Tag: feeding

March 27, 2016

Real Food Meal Plan Week of 3/27/16

This week’s real food meal plan focuses on simple meals for a lot of coming and going.

The Lord is risen! Christ is risen indeed!!

Happy Easter. I hope you have a blessed day of celebration. We are spending time with extended family.

Only one week until spring break! I’m ready for a break from the usual routine. But before that starts we have to get through a very busy week with doctor appointments, dentist appointments, activities, field trips and errands.

In the kitchen.

My cupboards and fridge are getting quite bare. It’s time to bake and grocery shop. Here is what’s on the kitchen agenda for the week.

On the blog.

Last week I shared the story of how I helped my oldest with mouth breathing. It’s still a work in progress but we have seen a lot of improvement. This week I’ve got a fun, spring recipe coming!

On the menu.

Now for the food. Super simple is the name of the game this week. And doing our best as always to stick to our rotation diet. We tried eggs again for my son but the verdict is still out. So we’ll take them out again and see what happens. My youngest tried sunbutter. I think it’s going well. It was hard to tell because she was also a little sick (again!) this week.

Are you gearing up for spring break? Ready for grilling and lighter foods yet? Here is our real food meal plan for the week. What are you eating?

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 – yogurt, granola, fruit | blueberry spinach smoothies
L – at party
D – leftovers
prep:
notes:

Monday 1
B – cereal, fruit | cinnamon sugar pumpkin bowls
D – spaghetti, carrots, garlic toast
prep: soak flour for muffins, soak flour for breakfast cookies
notes:

Tuesday 2
B – strawberry yogurt | leftovers
D – chili, muffins
prep: bake muffins, bake breakfast cookies
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 3
B – breakfast cookies, gummies | leftovers
D – crockpot roast turkey, roasted potatoes, zucchini, spinach
prep: soak teff, soak flour for muffins
notes: prep ahead

Thursday 4
B – yogurt, granola bar | teff porridge with blueberries
D – pumpkin soup, muffins
prep: soak flour for coffee cake, make pumpkin yogurt, bake muffins
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 1
B – cereal, fruit | pumpkin yogurt with cherries, muffins
D – coffee cake, sausage, squash, fruit salad
prep: bake coffee cake
notes:

Saturday 2
B – coffee cake, sausage, squash, fruit
D – pan seared salmon, baked sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower
prep: make pizza crackers
notes: kids help prep dinner

March 20, 2016

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 3/20/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on changes of the season and personal life. Don’t miss some important news.

Spring has finally arrived! And with it comes lots of change. For our family it could be some BIG changes.

But just as we now sit and wait for spring weather to arrive we sit and wait for God’s plans for our family to unfold.

With these changes will come a lot of busyness in an already more than busy life. Which my body is not really up for. So I am taking a step back from my work. I need to focus on my kids right now and walking through this time of transition.

I’ll still be here. I’ll still post my meal plans every week. I’ll still be sharing things. But not at the same pace as usual. I hope you will still come alongside me and share this journey of healing, nourishing and feeding our children.

In the kitchen.

Now back to the task at hand…food! I’m not really sure what this week will bring so I’m trying not to plan too many projects. But my son is servant of the week at school. So we have to bring snack all week, which will require some extra work on my part. We don’t have the option of just picking up a box of crackers at the store. It’s all homemade. Here is what is on the kitchen project list so far:

On the blog.

Last week was a BIG week on the blog as I launched my first book. It is my hope that many people will be blessed by my story.

I also shared some great stuff last week – how a rotation diet helps with allergies, how I got my one year old to eat again and a fun recipe for pumpkin yogurt.

On the menu.

Like I said, this week is a bit uncertain for us. So I’m planning easy meals while trying to stick to our rotation.

Here is our real food meal plan. What are you eating this week?

