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The weekly Real Food Meal Plan with lots of allergen friendly meals from Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 5/8/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda is all about birthday party preparations. Time to start baking!

This week's real food meal plan and agenda is all about birthday party preparations. Time to start baking!

I’m not sure how it’s possible, but my sweet “baby” boy turns five tomorrow! It seems like he was just born. He sure brings a lot of energy and excitement to our family. We are all looking forward to celebrating this week with a family birthday party.

I can’t forget to mention Happy Mother’s Day to my own mother and all of the wonderful moms in my life. Keep up the good work!

In the kitchen.

An allergy free birthday party means lots of prep work, on top of an already busy week (we only have one morning at home all week!). So pardon me if I seem a bit frazzled this week. It’s because I am.

I better keep this short and sweet. No time to waste. Here is my long list of kitchen projects for this week:

This week's real food meal plan and agenda is all about birthday party preparations. Time to start baking!

On the blog.

This week is Allergy Awareness Week. I’ve got a super delicious recipe coming tomorrow to help celebrate!

In case you haven’t heard of it I want to mention the #mykidmadethis challenge from Kitchen Stewardship. Lots of fun prized just for getting your kids in the kitchen. Sounds good to me!

On the menu.

Here is this week’s real food meal plan. I had to go the ultra super easy route with meals so I can get everything else done. Lots of crockpot meals.

How about you? What are you eating this week? Make it fun and nutritious!

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 2
B – yogurt, granola bar | cm yogurt, bread w/ coconut oil | pumpkin, pork
L – cp pork chops, carrots, potatoes, cauliflower
D – bacon wrapped dates, crackers w/ cheese, broccoli, oranges, salad
prep: make gummies, bake cakes, boil eggs, make granola
notes: Mother’s Day

Monday 3
B – hard boiled egg, toast | bacon wrapped dates, oranges | cauliflower, pork
D – ham noodle bake, peas | spinach, ham
prep: bake cereal, soak flour for crackers, prep smoothies
notes: bring preschool snack, early dinner

Tuesday 4
B – toast w/ sunbutter | blueberry spinach smoothies
D – split pea soup, crackers w/ cheese, muffins
prep: bake crackers, make pumpkin yogurt, bake muffins
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 1
B – yogurt, granola | pumpkin yogurt
D – cp 7 layer dinner, applesauce
prep: bake bread, prep smoothies
notes: bring preschool snack

Thursday 2
B – hard boiled egg, toast | squash cherry smoothies
D – cp meatballs, rice, roasted cauliflower
prep: make cm ice cream
notes: early dinner

Friday 3
B – english muffin w/ sunbutter, fruit | leftovers
D – pizza, roasted zucchini
prep: clean, make frosting, decorate cakes, make hummus, make salad dressing, chop veggies and fruit, make lemonade
notes: bring preschool snack

Saturday 4
B – cereal, fruit
L (party) – grilled hot dogs and brats, roasted cauliflower, veggies + dip, fresh fruit, chips + salsa, baked beans, lettuce salad, crackers, cake, ice cream
D – leftovers
prep: make veggie dip, roast veggies, make frozen lemonade
notes: birthday party

Real fruit combined with grass-fed gelatin create the perfect snack - strawberry kiwi gummies.

Strawberry Kiwi Gummies

Just because your gummies are homemade doesn’t mean the flavor has to be boring. These strawberry kiwi gummies are bursting with flavor and made from real fruit.

Real fruit combined with grass-fed gelatin create the perfect snack - strawberry kiwi gummies.

Fruit snacks are a go-to snack for many kids these days. They are easy, sweet and chewy. Kids love them. They don’t require any work on mom’s part. Just grab a bag and go.

But have you ever actually looked at the ingredients? Many contain artificial flavors and colors. Even if you get natural or organic fruit snacks they contain things like caranuba wax and “natural” flavor.

Natural flavor is actually not that different from artificial flavor and can have the same impact on your child’s health and behavior. Not to mention it’s important to avoid it if your child has allergies since it can contain anywhere from 50 to 100 unknown to you ingredients. So it could contain a hidden allergen.

