I know what you're thinking: If this is a mango-orange smoothie, why isn't it . . . orange? Answer: Because there's spinach in it. Now, don't look at me like that. First of all, spinach has such a mild flavor that you probably won't even notice it if you add a small handful to your favorite smoothie. Second, spinach is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with iron, calcium, folate, and antioxidants. Those tender little leaves are great for your bones and your heart, and tossing some into a ... continue reading...
The Easiest Chili Ever
Shortly after our oldest son was born, my friend Nicole brought us some tortilla soup for dinner. We loved the flavor, so I asked for the recipe. As I scanned the list of ingredients she gave me, I had two thoughts: This recipe is ridiculously easy. If I leave the water out, this will make darn good chili. And just like that, The Easiest Chili Ever came into our lives. We affectionately call it "Five Can Chili." As you can probably guess, this dish gets its name from the fact ... continue reading...
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
I first heard about Peanut Butter Protein Balls from a runner who likes to eat a couple of them when she gets out of bed for her morning jog. They take the edge off her hunger, and give her the energy she needs to exercise without upsetting her stomach like a big breakfast might. I'm not a jogger (at all), but I relate to not wanting a big breakfast right out of the gate each morning. For some reason, I just don't feel like eating much when I get out of bed, so I typically start my day with ... continue reading...
Deluxe Banana Muffins
My husband loves banana bread, but for some reason I have never been a fan. It's not that I hate the stuff; I just don't love it enough to get excited about making it. Or at least I didn't, until the day I discovered that you could put chocolate chips in it. Moist, chocolaty yumminess for breakfast? Yes, please! Unfortunately, my banana-bread-loving husband thinks chocolate in banana bread is an abomination, which is yet another reason why I prefer making quick breads in a muffin pan. I ... continue reading...
Adventurous Eater Strategy #7: Dessert for Everyone!
I saved the dessert post until the end of this series--it just seemed fitting. :) The principles in this post may not directly help a child overcome picky eating, but I do think they can help kids develop a good relationship with food. In our home, everyone gets dessert, no matter what or how much they ate at dinner time. I take that approach because I want time spent at our table to be pleasant for everyone, and I don't want to teach my kids that any kind of food is a reward. I also want ... continue reading...
Adventurous Eater Strategy #6: Take the Long View
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you want your kids to eat healthier, your goal is not actually to get them to eat vegetables today. Teaching kids to eat and enjoy healthy foods is a process that can take years, and while I sometimes find that idea a little overwhelming, it's also a relief. For one thing, it means if my four-year-old son only consumes a few little bits of broccoli in his soup, but leaves the big chunks of it sitting in the bottom of his bowl, I haven't failed. I've ... continue reading...
Adventurous Eater Strategy #5: No Random Snacking
Thursday used to be the day when my kids didn't eat their dinner. It wasn't that I didn't cook dinner; they just didn't eat much of it. Why? My oldest son and I had to leave for his choir practice at 6pm, so I served dinner an hour after my kids ate their after-school snack. Their tummies were still half full from snack time, so they weren't eager to eat (or sometimes even try) their dinner. When I realized what was going on, I informed my kids that we wouldn't be having an after-school ... continue reading...
Adventurous Eater Strategy #4: Make It Fun!
Mary Poppins wisely observed that "in every job that most be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and snap! The job's a game!" Teaching kids to eat well is seriously important, but that doesn't mean we need to approach it with a serious attitude. If you serve good food in a fun or interesting way, kids will be more likely to give it a try. I'm not saying you need to turn dinner into a circus (though if you're an overachiever who's eager to try that, I'm sure your kids will ... continue reading...
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