Category: Food allergies

Does one (or all!) of your children have food allergies? Sadly this is no longer a rare thing. More and more kids struggle with food allergies now than ever before.

I’ve been there too. Skin testing, blood work, epi-pens…the works. It can be challenging or down right scary.

But you don’t have to live in fear. And you don’t have to just accept food allergies as a life sentence. There is help!

My son went from over twenty food allergies and an epi-pen to being able to eat just about anything. Even nuts!

There are ways to heal the gut and nourish the body so your child can get back to a normal life. Food allergies have so many underlying causes. Once you figure out the root problem and treat it the body will begin to heal.

Don’t let food allergies define your life. I’m here to help you and your child heal.

January 31, 2016

Real Food Meal Plan Week of 1/31/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on nutrient dense food combined with a head start on Valentine’s Day treats. Plus it’s time for allergy testing!

Wow, the end of January already. I can’t say I’m sad to see it go. I’m getting anxious for spring and getting outside more! In Michigan that means we’ve *only* got about four months to go.

February is shaping up to be quite a busy month! We’re kicking it off with allergy retests for my two youngest. I’m excited and nervous. We have one this week and one next week. I hope the results show that we can start introducing new foods.

It will also be busy as I’m starting some new work. I’ll be helping with another blog in addition to my own. Not to mention (Lord willing) working out all the final details to get my book ready to sell!!! Busy and exciting!

In the kitchen.

I don’t have quite as many kitchen projects as usual this week since I spent the last couple weeks restocking the pantry. Here is what’s on the list:

sourdough bread
gluten free tortillas
wheat tortillas
cupcakes (new recipe coming soon!)
gummies

On the blog.

The Crunchy Balm giveaway just ended. Did you win? Even if you didn’t you can still get $5 off with the coupon code JUSTTAKEABITE16.

Have you had any sickness go through your house? We sure have! Last week I posted some gentle-on-the-tummy recipes to help little ones get back to full health. Try out my zebra striped yogurt and simple honey oat bars.

This week I’ve got a fun smoothie recipe and some baking tips!

On the menu.

This week I let my kids do a lot of the planning. It was so cute last night to have my oldest sitting at the table with pen and paper trying to come up with meals for me. I hope she didn’t plan too much work!

We will likely get one night off from cooking as we are celebrating birthdays with family. My youngest and I have not been to a restaurant in almost eight months! I can’t trust that there won’t be cross contamination or a slip up. So I’ll still bring our food. But it will still be nice to get out.

Here is this week’s real food meal plan. What is on your menu?

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day.

Day 1: sourdough/rye/barley/wheat, squash, cabbage
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, sunbutter, spinach
Day 4: pumpkin, mushrooms, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, split peas

Sunday 3
B – blueberry muffins, yogurt | broth, brussels sprouts, chicken
L – crockpot pork roast, seasoned rice, broccoli
D – leftover enchilada bake w/ guacamole, cucumbers and carrots w/ dip, fruit salad | broth, spinach, pork
prep: make gummies, prep smoothies
notes:

Monday 4
B – strawberry blueberry smoothies, muffins | blueberry spinach smoothie
D – salmon cakes, sweet potato fries, beans | salad w/ salmon
prep: soak oats, prep smoothie
notes:

Tuesday 1
B – oatmeal | pumpkin smoothie
D – pulled pork sandwiches, chips, squash
prep: ~~make soaked tortillas~~, make sourdough bread
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 2
B – breakfast cookies, fruit | broth, squash
D – ~~steak fajitas, corn~~, tacos, pepper slices, pearsauce
prep: sprout beans, ~~make wheat tortillas~~
notes:

Thursday 3
B – granola bars, cheese | broth, broccoli, steak
D – bean and veggie soup, crackers with cheese
prep: make cupcakes, prep smoothie
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 4
B – yogurt parfaits | cherry spinach smoothie
D – egg and sausage bake, hashbrowns, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts
prep:
notes:

Saturday 1
B – leftover egg bake | leftover roasted vegetables, sausage
D – out to eat
prep:
notes: pack food

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January 26, 2016

Simple Honey Oat Bars

When little tummies are recovering from illness it’s best to keep food simple and skip a lot of fat and sugar. These honey oat bars come together easily and are gentle on the tummy.