Real fruit combined with grass-fed gelatin create the perfect snack - strawberry kiwi gummies.

What’s the solution? Make your own!

Homemade gummies are so easy to make. The flavor combinations are endless. And you can make all sorts of fun shapes with candy molds.

These strawberry kiwi gummies are both fun and fruity. The juice of real strawberries and kiwis is combined with grass-fed gelatin for a protein-packed, nourishing snack.

Want to learn how to make them?

Click here to head over to Super Healthy Kids where I’m sharing this simple recipe.

See what's cooking on this week's real food meal plan from Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 5/1/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on birthday planning and packing. Lord willing we’ve found our farm!See what's cooking on this week's real food meal plan from Just Take A Bite

Welcome to May! Hopefully spring will decide to return. We are not loving the 40 degree rainy weather.

We’ve got big changes on the horizon! Lord willing later this week we’ll start the process of packing up our house in preparation for a big move. We are hopeful that we have found our little farm that we’ve been dreaming of.

But there isn’t much time to dwell on that. This week is crazy busy with recipe-creating/writing deadlines, school events, t-ball games, dance, piano and preparing for my son’s 5th birthday. Next week won’t be much better. I’m trying to prepare myself for two weeks of insanity.

In the kitchen.

Of course there is always plenty to do in the kitchen (especially when I’m recipe-creating!). Here is what’s on the agenda:

  • gluten free bread (experimenting with my own recipe)
  • brownies (new recipe)
  • salad dressing (new recipe)
  • granola (for school event)
  • frozen lemonad (new recipe)
  • gluten free crackers
  • TBD snacks for preschool next week
  • TBD treats for birthday party
  • pumpkin yogurt
  • jello
  • muffins (maybe)

See what's cooking on this week's real food meal plan from Just Take A Bite

FREE Stuff!

Don’t forget that today is the last day to take advantage of all of the FREE goodies from Grove Colaborative! A whole set of Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products completely FREE with your order.

On the table.

I better get moving on my busy week. Did I mention that I am also coming down with the nasty spring cold that my whole family is just getting over? That should really help (sigh).

Here is our real food meal plan. What’s on your menu? Don’t forget to make a plan to keep you eating good stuff all week long!

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday
B2 – cereal, grapes | grapes, breakfast cookie | banana, beef
L2 – crockpot roast beef, carrots, potatoes, brussels sprouts
D3 – sunbutter sandwiches, roasted cauliflower, blueberry pearsauce
prep: soak flour for gluten free crackers, soak teff for porridge, prep smoothies, granola
notes:

Monday
B3 – yogurt, granola | teff porridge w/ blueberries | spinach blueberry smoothie
D4 – pumpkin soup, salads, crackers w/ cheese
prep: make salad dressing, make gluten free crackers, soak oats, pumpkin yogurt
notes:

Tuesday
B4 – oatmeal, fruit | pumpkin yogurt
D1 – sloppy joes, squash, chips/crackers
prep:
notes: ready any time

Wednesday
B1 – yogurt, granola bar | coconut milk yogurt w/ strawberries | banana, squash, beef
D2 – beef and broccoli stir fry over quinoa, clementines
prep: soak flour for gluten free bread
notes: early

Thursday
B2 – toast w/ sunbutter, fruit | leftovers
D3 – zucchini noodles w/ tomato sauce, garlic bread, jello
prep: make jello, make zoodles, bake gluten free bread, make smoothies, soak flour for pancakes
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday
B3 – granola w/ milk | blueberry spinach smoothies
D4 – pumpkin pancakes, sausage, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts
prep: 
notes:

Saturday
B4 – pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit | roasted veggies
D1 – tomato soup, grilled cheese
prep: make brownies, make frozen lemonade
notes: kids help prep dinner

My Messy House Sanity Saver

Do you ever just want to escape the chaos of the messes and clutter in your house? I sure do! But I’ve found my messy house sanity saver that doesn’t require me to clean all day long.

This messy house sanity saver only takes minutes but could have a huge impact on the whole family.