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, peas, 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 – cereal, fruit | salad | cinnamon pumpkin cups
L – pork burgers, carrots, chips
D – pizza, squash, sauerkraut
prep: make pizza dough, prep smoothies, soak flour for crackers
notes: introduce peas

Monday 2
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | squash cherry smoothies
D – honey herb chicken, cauli-rice, broccoli
prep: make gummies, soak flour for muffins, boil eggs, make crackers
notes:

Tuesday 3
B – hard boiled egg, toast | leftovers
D – asparagus soup, zucchini muffins
prep: prep smoothies, soak oats
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 4
B – oatmeal | quinoa bars, blueberry spinach smoothies
D – pumpkin egg muffins, toast w/ jam, peas
prep: make pumpkin yogurt
notes:

Thursday 1
B – yogurt, granola bars | pumpkin yogurt w/ cherries
D – crockpot rice and beans, roasted purple cabbage
prep: soak flour for pancakes, prep smoothies
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 2
B – cereal, fruit | strawberry smoothie | leftovers
D – pancakes, bacon, roasted cauliflower
prep:
notes:

Saturday 3
B – pancakes, bacon | broccoli
D – TBD kids’ choice
prep:
notes: easy prep and clean up

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March 16, 2016

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt

No need to give up yogurt just because you have allergies! This pumpkin yogurt only takes five minutes to prep and still packs a nutritional punch with protein and probiotics.

I’ve been dairy free for 18 months now, ever since my youngest was about a month old. This is not the first time I’ve had to go dairy free. But no matter how many times and no matter how long it lasts it’s never easy.

I LOVE dairy. Love it.

One of the things I miss most is yogurt. I used it eat it almost daily for breakfast or lunch. Add some granola…my happy place.

For most people there are some decent options to replace dairy yogurt – coconut, almond, etc. But those are all out for me too. We have that many allergies. So I’ve just gone without yogurt.

Until now.

Problem solved.

My youngest it starting to notice when her siblings have yogurt and she keeps asking for it. Oh, how I’d love to give it to her!! It breaks my heart to have to say no. I feel so mean since she doesn’t understand why.

So I came up with a solution.

I created pumpkin yogurt. It is creamy and slightly sweet. It has lots of protein from both grass-fed collagen and gelatin plus a healthy dose of probiotics (this is the one we use). Just like the real thing.

An added bonus is you also get a big helping of vegetables!

The first time I made pumpkin yogurt I added fruit and some crumbled homemade graham crackers. I was instantly taken back to my happy place. Finally! I can have yogurt again!

My little one loves it too. I gave her a small dish. Her response: “mrrrr” (more). That is all I needed to hear.

To my surprise even my four year old loves it. When I first told him I made pumpkin yogurt he made the “don’t come near me with that stuff” face. But after he tried it he had to have a second dish! Maybe me calling it pumpkin PIE yogurt helped a little.

More than just great taste.

Not only is pumpkin yogurt a nutritious breakfast it is also so easy to make!

Mix all of the ingredients in a blender.
Pour the mixture in a jar.
Let it culture for about eight hours.

That’s it.

Pumpkin yogurt makes a great breakfast, lunch or snack. Eat it plain or add your favorite fruit and crunchy topping. It is perfect for school lunches too.

Have you had to say goodbye to yogurt due to allergies?

Even if you can’t have dairy…or coconut…or nuts…or rice…you don’t have to give up yogurt. Pumpkin yogurt is allergen friendy, easy to make and oh so delicious!

Want to learn more about feeding children with allergies?

Check out my book Why Won’t My Child Eat?! It’s packed with feeding strategies, tips on pinpointing reactions and allergen friendly recipes.

Allergen Free No Cook Pumpkin Yogurt

2016-03-09 13:14:26

Serves 3

A creamy pumpkin yogurt that is free of common allergens.