Did I mention my son was sick? That seems to be an ongoing battle this winter. My poor boy that has such a sensitive digestive system.

He had the recent stomach virus that went around. But unlike most people that were over it in a day or two he struggled with it for a week. And he could hardly eat that whole time. He spent his days either on the couch or in the bathroom.

BRAT diet doesn’t exist here.

Add all of his allergies on top of trying to keep his diet bland and starchy and you’ve got a real challenge. No gluten, rice, corn, potatoes or bananas.

We decided to try oats. He basically lived on oatmeal for a week. And just when he thought he couldn’t handle another bowl of oatmeal I came up with these simple honey oat bars!

I wanted to keep them very low in fat to keep his tummy settled. So I used grass-fed gelatin in place of eggs. I also kept the sweetness low with just a touch of cane sugar and honey.

The combination of whole oats and ground oats helps the bars bind together.

Oats to the rescue.

My son loved them! And they kept him going. There was starch but also protein. Not to mention the gelatin was helpful for healing his upset tummy.

My daughter tried them too and thinks they’re great…even if she’s not sick. They make an easy, low sugar breakfast to keep stashed in the freezer for busy week days.

Get your oats soaking and whip up a batch or two of these simple honey oat bars. Always have some on hand to put upset bellies at ease.

Don’t forget to add activated charcoal to the diet as well to really stop the stomach upset.

What is your go-to food when recovering from a stomach virus?

Simple Honey Oat Bars

2016-01-24 05:23:06

Yields 10

A simple, low fat oat bar that is perfect for settling little tummies after illness.

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Ingredients

1 cup oat flour (grind rolled oats in a blender)
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup warm water
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. grass-fed gelatin (NOT collagen)
1/4 cup hot water
1 Tbsp. organic cane sugar
3 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. melted butter, coconut oil, lard or tallow
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt

Instructions

Combine the oat flour, oats, warm water and lemon juice. Cover and let sit for 7-24 hours (24 hours is best for oats).
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or line with parchment paper an 8" square baking pan.
Add the gelatin to the hot water and stir until dissolved.
Add all of the ingredients to the soaked oats. Mix well.
Spread in the prepared pan.
Bake 35 minutes.
Cool and cut into bars.
Store in a covered container for up to a week at room temperature, two weeks in the refrigerator or one year in the freezer.

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

January 25, 2016

Zebra Striped Yogurt For Sensitive Tummies

When your child is recovering from a stomach bug or an allergy flair give them a special treat that is both delicious and calming. Zebra striped yogurt combines cultured dairy and charcoal to ease the pain.

There are two tricks I have learned in the last year to help get a little tummy back on track after a stomach bug or an allergy flair.

Sensitive Tummies

Last year my son had a really bad stomach bug with constant vomiting. Once that part ended he refused to eat. As parents my husband and I were very concerned. We let our fear turn to frustration.

We would try to force him to eat. And it would all come back up. After days of this process we took him to the doctor who suggested yogurt.

My son was having reflux from such an empty stomach and all of the vomiting. He finally got back on track by taking a couple bites of yogurt every 30-60 minutes to ease the pain. Eventually he could tolerate more and more.

Since then yogurt has been my go-to when he has tummy troubles. Whether it be after an allergy flair (which gives him a stomach ache and keeps him from eating) or after a stomach bug (once any kind of vomiting or diarrhea has subsided).

If your child is allergic to dairy you can try coconut yogurt. I have not personally tried to see if it has the same effect.

Allergy Relief

During the last year we have also dealt with allergy flairs over and over and over as we tried to figure out what was bothering my youngest. A friend suggested activated charcoal. It has been a life saver!

It helps absorb any toxins or allergens and flush them out. It also helps stop vomiting and diarrhea.

Every time my daughter was screaming from an allergic reaction I would take charcoal. It was like magic. The next time she nursed my milk was safe again.

Today I’m sharing a fun way to combine these two secret weapons. Zebra striped yogurt looks cool, tastes great and is very calming to the tummy. In fact, I made the dish of yogurt I photographed the day my son had a stomach bug. He was definitely happy to be my taste tester (even if he does look a bit worn out).

Depending on your child’s age, tastes and severity of reaction you can keep the yogurt plain or add a bit of sweetener. I use maple syrup in the black yogurt and organic cane sugar in the white yogurt.