My house is messy.

My house is dirty.

In other words, I’m a mom to three little people that can scatter toys, food and dirt across every square inch of floor in a matter of minutes.

Is there a bare counter top in sight? Not for long! They’ll find it and fill it.

Can you handle it?

Most days I’m ok with the mess. I know this is a phase. And I am fully embracing it! I am in no rush whatsoever for this phase of life to be over. It is amazingly beautiful and fun.

But sometimes the clutter just gets to me. When I can barely find a space on the kitchen counter to prepare dinner I lose it. When I look around and all I see is stuff on every surface.

Then I go from not caring to wanting to throw out every toy and scrub every floor. I’m sure my kids are not really fond of those days.

My happy place.

I had to find a solution to this problem. I had to find balance, a happy middle ground. I’m busy. I really can’t keep my house organized and clean at all times. I just can’t. Plain and simple.

I also don’t want to be a drill sergeant that never lets my kids make messes and have fun.

I recently discovered the answer to my problem.

My messy house sanity saver is my dining room table.

Say what? A table?

Yes, a table.

Our dining room is in the middle of the house. You walk through it no matter where you are going.

This messy house sanity saver only takes minutes but could have a huge impact on the whole family.

I have found that if I keep my dining room table cleared I feel so much better about how the rest of the house looks. I have my one space that is clutter free and clean. It is calming and inviting.

It is also the place that my family gathers. So it is both central to the house and central to our family. We always eat meals together. And always at the dining room table.

If there is random stuff on the table while we eat it gets in the way of our precious time together.

If there are books sitting on the table I might as well not even try to talk to my oldest. If there are toys my little one wants to play.

By keeping my dining room table clean I am creating a space that encourages fellowship and closeness. It’s the center of the house where my family comes together to share our joys and sorrows of the day. It’s where we gather for nourishing food and real conversation.

Even if the rest of the house has been turned upside down during the day I do my best to keep my dining room table neat. As soon as a meal is done I clear the table and wipe it clean. My kids know that the table is not a storage area for toys, homework, crafts, etc.

You can set your stuff on the floor. I don’t care. Just don’t put it on my table!

Sure there are times when the clutter creeps in. And I can simultaneously feel my stress build. Then the entire house feels chaotic.

So to preserve my sanity (and keep my children safe…) I take the extra two minutes after a meal or any time during the day to clear the table.

Do you have a central location in your house? What would happen if you made a point to keep it clean?

My messy house sanity saver got bumped up a notch with FREE cleaning products.

An added bonus.

One other benefit of this messy house trick is that it inspires me to keep other areas clean. I see how much peace I feel when standing in the dining room. Then I try to take five minutes here and there to straighten up other areas.

Or I take ten minutes to deep clean a spot that hasn’t been touched in a while. I can spare ten minutes instead of looking at social media.

What better way to clean than with FREE quality cleaning products!

Grove Collaborative is offering the Mrs. Meyer’s Everyday Luxury Set from today until May 1, 2016. There is a limited number of sets so be sure to grab yours quickly!

The Luxury Set for new customers includes:

  • Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap
  • Mrs. Meyer’s dish soap
  • Mrs. Meyer’s soy candle
  • Grove Collaborative walnut scrubber sponges
  • Free shipping

Existing GC customers will receive a free Mrs. Meyer’s hand soap. We love the hand soap! My kids get so excited when we try new scents. So far Apple is the winner. But there are plenty more to try.

What do you ALWAYS keep clean? What’s your thing that you can’t leave messy?

Find a focal point in your house whether it’s the dining room, the kitchen or even by the television. Make a point to keep it neat and clean and see everyone more at peace.

Then get some FREE cleaning products to inspire you even more. Let your kids join in. Make it a family project to bring calm to your chaos.

See what's cooking on this week's real food meal plan from Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 4/24/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on restocking cupboards and keeping up with sports schedules.

See what's cooking on this week's real food meal plan from Just Take A Bite

Is it really the last week of April already? Time sure is flying lately! I think I’m going to blink and summer vacation will be here.