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Ingredients

3/4 cup cooked pumpkin (canned or fresh)
1 cup water
1 Tbsp. grass-fed collagen
1 Tbsp. sweetener (honey, maple syrup, cane sugar)
1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
1 1/2 tsp. grass-fed gelatin
1 capsule powdered probiotic

Instructions

Combine the pumpkin, water, collagen, sweetener, salt and cinnamon in a blender.
Blend on high until smooth.
Add the gelatin and probiotic.
Blend for about 10 seconds.
Pour the mixture into a glass jar with a lid.
Put the jar in a warm place for 8-10 hours.
Put in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Notes

Setting the mixture on a counter that gets sunlight or on a stovetop with the oven on or in an unheated oven with the light on works well for culturing the yogurt.

By Mary - justtakeabite.com

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

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

March 15, 2016

How to Get an Undereater to Enjoy Food!

By my third child I thought I knew plenty about feeding challenges. I was wrong. The hardest was yet to come. I’m excited to share our story and how I got my one year old to eat again, plus a special recipe that literally saved her life.

Every parent wants their kids to be good eaters, right?

No complaining. No throwing food. No refusing to eat vegetables. It’s a reasonable desire.

Of course most kids do go through phases of eating more or less, phases of liking and refusing certain foods, phases of wanting to make their own food choices and willingly eating whatever you serve. Love it or hate it, that’s life.

I’m thankful that it seems to get easier to handle with each child…at least a little.

But what if your child just won’t eat?

At all? Every. Single. Day?

Emotions turn from annoyance to anxiety. I’ve been there. And I know I’m not alone.

How Allergies Impact Feeding Challenges

As allergies are on the rise so are eating struggles. Especially for young children.

Think about it for a minute. If you eat something that upsets your stomach, do you feel like eating? Are you a little hesitant to eat that food again?

Now imagine if you are so young you can’t even verbalize how you feel. And your mom tries to feed you the same food over and over (because we’re told to keep trying, eventually they’ll like it) that you know will give you a stomach ache or reflux or even swelling.

What is your solution? Refusal to eat. Period.

Feeding a young child that is developing allergies is an important and sometimes stressful task. As a parent your only feedback is watching for reactions, assuming you even know to look for them! Along the way your child may just stop eating out of fear or because she simply does not feel good.

Having a Child that Refuses to Eat

I lived this struggle for over two years as my daughter slowly developed more and more allergies.

When we first introduced solids she seemed to enjoy most things she tried. But gradually she started eating less and less until she stopped eating.

We managed to get by for a while because she was nursing full time. But as we approached her first birthday I knew something had to change. A one year old should be eating more than three bites of solid food a day.

This was my third child. I knew all the tricks. I tried different flavors and textures. I tried distracting her. I fed her in a chair or while we were playing. Really. I had tried it all.

But she still wouldn’t eat. We hit a low point.

She wasn’t gaining weight. She wasn’t getting enough nourishment.

At thirteen months old I knew I had to change our situation or take her to the doctor.

Hope for Reluctant Eaters!

There is hope even for kids that refuse to eat anything! Want to hear more about how we turned it around?

—->>>> Head over to Kitchen Stewardship!

I’m sharing how I got my one-year-old to finally eat again. Plus I’ve got a fun recipe for squash “milk” that is perfect for kids with allergies. Even I drink it!

Looking for more? Check out my book Why Won’t My Child Eat?! where I share all of the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the last twelve years with foiur kids, each with different feeding challenges. It is possible to turn any child into a good eater and to do it with real, nourishing food. The new, revised 2nd edition will walk you through the process of spotting food reactions, calming the body, and restoring the joy of nourishing food. You’ll go from reluctant eater to thriving little foodie!

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

March 13, 2016

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 3/13/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda are all about simplicity, birthday celebration and book launch!!!

Is it really March 13? I’m freaking out just a little bit. Tomorrow I have the privilege of sharing our story and sharing my passion with you as I launch my first book called Why Won’t My Child Eat?!

I suppose it’s fitting that my son was up half the night with stomach pain, likely due to an allergic reaction. Add that to losing an hour from the time change. We’re all going to need our Sunday nap today!