The next time your child is recovering from a stomach upset of some kind whip up a zebra striped yogurt to ease the pain and get them back to full health quickly.

Zebra Striped Yogurt

2016-01-16 12:50:01

Serves 1

A black and white striped yogurt for settling tummies.

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Prep Time

5 min

Prep Time

5 min

Ingredients

1 cup plain, whole milk yogurt, divided
1 - 2 tsp. maple syrup
1 - 2 tsp. organic cane sugar
1 capsule activated charcoal
pinch unrefined sea salt

Instructions

In a small dish combine half of the yogurt, cane sugar and a pinch of salt.
In another small dish combine the other half of the yogurt, maple syrup, charcoal (emptied from capsule) and a pinch of salt.
Layer the white and black yogurts in a dish.
Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

If you are short on time you can just make the "black" yogurt or you can add all of the ingredients to a blender and make a smoothie.
Maple syrup can be used in place of the cane sugar, but it may give the yogurt a little color.
You can adjust the dose of charcoal based on your child's age/serving size.

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

January 24, 2016

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 1/24/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on easy prep and easy clean up while we pick up the pace with activities.

Just when I thought we were all back to full health…my son had a fever again last night. Spring can not come quickly enough!

My son is also still having daily stomach aches. We are trying to find the root cause. But so far not much luck.

In the kitchen.

We are picking up the pace with weekly activities as Kindermusik and swimming lessons start. My oldest started piano again last week. That means busy, busy and not as much time in the kitchen.

My refrigerator and pantry are totally bare. It is definitely time to restock! Groceries first thing Monday morning. Plus my kitchen projects:

kettle corn granola
elderberry syrup
baked oatmeal
double raspberry chocolate chip muffins
sauerkraut
sourdough bread (I’m trying it with barley for the first time…and praying my daughter handles it ok)

On the blog.

If you haven’t had a chance go enter the Crunchy Balm giveaway! My family is kind of obsessed with this stuff now. And be sure to come back tomorrow. I’m sharing a super fun recipe that is perfect for sick kiddos. Though my kids beg for it all the time.

I’ve been hard at work lately putting the finishing touches on my book and prepping some updates to the look of the blog. The countdown is on!

On the menu.

With lots of activities and errands meals need to be easy. But I’m still focusing on nourishment and giving everyone as much broth as possible. Here is our real food meal plan. What’s on your menu?

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day.

Day 1: sourdough/rye/barley, squash, cabbage
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, sunbutter, spinach
Day 4: pumpkin, mushrooms, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, split peas

Sunday 4
B – smoothies, honey oat bars | broth, spinach, beef
L – crockpot roast chicken, baked potatoes, carrots, salad
D – hot dogs, beans, chips | salad
prep: bake sourdough bread, make elderberry syrup
notes:

Monday 1
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | salad
D – sloppy joes, roasted red potatoes, squash
prep: soak oats for oatmeal
notes:

Tuesday 2
B – baked oatmeal | broth, squash, beef
D – crockpot pork chops, rice, peas | pork chops, spinach
prep: soak oats for granola, soak flour for crackers
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 3
B – breakfast cookies, cheese| pork chops, spinach
D – spaghetti, garlic toast, broccoli | beef, asparagus
prep: make crackers, sprout beans, dry oats, make granola
notes:

Thursday 4
B – baked oatmeal | pumpkin smoothie
D – chicken and bean enchilada bake, guacamole, rice | chicken, salad
prep: cook beans, soak flour for muffins, make sauerkraut
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 1
B – yogurt, granola bar | chicken, salad
D – crockpot split pea soup, muffins
prep: bake muffins, soak flour for waffles
notes:

Saturday 2
B – muffins, crispy nuts | split pea soup
D – gf waffles, bacon, fresh fruit, roasted cabbage
prep:
notes: let kids help with prep

January 18, 2016

Toups and Co Organics Review

Don’t let the dry winter weather take its toll on delicate or sensitive skin. Toups and Co Organics is safe, natural and effective for the whole family.

When seeking natural health and beauty products most people instantly jump to coconut oil. Sure, it’s good stuff.

Coconut = dry skin.

But did you know that coconut can actually dry your skin more? My oldest really struggles all winter with dry skin on her hands that gets so bad she has little cuts all over and it’s so painful.