We have another busy week ahead, including my son’s first t-ball game. He is very excited.

In the kitchen.

I’m back in the process of trying to restock the cupboard with safe, easy snacks. Here is what’s on my kitchen to-do list:

Dairy?

We experimented with dairy for my oldest last week. After five days there was no change. I am not calling it completely conclusive since dairy can take three weeks or more to fully clear from your body. But for now we are going back to full dairy. Maybe this summer we’ll try dairy free again when we don’t have to worry about busy schedules and packing lunches.

See what's cooking on this week's real food meal plan from Just Take A Bite

Make sure you check back on Tuesday this week. I’ve got a fun post that could just save your sanity. There will also be some freebies involved.

Here is our real food meal plan for the week. What’s on your menu?

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried by at least one child.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado? (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (sorghum, beans, kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 4
B – cereal, fruit | spinach, blueberry, cherry smoothies
L – crockpot ham, carrots, roasted potatoes
D – Italian sausage, sauteed peppers and onions, chips, cucumbers
prep: soak flour for graham crackers
notes:

Monday 1
B – yogurt, granola bar | pumpkin yogurt
D – spaghetti w/ meatballs, peas, squash
prep: soak flour for muffins, make zoodles, make graham crackers, skim cream
notes:

Tuesday 2
B – toast w/ sunbutter | leftovers
D – crockpot beef and veggie chili, corn muffins
prep: bake muffins, soak flour for coffee cake, make ice cream
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 3
B – tart cherry coffee cake, fruit
D – chicken nuggets, sweet potato fries, sauteed zucchini
prep: make coconut milk, make coconut milk yogurt, bake coffee cake
notes:

Thursday 4
B – yogurt w/ strawberries, granola | cm yogurt w/ strawberries | spinach in broth
D – crockpot pork chops, rice, beans
prep: soak flour for breakfast cookies, make fudge
notes: ready any time/early

Friday 1
B – cereal, fruit | coffee cake
D – breakfast cookies, bacon, roasted cabbage, fruit
prep: bake breakfast cookies
notes:

Saturday 2
B – breakfast cookies, bacon
D – tacos, fruit salad
prep: make salsa
notes: kids help prep dinner

This week's real food meal plan is all about birthday celebrations and getting outside.

Real Food Meal Plan Week of 4/17/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on a birthday celebration and the start of spring sports.

This week's real food meal plan is all about birthday celebrations and getting outside.

Happy Birthday to my big eight-year old! I can’t even believe I’m saying that. We started the celebration yesterday with a small party and family gifts. Today we’re celebrating with a special outing, homemade pizza and angel food cake.

Now I have a few weeks until we start the festivities all over for my son who turns five.

More diet changes.

This week I kick off a new experiment. I am going to give me oldest a few days of break from dairy. She has always been my huge milk drinker. So it won’t be easy. But I’ve been curious for years now if it would help her. Especially now that allergy season is starting her body could use a reduction in inflammation. So we’ll see how it goes. Three out of five of us are already dairy free. So it won’t be hard. I told her we’d wait until after her birthday.

In the kitchen.

My stock of safe snacks is quickly dwindling. So it’s time to start baking again…though that’s harder now that we finally have nice weather. We just want to be outside! Here is my kitchen agenda for the week:

This week's real food meal plan is all about birthday celebrations and getting outside.

Tuning in?

I hope you’ve been tuning in to The Truth About Cancer!!! I rarely watch videos/summits. But this is such important information. Everyone is impacted by cancer. And there is so much you can do about it. Just this morning I was so fascinated to hear about how the spine can have such a big impact on your health, including cancer.

Spring has finally sprung by us. We even grilled and ate dinner outside last night! What a change from the snow and sleet we had just one week ago. I hope it stays!

Here is our real food meal plan for the week. I’m looking forward to more fresh fruits and veggies in the coming weeks. What’s on your menu?