I’ll confess that I’m scrambling this week to figure out meal plans as I’ve been busy all weekend hosting family and having an early birthday celebration (for me!). I got all sorts of fun, new kitchen gadgets and photo props. I can’t wait to use it all.

In the kitchen.

I am still trying to play catch up with baking and stocking the pantry with safe foods for my youngest two. As I figure out our new rotation diet (more on that tomorrow!!) I can tailor my baking to it. Here is what is on the agenda so far.

soaked graham crackers
soaked teff crackers
pancakes (to use as bread/buns)
muffins
gummies
smoothies
pumpkin yogurt (recipe coming this week)
quinoa bars
tortillas (I can’t wait to try my new tortilla press!)

On the blog.

Tomorrow is the day! Book day birthday. Be on the lookout for a great post about rotation diets and grab your copy of my new book. I’ve also got a couple allergen friendly, kid friendly recipes coming.

On the menu.

As always I’m aiming for simple meals. I’m even serving mostly leftovers for my birthday dinner. Less work is a great gift to myself. Especially after working hard all weekend to prepare big meals.

Here is this week’s real food meal plan. What are you eating this week?

Enjoy your week and don’t forget to come back tomorrow to get your copy of Why Won’t My Child Eat?!

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, peas, 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 – scones, toast with sunbutter, fruit, yogurt | squash, pork, scone
L – cp roast beef, mashed potatoes, carrots
D – hot dogs, veggies with dip, crackers with cheese
prep: make gummies, soak flour for graham crackers
notes:

Monday 3
B – yogurt, granola | muffin, raspberries | beef, brussels sprouts
D – pork roast, roasted squash, baked potatoes
prep: soak flour for muffins, soak flour for porridge, make graham crackers
notes:

Tuesday 4
B – cereal, fruit | teff porridge
D – pumpkin soup, pumpkin muffins
prep: bake muffins
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 1
B – muffins, fruit, gummies |soup, muffin
D – Shepherd’s pie, pearsauce
prep: make smoothies, soak quinoa
notes:

Thursday 2
B – yogurt, granola bars | squash cherry smoothies
D – sloppy joes, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts, french fries
prep: make quinoa bars, soak flour for crackers, soak flour for pancakes
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 3
B – quinoa bars, fruit | beef, brussels sprouts
D – pancakes, bacon, beans, fruit
prep: make teff crackers
notes: introduce beans

Saturday 4
B – pancakes, eggs | spinach, crackers
D – tacos, fruit
prep: make tortillas, kids help
notes: introduce avocado

March 6, 2016

Real Food Meal Plan Week of 3/6/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on birthday treats and hosting guests. And the one week countdown until my book launch!

We’re all healthy! I’m not even sure I should say that out loud. It seems too good to be true.

We’ve also got some warm weather on the way this week. It’s like an early birthday present for me.

So hopefully this week we can get a lot done and spend some time outside.

Food introductions.

So far my youngest is doing quite well with most of the foods we’ve tried. We’ve added bananas, rice and avocado back into her (my) diet! The white and sweet potatoes did not go well. I think I’ll still stick to root free for now. Next up to try is sunbutter. I’m so excited!!

My son, on the other hand, has not been doing so well with new foods. And it’s back to our guessing game. I’m giving him a few days off rice and then trying it one more time. But I have a feeling it’s back out, which is a big disappointment for all of us. It’s time to get more serious about healing measures for him.

In the kitchen.

I’ve got some delicious work in the kitchen this week as I prepare birthday desserts and create some new recipes. My kitchen projects include:

strawberry kiwi gummies (new recipe)
allergy syrup
pumpkin yogurt (recipe coming soon)
ice cream
scones (two varieties)
cupcakes (two varieties)

On the blog.

Last week I shared some delicious recipes you don’t want to miss – Soaked Teff Crackers and Rainbow Egg Muffins. Tomorrow I’ve got another delicious and very allergen friendly recipe for you.

Don’t forget – you can purchase my book Why Won’t My Child Eat?! NOW.

On the menu.

