children of all ages love a good grilled cheese sandwich. Add a cup of soup to make a simple but warming meal.

Another way to warm up the kids is by keeping the kitchen toasty warm. Start by preheating the oven just before it’s time for them to come in out of the cold. Once they are in and have that cup of hot chocolate let them help with fixing lunch, a warm snack or baking those delicious cookies. There’s nothing like a toasty warm kitchen to fend off the worst winter chill.

Warming both the body and mind is important to keep our children healthy, happy and wise. Giving them foods and beverages they enjoy after a frolic in the cold is one way to ensure they maintain good health. Spending some time with them in a warm kitchen is one way for you to be sure they stay happy and maintain good health – both physically and mentally!

Children and the Christmas Cooking Craze

santa

santaIt’s a know fact that most of our holiday time is spent in the kitchen. Often it’s at the expense of spending time with our families. This year why not invite Dad and yes the children into the kitchen to help with all the fun and joy of making those holiday treats.

Believe it or not kids love to cook. It gives them a chance to be a part of a family tradition. Start them out small and let them work up to the turkey and ham. Everyone will have a blast and the kids will feel as if they have helped to put on the feast of a lifetime.

The first step to allowing children in the kitchen is to teach them cleanliness. Teach them how to properly wash their hands and keep plenty of paper towels available. Aprons will also help in protecting clothing. They will love the idea of wearing that Christmas apron while creating their own masterpiece.

The best place to start is with the baking. Biscuits are always a favorite. They can make a mess and not get into trouble. Walk them through it step by step with easy to understand directions.

When it comes to baking most of the work is away from the hot stove or oven. Set them up at the table or at the counter if they can reach. You can be preheating the oven or working at the stove while they prepare batters or dough.

Let the children help you in gathering up the bowls, utensils and ingredients necessary for the recipe. Walk through each step of the process and then let them have it. They will love the freedom it allows them. Just stay close in case they have questions or need assistance.

Children can help with just about anything that goes in the oven. Cookies, cakes, rolls, casseroles and other baked foods are a great place to start your children in their culinary experience.

Let the children help with preparing the meat for your holiday dinner. More than likely they won’t be ready to carry it to oven or check on it as it bakes but they can help to make glaze, add seasonings and sprinkle in nuts and marshmallows on those sweet potatoes.

Your kids will get the hang of baking and stove top cooking with a little assistance. The holidays are a relaxing and jovial time to let your kids begin cooking with you. Teach them the basics of hygiene, preparation and creating so they will want to cook all of the time.

Be Waterlogged on the 4th of July

boat-water

boat-waterIf you are lucky enough to have a boat to celebrate the 4th of July then you need to do so. You can swim, water-ski, water board and just lay and tan on your own personal place of freedom! Preparing food to take care of your family can cause some problems without some tried but true storage methods.

Coolers and food storage bags are a must for any on board meals. Coolers can keep your beverages cold as well as certain food items. Two coolers is, of course, the optimum thing to do. Put your cold beverages in one and then load the ice…in the second cooler load your ice then your food products.

Try buying white, red and blue plates, napkins and silverware to keep in the spirit of the 4th of July. It’s not necessary but can be quite festive. Also, plan on where you can go to buy more ice if you need to. Remember, cold is better than hot!

The best thing to do is fix things at home before going on the boat. Try fixing cheese cubes which are easy to eat and nutritious as well. Veggies are another great choice, just cut them up before leaving home and put in individual bags. Cold sandwiches are another great choice. Make the sandwiches then wrap them in individual foil packages and then place in a Ziploc bag. Add some chips or pretzels and you have a great meal!

During the off time, you still have to entertain the kids. How about making a 4th of July windsock? For the younger children, some help will be required but for the older ones, they can do it themselves.

Remove the bottom from a Quaker oatmeal container. Place and tape blue paper all over the cylinder. Cut out white stars from construction paper and tape to the blue paper. Using white and red crepe paper cut long strips to tape on one end of your cylinder. On the other end, punch 4 holes so you can tie two string pieces to them to make you windsock work. To finish it off, cut one long piece of string and tie to the two shorter ones to hang it by.

This will burn off the 30 minutes you are supposed to not swim after eating and make everyone happy. This is a great idea for the evening meal, because you know that fireworks are coming up and the kids will calm down and watch the great show above them. Drink, eat and be merry and have a happy and safe Independence Day!