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried by at least one child.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado? (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (sorghum, beans, kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 1
B – english muffin, fruit | pumpkin, beef, sauerkraut
L – cp roast beef, carrots, potatoes
D – make-your-own pizza, roasted purple cabbage; angel food cake
prep: make frosting/decorate cake, make pizza dough
notes: Birthday celebration

Monday 2
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | cabbage, beef
D – zucchini noodles w/ broccoli and sausage, garlic toast
prep: make coconut milk, make coconut milk yogurt, boil eggs
notes:

Tuesday 3
B – hard boiled egg, toast | leftovers | cm yogurt w/ strawberries
D – cp pork chops, beans, eggplant, rice
prep: soak teff
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 4
B – cereal, fruit| teff porridge w/ blueberries
D – tacos, salad
prep: make pumpkin yogurt
notes: quick prep

Thursday 1
B – hard boiled egg, toast | pumpkin yogurt w/ cherries
D –  squash and sausage soup, muffins
prep: bake muffins, soak flour for pancakes, prep smoothies, make meal for friend
notes: early dinner

Friday 2
B – yogurt, granola bar | squash cherry smoothies
D – pancakes, sausage, roasted cauliflower, fruit
prep: soak flour for bread
notes:

Saturday 3
B – pancakes, sausage
D – sandwiches w/ homemade lunch meat, chips, roasted asparagus
prep: make lunch meat, make bread
notes: kids help prep dinner

This week's real food meal plan and agenda is all about getting back to a normal routine after spring break.

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 4/10/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on getting back into routines and preparing for birthday celebrations!

This week's real food meal plan and agenda is all about getting back to a normal routine after spring break.

Spring break is coming to an end. We had such a fun week at home. What a joy to have all three of my children with me all day long! I sure will miss it.

What I won’t miss is this arctic weather! I’m so happy to see sun and 60’s in the forecast this week. MUCH better than the snow and 30’s we’ve been having.

Let’s party!

We are now gearing up for my daughter’s 8th birthday (in one week). How is my baby getting so big? She is my “Type 1” kid…that loves to celebrate anything and everything. So birthdays are a big deal to her. She’s been planning her own celebration for months. We’re having a small party with a few friends and our regular family celebration. Fun, but lots of cleaning and baking involved.

In the kitchen.

I’m trying not to pack my agenda too much since it’s back to all of our usual activities this week. Here is what I have on my kitchen to-do list.

Have you been reading all of The Truth About Cancer information going around? Some really great stuff that you don’t want to miss. Plus you can now watch the video trailer! I hope I find time to watch it very soon. It’s always good to be prepared with the information you need before an emergency arises.

This week's real food meal plan and agenda is all about getting back to a normal routine after spring break.

I’ve got some fun meals on this week’s real food meal plan. I’m so anxious to try my new spiralizer! My son will be very happy to have noodles again. I’ll be happy that he’s eating more vegetables. A win for everyone.

Now to enjoy the week as it gets a little warmer every day, eventually getting to the 70’s by next week. Gotta love living in the midwest. One day it’s snowing. A week later it’s 70 and sunny.

What’s on your menu this week?

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried by at least one child.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado? (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (sorghum, beans, kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 2
B – cereal, fruit | anchovies, roasted cabbage | pumpkin bread, fruit 
L – cp meatloaf, carrots, baked potatoes
D – quesadillas, broccoli, fruit salad
prep: make beef jerky
notes:

Monday 3
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | leftovers
D – sloppy joes, beans, spinach, french fries
prep: soak flour for muffins, soak oats, prep smoothies
notes:

Tuesday 4
B – oatmeal | blueberry spinach smoothies
D – turkey soup, pumpkin muffins
prep: make pumpkin yogurt, bake muffins
notes: dinner ready any time

Wednesday 1
B – granola bar, fruit | pumpkin yogurt w/ cherries
D – macaroni and cheese/zucchini noodles w/ squash, squash, ring balogna
prep: make banana bites, prep smoothies
notes:

Thursday 2
B – yogurt, granola bar | squash cherry smoothies
D – pork and beef meatballs, roasted cauliflower, seasoned rice
prep: make gummies
notes: early dinner

Friday 3
B – cereal, fruit | leftovers
D – scrambled eggs, toast w/ jam, peas, spinach
prep: clean, make Oreos®, soak flour for porridge
notes:

Saturday 4
B – cereal, fruit | teff porridge w/ blueberries
D – hot dogs, salad, chips
prep: make fruit kabobs, make slushies, bake angel food cake
notes: birthday party

Ever wonder why real food bloggers have sick kids? You might be surprised.