This week’s real food meal plan is all about simple, simple, simple and sticking with rotation. Plus we’re hosting family and celebrating my birthday!

What’s on your menu this week?

ROTATION: Each day starts with dinner and goes through lunch the next day. Foods in () are things yet to be tried. There is a separate rotation for two children.

Day 1: squash, cabbage, banana (carrot, beet, cassava, tapioca, strawberry)
Day 1: squash, cabbage, carrot, tapioca, strawberry (cassava)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, avocado (amaranth, tomato, orange)
Day 2: grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, tomato, orange, amaranth (avocado)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach (sunbutter, sorghum, beans, peas, 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 – coffee cake, yogurt | pancake w/ sunbutter | beef jerky, cauliflower, broccoli
L – cp roast chicken, seasoned rice, broccoli
D – sunbutter and peach jam sandwiches, roasted asparagus, spinach, chips
prep: make gummies, prep smoothies, make allergy syrup
notes: introduce sunbutter?

Monday 4
B – pancake muffins, yogurt | spinach blueberry smoothies
D – goulash, garlic toast, corn, salad
prep: make pumpkin yogurt, make ice cream
notes: retry rice

Tuesday 1
B – yogurt, granola | cm yogurt w/ cherries | pumpkin yogurt w/ cherries
D – squash soup, scones
prep: make scones (2 kinds, double batches), boil eggs
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 2
B – hard boiled egg, toast | squash cherry smoothies
D – cp pork chops, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts, roasted potato wedges
prep: bake cupcakes
notes:

Thursday 3
B – cereal, fruit | roasted vegetables, pork
D – cp meatballs, roasted asparagus, french fries
prep:
notes: early/easy clean up/me out for dinner

Friday 4
B – toast w/ sunbutter | meatballs, spinach
D – split pea soup, crackers w/ cheese
prep: prep smoothies
notes: clean

Saturday 1
B – parfaits| cm yogurt, blueberries | pumpkin smoothie
L – chicken vegetable soup, scones, veggies + dip, crackers + cheese, fruit | leftover pea soup
D – cp pork roast, seasoned rice, roasted squash, broccoli, fruit salad
prep: frost cupcakes, prep fruits and veggies
notes:

February 29, 2016

Rainbow Egg Muffins

Winter is almost over! Get ready to think spring with these rainbow egg muffins. Lots of color, flavor and nutrition packed into the perfect little bite.

Spring is coming. I can almost taste it. After the snow and cold I am more than ready to think about new life and color returning.

And after all of the illness we’ve had I am looking forward to spending a lot of time outside in the fresh air. The end to illness can start any time now. Any time.

If you look out your window and still see everything covered in white you can at least bring spring back to your breakfast with these colorful rainbow egg muffins.

Start the day with a healthy dose of protein, vitamins and vegetables all in one. Add a slice of toast with homemade grape jelly or peach jam to make it a complete meal.

Rainbow egg muffins are even great for toddlers. Cut one into bite size pieces so your toddler can practice picking up food and self feeding.

What a fun Easter breakfast for the whole family!

How do they taste?

Will kids really eat them? I let my four year old be my taste tester. I put one on his plate and stepped back into the kitchen to grab something. When I got back his muffin was already half gone. The other half went down about ten seconds later.

Want the recipe? Head over to Super Healthy Kids! I’ve got this simple recipe for rainbow egg muffins plus some tips on how to cut your prep time in half.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

February 28, 2016

Real Food Meal Plan Week of 2/28/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focus on playing catch up (for real this time I hope!) and stocking the pantry.

Looks like we’re starting another week with mom and one of the kids not able to make it to church. My little one is still sick. I am praying she is on the upswing. Else we may have to call the doctor tomorrow.

I am very thankful that I am back to feeling like myself. Two weeks of being sick was more than enough for me. I have a lot to catch up on!! Though I woke up with a sore throat. So I may be on the front of end of the cold my little one has.

Allergies.

