Guest Post by Erica Reid:
As a mom of two active children with busy schedules, lots of homework, and tons of stress of the mudane lifestyle our children lead today, finding healthy meals is very important to me. I am a mommy with needs for my children, and the need for great and optimal health is one of them!
I want to be sure my children are eating meals that will sustain them during the day as well as on their every day journey. Of course I can’t be with them at school to be sure they’re providing options I prefer, nor can I make those requests when they go to a friend’s home for dinner. What I CAN share with you is what we can do collectively to help get the proper nutrients into our children at OUR homes, and how they can take these with them throughout the day.
Keep in mind, our children are not deprived today. After all, obesity is taking over… That means our kids are getting more than what they need in the sugar, carbs, and dessert department. What we can do to support their health is make most of their meals clean, light, and packed with nutrients. Remember, nutrients fuel without side effects. Things like sugar offers ZERO nutrients, and comes with many side effects that we all will pay for eventually!
Here are some quick, healthy options I’d like to share with you from my home to yours. Be patient and do not give up! Play around with the seasonings until you find a way that works for your family. My home is no restaurant, so I’m only cooking one meal, not a few for each child. No ordering here! ;)
Kale Chips- This is a GREAT after school snack, or even something to add to a child’s lunch box.. Put them in a bowl on the table and watch them disappear!
– Get 2 bunches of Kale and wash them thouroughly.
– Pat-dry all leaves. You need them to completely dry before cooking, so I suggest washing them a day before you cook them.
– Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
– Get a baking pan and spread about a teaspoon of olive oil on the pan. Spread it on the pan with your clean finger-tips. Have your kids do this part, its fun.
– Then add your leaves on top and sprinkle a bit of salt. Sea salt is fine too and actually a great kick (season to your taste and use other seasonings if you prefer).
– Bake for about 11-15 minutes depending on your oven and how fast they get a little crispy. The goal is to have them crispy not soggy, so do not over saturate. Make sure to check back periodically!
– Put fruit of your choice in a blender. Berries are great since they provide us with tons of antioxidants. I love adding a handful of clean blueberries, raspberries, & strawberries. You can add frozen fruit too!
– Get a package of ground turkey meat and put in a bowl! Add garlic powder, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 2 pinches of salt, and 2 pinches of dried cilantro.
– Heat cooking stove top pan with olive oil.
– Cook on each side 3-5 minutes!
great ideas! you should come share this on our #kidsinthekitchen linky this week http://lookwhatmomfound.com/2013/05/making-a-forever-flower-kidsinthekitchen.html
Thanks for the invite Melinda, it sounds awesome! I will check it out!