Why Real Food Bloggers Have Sick Kids

Have you ever wondered why so many real food bloggers have sick kids? Allergies, autism, asthma, eczema…what’s the deal?

Ever wonder why real food bloggers have sick kids? You might be surprised.

When it comes to seeking health advice we all go online. We may not trust everything we read. We may ask a doctor’s advice too. But we all do it.

We do a search on our good friend Google. We come up with various medical sites and blogs. I do it all the time when my kids have a particular problem I need help with. It’s easy. It’s informative. It doesn’t cost money.

A view from the other side

But I also give the advice. And maybe that’s why you’re here reading this right now! I am a blogger myself. I share strategies for getting kids to eat well and for dealing with allergies.

But sometimes I wonder…why should anyone believe what I say? What makes me credible? Do I take stock in what other bloggers say?

I ask these questions for good reasons. There is a lot of incorrect information online. You can find twenty different opinions on just about anything.

Ever wonder why real food bloggers have sick kids? You might be surprised.

But really I ask it because sometimes I feel like people don’t believe me. I advocate a real food lifestyle and promote healing strategies. But all three of my own children have health problems.

DO I REALLY KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT?

The thing is it’s not just me. So many real food bloggers have sick kids. By sick I mean any kind of health issue. Some well known bloggers have kids with autism, allergies, sensory conditions, leaky gut, ADD, skin conditions. The list goes on. So why should you trust them or listen to their advice? It’s a real concern.

But it might actually be a good thing. I’m sharing why real food bloggers have sick kids over at Kitchen Stewardship. Check it out!

Why Won't My Child Eat?!

This squash cherry smoothie is so refreshing and free of allergens.

Squash Cherry Smoothie

Winter, spring, summer or fall this squash cherry smoothie packs a nutritional punch and is bursting with flavor. Plus it’s safe for those with allergies.

This squash cherry smoothie is so refreshing and free of allergens.

Smoothies are pretty popular these days. For good reason. You can add a lot of healthy stuff to them without kids complaining.

Smoothies are tough with allergies.

But when you have a lot of allergies the list of typical smoothie ingredients dwindles quickly.

I had to get creative to make smoothies for my youngest two. No dairy or dairy substitutes. No avacodo, banana, nuts or seeds. No eggs. Not too many options.

Instead of writing off smoothies I used what foods we can eat to create a delicious breakfast beverage that is full of nourishing ingredients.

This squash cherry smoothie is so refreshing and free of allergens.

Secret ingredients.

This squash cherry smoothie contains fruit, vegetables, grassfed collagen (I love this brand) and probiotics (I use Megaspore). I also sometimes add desiccated liver (this is what I use) and broth!

One of the best parts about this smoothie is that you prepare it the night before. In the morning just blend and pour! So simple.

This is a great way to use some of the cherries that we freeze in the summer.

Great for kids and adults.

My four year old LOVES this squash cherry smoothie. And he can be picky! You don’t taste all of the “extra” ingredients. You just taste cherries.

I serve squash cherry smoothie in a cup with a straw for my big kids. For my youngest I put it in a straw sippy cup. Then I can take it with us when we are running errands or driving to and from school. It is a great way to add calories and nutrients for her.

This squash cherry smoothie is so refreshing and free of allergens.

But don’t think this is just for kids. I love squash cherry smoothies for breakfast too! It is so refreshing. Plus it’s great for busy mornings. I always pair it with some kind of starch for balance and to keep my metabolism going. But the smoothie is where I pack the nutrients.

Have you ever put squash in your smoothie?

It adds a natural sweetness and is great for thickness.

Cherry season will be here again before we know it. I’ll be using up last year’s freezer stash by making lots of squash cherry smoothies!