Food introductions have kind of stalled. My son has had a rough week with his eczema and meltdowns. So I’m not sure if it’s the rice or just dry winter skin and blood sugar issues. I’ll have to do more experimenting this week.

My little one hasn’t been eating much, so I can’t really assess how she’s doing.

I think it’s time to take a break from gluten/sourdough again. I sure will miss my sourdough bread!! I’m so thankful we at least have rice to add back in now for a safe starch.

In the kitchen.

I’m finding it hard to keep up with making enough safe food for everyone that also fits into our rotation diet. I’m going to try my best to get a lot done in the kitchen this week. My projects include:

beef jerky
gf crackers
lunch meat
pink lemonade
Dutch cookies
gf muffins
gummies
chicken broth

On the menu.

I think I managed to plan another week of delicious meals that everyone can enjoy. Hopefully everyone will be healthy enough to have a good appetite!

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. Foods in () are things yet to be tried.

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

Sunday 4
B – strawberry yogurt, granola bar| strawberry coconut milk yogurt, soaked graham crackers | pumpkin yogurt w/ blueberries, chicken
L – crockpot pork roast, rice, carrots, spinach
D – crockpot hobo dinners, strawberry smoothies
prep: make gummies, boil eggs, make lemonade
notes: prep ahead dinner

Monday 1
B – hard boiled eggs, toast | gummies, rice pudding | salad
D – crockpot roast chicken, squash, baked potatoes
prep: make broth, soak flour for muffins, soak oats
notes: introduce potatoes

Tuesday 2
B – oatmeal | blueberry muffin, gummies | broth, squash, chicken
D – beef and vegetable chili, muffins
prep: bake muffins, soak quinoa
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 3
B – english muffin w/ sunbutter, fruit | muffin w/ sunbutter | broth, beef, brussels sprouts
D – chicken and broccoli stir fry over quinoa
prep: prep smoothies
notes: early

Thursday 4
B – yogurt, granola bar| spinach blueberry smoothies
D – pumpkin pasta, salad, peaches
prep: soak flour for muffins, soak flour for crackers, prep smoothies, make cookies
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 1
B – cereal, fruit | cherry squash smoothie
D – pancake and sausage muffins, roasted cabbage, peaches
prep: make crackers
notes:

Saturday 2
B – pancake and sausage muffins, grapes | roasted cabbage
D – sandwiches, roasted cauliflower, chips
prep: make lunch meat, marinate meat for beef jerky
notes: early/easy clean up

February 21, 2016

Real Food Meal Plan Week of 2/21/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda focuses on stocking the pantry and fridge with allergen-free foods and getting everyone back to full health.

What a winter. The sickness seems to never end. Last week it even included my husband and I. I still don’t think I’m fully over it…as I sit here eating some rice to try to settle my stomach. It took more out of me and my oldest than I thought. We both need some extra rest. And I think all of the digestive stress I had really messed up my diastasis recti more, which is causing problems now.

So today’s to-do list may get pushed to tomorrow so I can take a long nap.

In the kitchen.

I’m trying to stock up on safe foods for my son. This week’s kitchen projects include:

coconut milk
coconut milk yogurt
beef jerky
crackers
muffins
pancakes
beef broth

On the menu.

We introduced rice to my youngest two yesterday. So far no major reactions. We’ll see how today goes. I hope we can add it to our regular rotation! Next up will be white potatoes.

We have a fairly busy week. I might even get to go out one night! Hopefully I can still get all of the baking and cooking done.