We used to put tons of coconut oil on…and it just got worse. Eventually I started just taking our lard and tallow from the fridge to put on her hands. MUCH better. So we stopped using coconut oil for skin care.

Though she didn’t appreciate smelling like lard!

Now I also have to be very selective with skin care products with a child allergic to coconut. So if we don’t want to use coconut or smell like a barnyard what do we do?

We use Toups and Co Organics Tallow Balm!

I really think I could bathe in this stuff. It is made from grass-fed tallow and quality essential oils. Unlike most balms it is super soft and creamy and not greasy at all. It’s like whipped butter.

Tallow Balm does NOT contain:

petroleum based ingredients
artificial colors, ingredients or fragrances
chemicals
GMO’s

It is full of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Exactly what your skin needs. Plus there is definitely no barnyard smell to Crunchy Balm. It has a mild floral smell.

I love to use it on my toddler after a bath. She gets dry skin on her feet and has all around sensitive skin. Toups and Co Organics Tallow Balm clears it all up. And since she likes to copy everything her siblings do she MUST have some on her hands to rub in by herself. And I can feel perfectly comfortable with that. What a blessing.

When my oldest is having issues with her hands we reach right for the Tallow Balm. Just a small amount is all she needs. It’s instant relief. In her own words, “It’s magical.”

We even used it for windburn recently after the kids played outside for a long time in the cold and snow.

I really only have two “complaints” about Crunchy Balm.

I want a bigger container so we don’t run out. That is how much I love it. With all of our skin issues we go through it quickly, even though a little really does go a long way. In all honesty I bet this container will last us several months. It just depends how much little hands take out of the jar when they use it.
I found that when using the tallow frankincense face balm on my face it irritated my eyes and made them red. I have VERY sensitive eyes. Just a little bit of eye liner or eye shadow (even a natural kind) can make my eye swell. And almost any essential oil near my face makes my eyes sting. So if you have sensitive eyes use caution putting the scented Balm on your face or touching your face if it’s on your hands.I did get to try the scent free version. I LOVE using it on my face!!! No sensitivity at all.

There’s more.

Emilie, the creator of Toups and Co Organics, also makes other quality products like lip balm, deodorant and even makeup and baby products!! Or you can try the balm in a few different scents!

My oldest daughter and I use the lavender deodorant daily. I love the smell. And it works. We also love using the baby balm. It’s great for the whole family.

Don’t forget to head over to Toups and Co Organics to check it out for yourself. Then show her some love by visiting and liking her facebook page.

I just might have to go order more to stock up. This stuff really is “the balm.”

After you try it come back and let me know what you think. I have a feeling you’re going to love it!

January 17, 2016

Real Food Meal Plan Week of 1/17/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focuses on easy, prep ahead meals, recovering from sickness and spending time with family.

Here we go again. Starting another week with illness. Is it spring yet?

How we’re feeling.

My son has some kind of stomach bug and they always hit him hard. This is the third day in a row of him being up at 4:30 am. I am praying today is the day he really starts to get back on track. His little body needs some nourishment.

My youngest had another food reaction yesterday. It’s been a long time since we’ve had that much crying and sleep trouble.

I’ve got a sore throat. I’m taking lots of camu camu (vitamin C) and elderberry syrup and hoping to kick this quickly.

On top of illness today and tomorrow are the visitation and funeral for my grandfather.

I’m hoping by the end of the week everything and everyone is back to normal.

I’m working on a food experiment with my oldest, seeing how sugar impacts her behavior. We have found for sure that it impedes her sleep.

In the kitchen.

I do hope to spend some time in the kitchen this week. My projects include:

fruit snacks
sourdough bread
teff crackers
oatmeal bars
winter spice bread

On the blog.

There has been a lot going on here lately. I want to remind you of a couple important things.

Sign up for the Kids Cook Real Food course ends tomorrow! It is seriously so cool. My kids LOVE it. I love how much they want to help in the kitchen.
Today is the last day for the Cheshire Fields hair care bundle giveaway. I’ll be announcing the winner in a couple days. It could be you!

Last week I posted recipes for On The Go Nachos In A Jar and Ten Mason Jar Lunches Kids Can Make. Plus I posted my Simple Cure For Picky Eaters.

