Home » feeding » Page 14

Tag: feeding

Real Food Meal Plan| Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plans Week of 2/14/16 Plus An Allergy Update

This week’s real food meal plan is focused on figuring out our new menu options that factor in my son’s allergies. Time for a new rotation!

Real Food Meal Plan| Just Take A Bite

Happy Valentine’s Day! Not exactly the best time to find out your son has a cocoa allergy. Poor kid.

Though cocoa is the least of my concerns. Sadly his allergy test did not go nearly as well as we had hoped. My son’s new allergies include:

  • dairy
  • corn
  • oat
  • wheat
  • cocoa
  • sweet potato
  • peanut
  • almond
  • string bean
  • pea
  • apple
  • banana
Most of these are severe (especially nuts) and could result in anaphylaxis. He needs to avoid contact with them. And he should avoid all tree nuts and possibly all legumes. Eggs are still TBD since we didn’t test them. We’ll have to observe. We also now have an epi-pen.
 
We are thankful to have some answers as he’s been having daily stomach aches, eczema and some vomiting due to food reactions. But we are also disappointed by the test results and it’s a lot to take in.
 
He was also tested for environmental allergies. They were pretty bad too. The list includes:
 
  • cats
  • dogs
  • feathers
  • dust mites
  • tree pollen
  • grass
  • nettle
  • ragweed
  • corn pollen
  • mold
  • corn smut

Talk about cruelty…I think the allergist dashed my son’s hopes and dreams when she said due to his feather allergy he should not be around free-range chickens or collect eggs.

So, it’s back to the drawing board when it comes to feeding my family. That will take time to figure it all out.

On the flip side we are starting to re-introduce foods for my youngest. So far bananas have gone well! Sweet potatoes are TBD. She had some yesterday so we’re in the observation phase. This coming weekend we’ll try rice. Sourdough may be on its way out. She seems to be reacting to it lately.

In the kitchen.

Due to my son’s allergies he can’t eat most of the snacks I have on hand. So it’s time to start baking again to make safe food for him. My kitchen work includes:

Real Food Meal Plan| Just Take A Bite

On the blog.

Last week I shared some delicious Valentine’s Day treats. There is still time to make them! Especially the two ingredient Nestle Crunch® bites. So simple. And the divine chocolate cake is, well, divine! My husband enjoyed it all last week.

Coming up this week I have a timely post on my feelings about food allergies.

And the countdown is on! Exactly one month until my book release. I can’t wait to share it with you. If only I could snap my fingers and have all of the work done related to selling it. Writing the book was the easy part.

On the menu.

It will take some time to get a feel for our new dietary restrictions and how to incorporate everyone’s needs. I tried to stick to really simple meals this week while I work on all the details. I’ll have an updated rotation soon.

Here is our real food meal plan. What’s on your menu this week? Any fun chocolate treats?

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: 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 1
B – cereal, fruit | teff cherry bars | broth w/ squash, brussels sprouts, chicken
L – beef stroganoff, broccoli, peaches
D – hot dogs, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts, chips
prep: make gummies, make bars, soak flour for graham crackers
notes:

Monday 2
B – yogurt, granola | breakfast bar, gummies | beef, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
D – sloppy joes, squash, cheesy potatoes
prep: boil eggs, make graham crackers, prep smoothies
notes:

Tuesday 3
B – hard boiled egg, toast | blueberry spinach smoothies
D – cp pork chops, rice, beans, spinach
prep:
notes:

Wednesday 4
B – cereal, fruit | broth, pork, spinach
D – pork burgers, french fries, peas, salad
prep: soak flour for breakfast cookies, prep smoothie
notes:

Thursday 1
B – teff cherry bars, pork/yogurt | pumpkin smothie
D – squash and sausage soup, breakfast cookies
prep: bake breakfast cookies
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 2
B – breakfast cookies, gummies/yogurt | squash soup
D – hot dogs, scones, roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts
prep: bake scones
notes: easy/husband out for dinner

Saturday 3
B – scones, fruit | broth, brussels sprouts
D – hot taco rice, salsa, guacamole
prep:
notes: introduce rice

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Real Food Meal Plan Week Of 2/7/16

This week’s real food meal plan and agenda include Super Bowl treats and more allergy testing.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

Are you ready for some football? Or maybe just some delicious munchies? We sure are! Well, my husband is ready for football. The rest of us just want some good food.

