Family Nutrition Made Simple

As a mother of two young children it is my responsibility to see to their well being. I want happy, healthy children just like other parents. There are many responsibilities to consider. I am interested in sharing my thoughts and experiences of feeding my family nutritious food. It is not always easy. By sharing my success and failures I hope to encourage you. Eating nutritious does not mean difficult recipes. Eating well most often means eating simple. Although some recipes can take time, a little planning can make eating homemade as simple as a boxed meal. Knowing what your family is eating is important. Providing what your family eats is rewarding. Let me show you some of my tricks to providing quick, healthy options. Feeding my family homemade foods has made a difference in all of our health and happiness. Another feel good perk is controlling how we as a family effect the environment. By eating at home we cut down on packaging. We also do our best to follow the 100 mile diet, meaning we eat what has been grown within a 100 miles of our home. This is a good way to use consumer power to influence how food is prepared and how much fossil fuels are used in packaging and transport. It is much easier to know what was given to the animal you are eating or if chemicals were used to grow your produce if you are speaking directly to the farmer.

Time management will be important in keeping with your homemade diet. Some things can be cooked in advanced and frozen for later use, such as beans or even purees. Purees can be as simple as baby food. Baby food is not difficult to make. Once made they are as easy to use as a bought food. Baby food in my house is just a fruit or vegetable cooked to softness and blended with water. I like to freeze mine in ice cube trays overnight, pop them into a freezer storage bag and then reheat when needed. A good source for recipes using purees for the whole family is Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld.

No matter how well you plan, time can still get away from you. This is why when I go to town I pack a cooler of water and snacks. I can pack a small insulated lunch bag for my kids or a larger cooler bag for all of us. Water is the easiest liquid and usually all we need. Although snacks can and should vary, I stick with the basics. I pack nuts which are safe for all of us to eat. Pecans and cashews are easy enough for little ones with teeth. Fruit and vegetables pre-washed and either pre-cut or bring a small knife. Cheese is another good treat. You can buy string cheese or for a more cost effective snack cut strips off a pound of cheese and separate into containers. Cereals and crackers can be packed as well. I also pack homemade baby food if I will be at someone's home visiting where I can heat the cubes of food. These simple snack bags keep everyone from starving. This even helps me get through cooking dinner instead of driving through for a fast meal. Here is a basic list to get you started on your own snack bag.

Insulated bag
Cold packs
Containers of water
Cheese sticks
Fruit and nuts

There are infinite foods you can pack with a little planning. I have even served leftovers and had a picnic of sorts. Be sure to check out my next offering which will have time management and full recipes for eating at home quickly and nutritiously.