I have a fun surprise for you tomorrow morning! Don’t forget to check back.

Meal plan update.

Now on to the food. You’ll notice that I changed my weekly meal plan to a REAL FOOD meal plan. These days people have allergies to just about every kind of food. So there really is no way to make a menu that is “allergen friendly.” I still post meals that are very adaptable and can be made without many common allergens.

Here is our real food meal plan. It is very subject to change this week! What are you eating?

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day.

Day 1: sourdough/rye, squash, cabbage
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, sunbutter, spinach
Day 4: pumpkin, mushrooms, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, split peas, wheat

Sunday 1
B – oatmeal | cucumbers, pork
L – cp beef roast, roasted cabbage, baked potatoes
D – sunbutter sandwiches, chips, veggies with dip, fresh fruit
prep: soak oats for bars
notes: prep ahead dinner

Monday 2
B – cereal, fruit | roast beef, cabbage
D – cp meatballs, rice, beans, cauliflower
prep: bake oatmeal bars, soak flour for crackers
notes: prep ahead dinner

Tuesday 3
B – oatmeal bars, crispy nuts | meatballs, cauliflower
D – beef and bean enchilada bake | spinach, beef
prep: make gummies, soak flour for graham crackers, soak flour for teff crackers, soak flour for porridge, feed sourdough
notes: dinner ready any time

Wednesday 4
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | teff pumpkin porridge, cherries
D – pumpkin pasta, broccoli
prep: soak flour for bread, make sourdough bread, make graham crackers, make teff crackers
notes:

Thursday 1
B – oatmeal bars, gummies | pumpkin pasta
D – squash and sausage soup, winter spice bread
prep: make bread, soak flour for waffles, soak oats, make elderberry syrup
notes: dinner early/quick clean up

Friday 2
B – yogurt, granola bar | squash and sausage soup
D – gf waffles, bacon, applesauce, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts
prep: dry oats, make granola
notes:

Saturday 3
B – waffles, bacon | brussels sprouts, cauliflower, sausage
D – hamburgers, carrot fries, peas | hamburger, spinach
prep: make sourdough buns?
notes: let kids help with prep

January 13, 2016

Ten Mason Jar Lunches Kids Can Make

Start the year off with less stress by delegating some kitchen work. Today I’m at Kitchen Stewardship sharing ten mason jar lunches your kids can make by themselves.

No hiding from it now. The new year is here.

That means it’s time to get back on track with healthy eating! One very important part of that is teaching your children what real, nourishing food is and why it is important.

In my experience the best way to teach your kids about good food is by letting them help prepare it!

Start teaching them at a young age and by the time they are in school they can practically pack their own lunches. What parent doesn’t want a little help with lunches?!

Ready to start delegating that task? Here are ten lunch components kids can make by themselves. As an added bonus you won’t hear any complaining about boring or gross lunches. Kids can’t complain if they choose and pack their own lunch!

Take one more item off your to-do list with these fun, healthy and simple mason jar lunches that kids can make (using glass or plastic containers).

VEGGIES WITH DIP

Add sour cream and your choice of seasoning to a jar (we like sea salt, garlic powder and dill weed). Put the chopped vegetables on top. No need for separate containers. The veggies are already in the dip and ready to go.

Fun and easy finger food. Perfect for a school lunch.

Want more ideas?

Click here to head over to Kitchen Stewardship where I’ll show you just how much fun your kids can having making mason jar lunches.

Don’t think they’re ready to tackle this project yet? Check out the Kids Cook Real Food course to get them started!

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

January 12, 2016

On The Go Nachos In A Jar

Don’t resort to fast food and packaged foods just because you aren’t home for lunch. Stonyfield and Ball brand jars are teaming up for a New Year on the go! Try these on the go nachos in a jar for a filling meal that is easy to prepare and packed with nutrition.

I am working with Stonyfield and Ball Canning for this post. I have been compensated for my time commitment. But the opinions and ideas are my own. I have not been paid to post positive reviews.

When the New Year arrives just about everyone is ready to hit the ground running. That includes both our schedules and our healthier food choices.

Just because you are busy does not mean you have to resort to junk food. Create your own “to go” meals using Ball brand jars.

Canning jars everywhere.

Me? I use glass jars for everything.

I mean everything.