Then it’s back to reality with a busy week of field trips, music class, piano, dance, meetings, parent teacher conferences and allergy testing!

Allergy update.

My little one had her allergy test last week. We praise God that her only strong allergy at this point is coconut/palm/date. Now we start the process of trying new foods and observing to see if any latent allergies remain. First up on the list is banana!

My son has his allergy test later this week. I’m very excited to see what shows up.

In the kitchen.

I won’t have a lot of time for baking this week, but we are running low on a few things. My kitchen projects include:

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

On the blog.

Last week I shared a recipe for a black forest smoothie. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day breakfast! I also shared my favorite gluten free flour mix to help you with your baking.

Coming up this week I’ve got a post on allergies that might surprise you. Plus some delicious Valentine’s Day treats.

On the menu.

Meals will have to be super easy prep most of the week. Then on the weekend I’ll let my kids get their hands dirty as we (hopefully) attempt to make stromboli!!

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

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

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 2
B – yogurt, granola bar | broth, pumpkin, spinach, sausage | banana!!
L – cp beef roast, rice, broccoli
D – cheesy bread sticks w/ sauce, taquitos and chips with guacamole and salsa, bacon wrapped dates, veggies w/ dip, cake, chocolates, nuts, pink lemonade
prep: bake cake
notes:

Monday 3
B – toast w/ sunbutter, fruit | broccoli, sauerkraut, beef
D – CA chicken, garlic noodles, roasted cabbage
prep: soak oats
notes:

Tuesday 4
B – baked oatmeal cereal, fruit | chicken, cabbage
D – cp hobo dinners
prep: bake oatmeal, soak oats, prep smoothie, soak flour
notes: ready any time, soak quinoa

Wednesday 1
B – baked oatmeal | pumpkin smoothie
D – beef and broccoli stir fry over quinoa
prep: bake oatmeal, make breakfast cookies, soak flour
notes:

Thursday 2
B – breakfast cookies, yogurt | chicken, roasted cabbage
D – cp split pea soup, muffins
prep: bake muffins
notes: early/easy clean up

Friday 3
B – yogurt, granola, fruit | split pea soup
D – quiche, scones, roasted asparagus
prep: make pie crust, make scones, soak flour, prep smoothie
notes: 

Saturday 4
B – quiche, scones | blueberry spinach smoothie
D – stromboli
prep: make teff crackers, make gf crackers, make pizza dough
notes: kids help prep food

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Simple Honey Oat Bars | Just Take A Bite

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.

Simple Honey Oat Bars | Just Take A Bite

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.

Simple Honey Oat Bars | Just Take A Bite

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 | Just Take A Bite

Simple Honey Oat Bars
Yields 10
A simple, low fat oat bar that is perfect for settling little tummies after illness.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup oat flour (grind rolled oats in a blender)
  2. 1 cup rolled oats
  3. 1 cup warm water
  4. 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  5. 2 tsp. grass-fed gelatin (NOT collagen)
  6. 1/4 cup hot water
  7. 1 Tbsp. organic cane sugar
  8. 3 Tbsp. honey
  9. 2 Tbsp. melted butter, coconut oil, lard or tallow
  10. 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  11. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
Instructions
  1. Combine the oat flour, oats, warm water and lemon juice. Cover and let sit for 7-24 hours (24 hours is best for oats).
  2. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or line with parchment paper an 8" square baking pan.
  3. Add the gelatin to the hot water and stir until dissolved.
  4. Add all of the ingredients to the soaked oats. Mix well.
  5. Spread in the prepared pan.
  6. Bake 35 minutes.
  7. Cool and cut into bars.
  8. Store in a covered container for up to a week at room temperature, two weeks in the refrigerator or one year in the freezer.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
 In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

zebra striped yogurt | Just Take A Bite

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.

zebra striped yogurt | Just Take A Bite

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.