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

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

Day 1: sourdough?, squash, cabbage, banana (potato, carrot, beet, cassava, tapioca)
Day 2: corn, grapes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli (avocado, amaranth)
Day 3: teff, eggplant, zucchini, blueberries, asparagus, spinach, (sunbutter, sorghum, beans, peas)
Day 4: pumpkin, mushrooms, lettuce, cucumber, cherries, olives, split peas (rice, millet, egg, dairy)

Sunday 4
B – baked oatmeal, fruit | sweet bread, sunbutter
L – taco rice soup, chips, guacamole
D – beef roast, roasted carrots, seasoned rice
prep: make broth
notes:

Monday 1
B – yogurt, granola bar | broth, beef, brussels sprouts
D – chicken nuggets, sweet potato fries, roasted asparagus
prep: make coconut milk, make cm ice cream, prep smoothies, make jerky
notes:

Tuesday 2
B – cereal, fruit | squash cherry smoothies
D – cp pork chops, baked potato wedges, beans, spinach
prep: make cm yogurt, make muffins, boil eggs
notes: ready any time

Wednesday 3
B – hard boiled egg, toast | broth, pork, spinach | cm yogurt
D – spaghetti, roasted brussels sprouts and cauliflower
prep: soak flour for muffins
notes:

Thursday 4
B – toast w/ sunbutter | brussels sprouts, cauliflower
D – beef vegetable soup, muffins
prep: bake muffins, soak flour for pancakes, prep smoothie
notes: early/easy clean up; me out to eat?

Friday 1
B – yogurt, muffins | pumpkin smoothie
D – pancakes w/ strawberry topping, bacon, roasted cabbage
prep: soak flour for crackers
notes:

Saturday 2
B – pancakes, bacon | broth, squash
D – honey herb chicken, baked potatoes, broccoli
prep: make crackers
notes: introduce potatoes

February 15, 2016

Why I Secretly Love Our Food Allergies

Just hearing the term food allergies stirs up negative thoughts. But did you know they are not all bad? In fact, I kind of like them.

I’m not gonna lie. Having (multiple) kids with (different and even severe) food allergies is not easy. In fact, many days it is down right hard.

I can’t cook one meal for the whole family. I can’t just order pizza when I’m sick and have no energy to cook. At the moment I can’t even eat at a restaurant. If you have a child with food allergies I’m sure you know the list of “can’t” could go on and on.

But…

I secretly love our food allergies.

Yes, you heard that right. I love them.

There really are some hidden blessings when it comes to food allergies. And although I do hope for full healing for my children some day. There is a part of me (maybe the part that wants to have control!) that hopes it doesn’t happen too soon.

Even in light of my son’s severe nut and dairy allergy diagnosis last week I still have some good things to say.

I’m letting you in on my seven little secrets about the blessings of food allergies. After reading them you may want to go get your child tested. An allergy diagnosis can have its perks. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Easily say no to junk food.

Allergies make food choices for you, often for the better. My son is allergic to corn (probably my favorite allergy!). That means NOTHING with high fructose corn syrup or cornstarch. Saying no to junk food is a no brainer there.

Does your child have a wheat allergy? It’s easy to pass on the Goldfish® the other kids are eating.

Of course there are alternatives these days. And there is plenty of junk food that is egg free, dairy free, gluten free, etc. But it is much easier to pass on the junk when you are avoiding allergens.

Want to hear my other six benefits of food allergies?

The Lord is risen! Christ is risen indeed!!

In the kitchen.

On the blog.

On the menu.

Are you gearing up for spring break? Ready for grilling and lighter foods yet? Here is our real food meal plan for the week. What are you eating?

In the kitchen.

On the blog.

On the menu.

Here is our real food meal plan. What are you eating this week?

I LOVE dairy. Love it.

Problem solved.

More than just great taste.

Have you had to say goodbye to yogurt due to allergies?

How Allergies Impact Feeding Challenges

Having a Child that Refuses to Eat

Hope for Reluctant Eaters!

There is hope even for kids that refuse to eat anything! Want to hear more about how we turned it around?

In the kitchen.

On the blog.

On the menu.

Here is this week’s real food meal plan. What are you eating this week?

Food introductions.

In the kitchen.

On the blog.

On the menu.

What’s on your menu this week?

How do they taste?

Allergies.

In the kitchen.

On the menu.

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

In the kitchen.

On the menu.

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

I secretly love our food allergies.

Head over to Kitchen Stewardship where I’m sharing the bright side of allergies.

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