Independence Day and Healthy Snacks

flagpinwheel

flagpinwheelWhat do you think of when someone mentions the 4th of July? Lots of food, maybe the beach, and then fireworks at the park! With all that traveling and kids on the loose, snacks are a must-have for the day.

There are some great snack foods that can be packed at a moment’s notice for all ages of kids. Preschoolers and teens alike are always “starving” so get the zippered baggies out and fill them with a favorite assortment of goodies! Make sure that they are easy to tote, most of the following ideas are easily portable and healthy too.

Fruit is a great idea for the day. Raisins, grapes, apple slices or any dried fruit like bananas or pineapple can be put in individual bags and sealed for use at any time during the day or night. Nuts like peanuts, almonds, or walnuts or a mixture is also a great treat for the kiddies. Or be really creative and mix the fruits and nuts together to make your own trail mix!

Crackers are also a great choice and there is such a variety to choose from. Try the crackers shaped like goldfish or animal crackers for the little ones and there are wheat crackers, peanut butter filled crackers and graham crackers for everyone. The next time you are at the store, grab some fruit snacks, granola and/or cereal bars and pudding packs. Not only are these healthy but they are already pre-packaged for travel and convenience. Simply stick in a bag and go. Health food on the run and for fun!

The next thing to think about is something to drink! Kids are always “dying of thirst” and you want to make this as simple as possible. These days it is easier to pack healthy drinks for the family and much more convenient than it used to be. There are now all sorts of juice boxes at the local market. There is apple juice, grape juice, and tropical punch flavors to choose from. Mix and match and the kids will love you forever.

Gatorade now comes in smaller travel size bottles for easy packing and toting. Again, the flavors are not to be believed! If you prefer, you can always buy small bottles of water and for those who don’t like just water, there are now flavor packets like kool-aid that can be added to flavor it!

As you can see, snacks and drinks are now built for travel and convenience. What a great country we live in! So celebrate America’s birthday in style and have a safe 4th!

Frozen Goodies for a Hot Summer Treat

icecreamsundae

icecreamsundaeCan you remember the ice cream truck circling your neighborhood when you were a child? Brings back fond memories doesn’t it? Remember the snow cones, the fudge pops and those oh so great rocket bomb popsicles. Those were the days. Today there aren’t many ice cream trucks around so to give our families that special treat we have to find ways to create them ourselves. Here are a few recipes to get you started on being the family ice cream man.

Frozen S’mores is an old favorite with a new summertime twist. You will need 3/4 cup heavy cream, 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate. 14 graham crackers, 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened on microwaves defrost setting for 30 seconds and 1 pint chocolate ice cream, softened on microwaves defrosts setting for 30 seconds.

To make this frozen treat place the cream and the chocolate together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 2 minutes or until very hot. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Line an 8 inch pan with plastic wrap leaving an overhang that can be used as handles. Place 1/3 of the graham crackers into the bottom of the pan. Pour 1/3 of the chocolate sauce over the crackers. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes or until the chocolate is set.

Spread the vanilla ice cream over the chocolate. Place another layer of crackers and chocolate sauce over the ice cream. Return to the freezer for 10 minutes. Spread the chocolate ice cream over the crackers. Place the remaining crackers and chocolate sauce over the ice cream. Cover and freeze 2 hours or until set.

When ready lift the frozen treat out of the pan using the plastic wrap handles, remove the plastic wrap, cut the squares and serve.

Green Slime Smoothie is a way to get our children to consume more spinach. With this smoothie they will never even know it’s in there.

Place 2 cups of spinach in the freezer for 1 hour. Remove the spinach and place it in a blender. Add 2 c of frozen strawberries, 1 banana, 2 tbsp of honey and 1/2 C of ice to the blender. Blend the mixture until very smooth. Pour into a tall glass and serve immediately.

Frozen fruit cups are another great treat to help cool off with on a hot summer day. They are easy to make and everyone will love them. You will need 1 (16 oz.) container of sour cream, 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 3/4 C of sugar, 1/8 tsp of salt, 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple with juice, 1/4 C maraschino cherries, chopped, 3 bananas peeled and diced and 1/4 C of chopped pecans.
Place the sour cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, sugar and salt and blend together well. Stir in the pineapple, cherries, bananas and pecans until blend in well. Line a muffin tin with wax paper and fill each cup with the fruit mixture. Freeze until set. Place in a freezer bag for easy storage if you have any left that is.

These frozen summer goodies will give your family a little bit of the past along with healthy and delicious treats. Try one yourself and see just how much you enjoy being the family ice cream man this summer.