  1. Yogurt
  2. Activated charcoal

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.

zebra striped yogurt | Just Take A Bite

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.

zebra striped yogurt | Just Take A Bite

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).

zebra striped yogurt | Just Take A Bite

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 | Just Take A Bite

Zebra Striped Yogurt
Serves 1
A black and white striped yogurt for settling tummies.
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Prep Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup plain, whole milk yogurt, divided
  2. 1 - 2 tsp. maple syrup
  3. 1 - 2 tsp. organic cane sugar
  4. 1 capsule activated charcoal
  5. pinch unrefined sea salt
Instructions
  1. In a small dish combine half of the yogurt, cane sugar and a pinch of salt.
  2. In another small dish combine the other half of the yogurt, maple syrup, charcoal (emptied from capsule) and a pinch of salt.
  3. Layer the white and black yogurts in a dish.
  4. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
  1. 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.
  2. Maple syrup can be used in place of the cane sugar, but it may give the yogurt a little color.
  3. You can adjust the dose of charcoal based on your child's age/serving size.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
 In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

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.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

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:

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

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?

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

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

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

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.

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

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:

Real Food Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

On the blog.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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?

Allergen Friendly Meal Plan | Just Take A Bite

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

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Ten Mason Jar Lunches Kids Can Make | Just Take A Bite

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.

Ten Mason Jar Lunches Kids Can Make | Just Take A Bite

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).

Ten Mason Jar Lunches Kids Can Make | Just Take A Bite

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!

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

This post is linked to Savoring Saturdays.

A Simple Cure For Picky Eaters | Just Take A Bite

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.

A Simple Cure For Picky Eaters | Just Take A Bite

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?

A Simple Cure For Picky Eaters | Just Take A Bite

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!

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

Why I Stopped Eating Gluten Free | Just Take A Bite

Why I Stopped Eating Gluten Free

Are you eating gluten free? Or have you wondered if you should? Today I’m at Kitchen Stewardship sharing my story about why I was eating gluten free…and then stopped. And why I’m thankful for wheat!

Why I Stopped Eating Gluten Free | Just Take A Bite

Some people think eating gluten free is a fad. Some say you only need to avoid gluten if you have an allergy.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are the people that think all grains should be avoided by everyone for good health and for autoimmune conditions. The word “wheat” makes them cringe. I ate that way for a while on GAPS but found out the hard way it wasn’t for me.

Then there are those in the middle that are eating gluten free due to celiac disease, hypothyroidism, allergies, digestive impairment and a host of other health ailments. Or simply to try to feel better.

Me? I fall in the middle.

How it all started.

I started eating gluten free when I was struggling with infertility and hypothyroidism.

All of my kids have allergies. So I cut out gluten as part of our effort to heal their bodies. We have all been eating gluten free for quite a few years now.

This decision has had a big impact on my children’s behavior and ability to focus. Once or twice a year I give them a small amount of gluten to see how their bodies are doing. So far they still react very strongly. My son literally goes crazy. My daughter seems like she is in another world.

I truly love gluten free living and enjoy cooking and baking gluten free foods. I’ve got tons of gluten free recipes here.

Why I Stopped Eating Gluten Free | Just Take A Bite I used to eat gluten free...but now I don't. Wheat has literally been a life saver for me and my daughter.

What went wrong.

Then along came baby number three last year. And things got a little crazy.

Head over to Kitchen Stewardship where I’m sharing what happened that led me back to eating gluten and why I’m very thankful for wheat. It truly has been a life saver.

 

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.

When A Picky Eater Might Have More Going On – How To Cook For Oral Sensory Disorder

When a picky eater might have more going on || Homemade Dutch Apple Pie“Do you have a picky eater? Are meal times a battle? Before you get frustrated and assume your child is just strong-willed, take a closer look at what is really going on.

Yes, some kids truly do like to feel in control and may assert this behavior at meal times. In that case it is just a phase. But for many it is not a choice. There is a big difference.

Refusing to eat broccoli for a period of time is not a big deal. Being distracted one day by a new toy during lunch is no cause for concern. But if feeding your child is causing frustration at every single meal he or she may have oral sensitivities related to sensory processing disorder (SPD).”

Want to learn more?  I’m sharing my experience with a “picky eater” at Kitchen Stewardship!

You can also read about root causes of a picky eater here and some solutions here.