This squash cherry smoothie is so refreshing and free of allergens.

Squash Cherry Smoothie
Serves 1
A refreshing and allergy friendly smoothie packed with nutrients.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 cups frozen cherries
  2. 3/4 cups frozen or cooked squash
  3. 2 Tbsp. grassfed collagen
  4. 1 - 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
  5. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  6. 1/2 cup water or mild broth
Optional
  1. up to 1 capsule powdered probiotic
  2. 1/2 capsule desiccated liver
  3. 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
  1. Place the water, squash, cherries, syrup and salt in a blender.
  2. Add the collagen and any optional ingredients.
  3. Store the blender in the refrigerator over night.
  4. Blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness if necessary.
  5. Serve immediately.
Notes
  1. This makes enough for one adult or two children.
  2. Activated charcoal can be added to the smoothie to settle an allergy flair.
  3. The ingredients can separate if the smoothie sits for too long. Drink immediately after blending or keep in a cup with a lid and shake before serving.
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Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 4/3/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda is all about having fun and spending time with the kids…and not going crazy stuck inside.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Happy spring break! The kids are all off from school. We’re ready to have fun. And we got about six inches of snow yesterday! In April. It’s just crazy.

This week we’ll be doing lots of fun things and doing a different activity theme every day. We’ll start off with a baking day since Tuesday is my husband’s birthday! He requested a chocolate eclair dessert. So I have to make all of the components and make a couple different varieties so both of the big kids can have some. What ever happened to the simple version where you layer store-bought graham crackers, instant pudding and packaged frosting. Ha!

We will also have a craft day, reading day (visit to the library), a play day (where we don’t have a to-do list) and a cleaning day.

In the kitchen.

I have a lot to get done in the kitchen as we are out of just about everything. My list of projects includes:

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

On the blog.

Be sure to check out last week’s pistachio pea pesto recipe and the latest delicious yogurt from Stonyfield.

Don’t forget today is the final day to take advantage of Grove’s Mrs. Meyer’s spring package. Lots of free stuff!

Time to get moving now. I WAY overslept. Here is our real food meal plan for the week. What are you eating?

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried by at least one child.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (strawberry, pineapple)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado? (amaranth, tomato, orange, watermelon, raspberry)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth, raspberry (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter (sorghum, beans, kiwi, quinoa)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, sunbutter, sorghum, quinoa
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, split peas, rice (millet, egg, dairy)
Day 4: pumpkin, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, peppers, onion, coconut, millet (egg)

Sunday 3
B – toast w/ sunbutter, fruit | sorghum porridge |broth, pork, broccoli
L – cp roast beef, broccoli, garlic noodles
D – sunbutter sandwiches, french fries, beans, spinach
prep: make graham crackers, make pizza crackers, soak flour for bread, prep smoothies
notes:

Monday 4
B – yogurt, granola bars | blueberry spinach smoothies
D – split pea soup, sweet bread OR tomato soup, grilled cheese
prep: make sweet bread, prep smoothies, boil eggs, render lard
notes: cleaning day

Tuesday 1
B – cereal, fruit | pumpkin smoothies
D – grilled steak, roasted asparagus, roasted potato wedges
prep: make pudding, make whipped cream, make dessert, soak quinoa
notes: baking day

Wednesday 2
B – hard boiled egg, toast | TBD
D – beef and broccoli stir fry over qiunoa
prep: soak flour for crackers
notes: craft day

Thursday 3
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | quinoa porridge | leftovers
D – hamburgers, beans, spinach, chips
prep: soak flour for breakfast cookies, make teff crackers, soak teff for porridge
notes: reading day

Friday 4
B – hard boiled egg, toast | teff porridge w/ blueberries
D – breakfast cookies, smoothies, sausage, olives, cucumbers, fruit
prep: bake breakfast cookies, soak tortillas
notes: play day

Saturday 1
B – breakfast cookies, fruit
D – chicken quesadillas, roasted purple cabbage
prep: cook tortillas, make gummies
notes: kids help prep dinner