At any given time I have five to twenty-five jars in my fridge containing things like milk, broth, salsa, salad dressing, leftovers, olives, beans, bacon grease. Just about anything you can think of.

I also use them in my cupboard to store homemade graham crackers, Wheat Thins® and kettle corn granola.

Glass jars are just right.

Basically my house is packed with canning jars. I’ll even share a post tomorrow about mason jar lunches kids can make! Ball brand jars are safe for food, safe for the dishwasher and come in all shapes and sizes to meet any needs.

My favorite size is the wide mouth pint. The wide mouth makes it easy to get your hands in. Even an immersion blender fits to make things like homemade Miracle Whip®!

My nachos in a jar fit perfectly in the wide mouth pint! Layers of your favorite nacho toppings all packed neatly into a jar.

You can use chips (I love the Garden of Eatin’ blue corn chips) to dip right out of the jar or dump the nachos into a bowl when you are ready to eat.

Better yet, crumble chips into some of the layers and eat it with a fork. That is a delicious lunch on the go!

Keep it simple.

I kept my nacho preparation simple with whole cherry tomatoes, olives, beans and chunks of avocado. You can add refried beans, salsa and guacamole if you like.

The add some tang with Stonyfield Greek yogurt or whole milk yogurt in place of sour cream.

I gave this to my husband for lunch. It got his seal of approval (and that means a lot!).

Are you starting the year with a busy schedule? In need of some easy lunches?

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the New Year stand in the way of keeping yourself healthy. Create fun Ball brand jar meals on the go like these nachos in a jar.

On The Go Nachos In A Jar

2016-01-06 12:34:20

Serves 1

Simple layered nachos you can take on the go.

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Choose any of the following

1/4 avocado, cut up
1/4 cup chopped lettuce
2 Tbsp. grated cheese
3 Tbsp. plain Greek or whole milk yogurt
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (whole or chopped)
2 Tbsp. salsa
1/4 cup pinto beans, black beans, refried beans or chickpeas
1/4 cup olives (whole or chopped)
1/4 cup guacamole
Tortilla chips

Instructions

Layer the chosen ingredients into a Ball canning jar (wide mouth pint works well).
Optional: Add layers of crumbled chips.
Serve straight from the jar with chips for dipping or with a fork. Or dump the contents into a bowl and serve with chips for dipping.

Notes

I like to use Garden of Eatin' organic blue corn chips. Use whatever chips you tolerate.
You can leave out the chips for a grain free nacho or replace corn chips with a root chip (potato, beet, etc.).

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

January 11, 2016

A Simple Cure For Picky Eaters

Sometimes picky eating is a much deeper problem than it seems. But sometimes it’s not. Here is a simple cure for picky eaters…that aren’t really that picky.

I wouldn’t call any of my kids picky eaters.

Wait a minute. Isn’t this whole site devoted to feeding children that struggle with eating? Yep! And I learned it all from my kids.

But none of them is picky.

To me a picky eater is a child that is truly just wanting to have some control and make his own decisions about his food.

A picky eater is not a child whose diet is limited to noodles and crackers. That is a much deeper problem related to the child’s health (be on the lookout for my book on how to deal with that soon!!)

My kids all have other root causes for their eating issues. When they are feeling good they are all wonderful eaters.

Today I’m talking about the kind of picky eating that is more a battle of wills than taste buds.

If your child is a picky eater there is a simple cure. Teach your child to cook!

I can’t tell you how many times my kids have practically inhaled a meal because they helped prepare it. They feel such a sense of accomplishment.

Great idea! But how exactly do I teach my kids to cook?

Katie at Kitchen Stewardship has put together an amazing course for both parents and children to teach kids of all ages to cook.

My kids and I have been previewing the course over the last couple months. Not only are my kids absolutely loving it and learning a lot, I’m learning too!

I’m learning basic skills I was never taught as a child. I’m learning how to teach my children and how to work with them in the kitchen.

So far my kids’ favorite part has been using knives (of course). You can preview the knife skills for free right now.

But there is SO much more to learn. My four year old is already starting to crack eggs. My seven year old is very anxious to try making a detailed recipe on her own. She actually made today’s breakfast (she even planned it) of strawberry parfaits.

Kids Cook Real Food is a way to get the whole family on board with healthier eating and put that picky eating to rest. Who knows, you may have a budding chef on your hands!

