Recently it has been suggested to me that I write about food. More specifically how to get children interested in making good food choices. I have 5 children. Four of my children are great eaters. Then there is Mr. Jackson. If it looks or smells "weird" forget it. He has always been a challenge. At three and a half years old he has many ideas of what he will not eat.
I started him out in much the same way that I had done with my three oldest children. James 16, Joey 13 (soon), and Sabrina 11. From the time they were babies I have had them in the kitchen with me. They were taught how to crack eggs, stir, and even measure. I have always felt it very important for any child to learn how to read a recipe.
My children were all taken grocery shopping with me as well. I taught them how to make the best choices no matter what the budget. I would also let them help plan out meals. This was a lot of fun for them. By allowing them to help choose what we bought, and then to help prepare it, this increased the odds of them actually eating the food.
While my husband was deployed our eating was able to be even more creative. My husband has never been what you would call an "adventurous" eater.
Each child would be responsible in deciding a portion of the meal and then helping to make it. Salads became a lot of fun. We came up with a great basic formula that allowed for a lot of diversity. I like to start with the baby spring greens. They are mild and very colorful. Then we would pick a cheese, a fruit, and a nut. All of this would be topped with a nice vinaigrette. One of our favorite compilations is baby greens, strawberries, sliced almonds, and feta.
It became obvious from a very early age that Jackson was going to be more of a challenge. He was eager to help pick food out and help cook, but tasting it was not happening. I had to try more options.
There are two that I would like to share now.
First: Salad bar
Again I start with the organic spring mix. I then allow the children to help pick out toppings. Some favorites are:
Hard boiled eggs
cucumbers
tomatoes
avocado
shredded cheese
diced ham
celery
carrots
black olives
artichoke hearts
green pepper
chick peas
radishes
green onion
I would cut up all of the toppings and set them out like a salad bar. The kids then got to make their own salad their way. This was a big hit! Even Jackson got into.
Another favorite is our fruit dessert. I would buy a variety of fruits. Berries, bananas, and melons seem to work the best. First I melt a bag of chocolate chips in the microwave. I do this by stirring about every 30 seconds. I also add a little peanut butter. This helps to keep the chocolate smooth and silky.
Then I did the white dip. I package cream cheese, 1 jar marshmallow fluff, and about a tsp. of vanilla. Mix this until smooth. The kids were given fondue forks and they went to town.!
As you can imagine there were not a lot of leftovers.
I am not usually a fan of gimmicks. I try to get my children to try foods in a variety of ways. It has been very helpful. When shopping on a budget it is nice to be able to just buy what ever is on sale, and to not get stuck buying the same old same old all of the time.
These are just a few ideas I wanted to share. I plan on trying many more and sharing those as well
Thanks for reading!!v
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
$300 Custom Creations Giveaway Event
Custom Creations Giveaway Event
Welcome to the $300 Custom Creations Giveaway Event!
Sailorwife and Mom of 5 is hosting a great giveaway!
Organized by Mom Powered Media
Every piece of personalized jewelry is handcrafted by Elisha and the team at Metal Pressions.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Aurorae Yoga Sport Sling Bag Review and Giveaway
I am sharing this review by Norma Kay Lawson Neal. Great Giveaway!
I was privileged to review an excellent product from Aurorae Yoga. This is a family run business that was started in 2009. It was founded by Dennis Ingui who is a cancer-survivor and yoga student. He practiced yoga to develop inner peace and to help build his body. And he takes it seriously. So 100% customer satisfaction is number one with this family run online yoga retailer.
I have always been fascinated by yoga but haven't started actually doing it. But I do use a mat for exercise. And I knew that the sport sling bag
Monday, February 11, 2013
Bloggers Wanted ~ It’s Raining Money Event
It's Raining Money Event
Hosted by: Mom Powered Media
Prize: $1,000 Cash {paypal or visa}
Event dates: 4/1 - 5/1
Free Blogger Event: Sign Up HERE
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Canvas Press Growth Chart
I am very happy to say that my new blog and review is for Canvas Press Growth Chart.
I was very impressed with this company from the very start. Their website is very easy to get around. There are so many colors and choices it can be very hard to decide! Personally for me it was a toss up between the pirate chart and the rock and roll chart. In the end the rock and roll design won out.
Placing my order was very easy. Before I knew it my growth chart arrived at my door, carefully packaged. (Who wants to spend their hard earned money on a product to have it arrive messed up at their door?) It is very obvious that lot of pride goes in to each of their products.
The charts come with easy to follow, step by step directions. The charts are printed on EasyStick material that was a breeze to work with. The chart can be repositioned with out any trouble. It can also be removed and rehang in case of a move. As a military family this is a must for us!
My chart went up in just a few minutes!
Could this be any cuter???
Now, how about a chance to win your own?? Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win the growth chart of your choice! This is a wonderful product and I just know you will love it. WIth all of the different designs they are sure to have something for everyone! Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The opinions expressed in this blog are mine alone. I received a product for review. Sailorwife and mom of 5 as well as The PItch List assume no responsibility for prize fulfillment. The winner will be contacted with instructions.
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