The course is open for enrollment this week.

Check out the free videos and get ready to end the picky eating by teaching your child to cook. It is a skill that will benefit both you and your kids for life.

Does your child have strong opinions about what she will or won’t eat?

There really is a simple cure for picky eaters. Get them in the kitchen! If that doesn’t work. Come back and see me when my book is ready and we’ll talk more!

January 10, 2016

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan Week of 1/10/16

This week’s allergen friendly meal plan and agenda focus on staying well fed while making time for fun (per my goals for everyone!).

It’s funny how after one week back into the normal routine it seems like Christmas and New Year’s were so long ago. I’m loving being back to our usual schedule and feeling much more productive.

Our week isn’t too busy outside of the house. Which means we can accomplish a lot in the house! Maybe some more decluttering. For sure more baking.

Kitchen duties.

My kitchen project list includes:

Let your kids cook!

I might try to find some other projects to work on with my kids as we continue to go through the Kids Cook Real Food course. I can’t even tell you how excited my kids are! Who knew some easy-to-follow courses would get them so anxious to help in the kitchen.

If you are interested enrollment starts this week! You can preview three knife skills videos to get an idea of what it’s like.

Don’t forget to enter!

This is also the last week to enter the Cheshire Fields hair care bundle giveaway! I can’t say enough great things about Michelle’s products.

Coming up on the blog this week I’ve got some really fun recipes that are perfect for kids (and adults too!).

My family helped with meal plans this week. Hopefully that means clean plates every night. I’m trying really hard to stretch our meat a bit and increase our vegetable intake (improve health, decrease spending…I’m all over it). Which means more soups, stews and casseroles. Delicious and nutritious.

How is your New Year starting out? What’s on your menu?

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day.

Day 1: sourdough/rye, squash, cabbage
Day 2: corn, spinach, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, sunbutter
Day 4: pumpkin, mushrooms, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, split peas, wheat

Sunday 3
B – cereal, fruit | gf blueberry muffins, crispy pecans | brussels sprouts, spinach, meatballs
L – cp roast chicken, baked potatoes, broccoli
D – pizza, asparagus, true blue-berry smoothies | chicken, salad
prep: make gf bread
notes:

Monday 4
B – Neapolitan parfaits | broth, chicken, spinach
D – grilled steak, rice, beans | steak, salad
prep: sprout beans for Tues. and Wed., make sourdough bread
notes:

Tuesday 1
B – gf breakfast cookies, fruit | sauteed mushrooms, meatballs
D – bean and vegetable chili, gf cornbread | salad, cornbread
prep: make gf tortillas, make cornbread
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 2
B – toast w/ sunbutter, fruit | broth, pumpkin, liver
D – cheese quesadillas with salsa and gucamole, refried beans, spinach
prep: soak quinoa
notes:

Thursday 3
B – yogurt, granola | broth, spinach, cornbread
D – chicken broccoli stir fry over quinoa
prep: soak flour for waffles, soak flour for porridge, boil eggs
notes:

Friday 4
B – hard boiled eggs, toast| teff porridge w/ blueberries, liver
D – zucchini waffles, bacon, applesauce, peas
prep: make sourdough bread, soak flour for bread
notes:

Saturday 1
B – waffles, bacon | salad, liver
D – squash and chicken soup, winter spice bread
prep: make bread (let kids practice cracking eggs and measuring dry ingredients)
notes:

In the kitchen.

On the blog.

On the menu.

Here is this week’s real food meal plan. What is on your menu?

BRAT diet doesn’t exist here.

Oats to the rescue.

What is your go-to food when recovering from a stomach virus?

Sensitive Tummies

Allergy Relief

In the kitchen.

On the blog.

On the menu.

Coconut = dry skin.

We use Toups and Co Organics Tallow Balm!

There’s more.

How we’re feeling.

In the kitchen.

On the blog.

Meal plan update.

VEGGIES WITH DIP

Click here to head over to Kitchen Stewardship where I’ll show you just how much fun your kids can having making mason jar lunches.

Canning jars everywhere.

Glass jars are just right.

Keep it simple.

Are you starting the year with a busy schedule? In need of some easy lunches?

Kitchen duties.

Let your kids cook!

Don’t forget to enter!

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