Raising Organic Foodies

Parents always want the best for their kids. They give them Baby Einstein and toddler lessons in soccer and math. They want them to go to the best schools and get excellent grades. They cater to their whims, whether it's the princess or skateboarding phase. Parents should also care about what's going into their kids too. It's best to get them hooked on all natural and organic from an early age. Surprisingly enough little Missy or Junior will be thankful and grateful later on.

You can start out at the earliest phase. Making baby food is the best way. of controlling what they eat. After all the homemade stuff has no preservatives or added chemicals. You can make very simple mixes using organic fruits and veggies along with free range meats. Some common veggies to use are peas, which are high in calcium and protein. potatoes, turnips, winter squash and beets. As kids get older you can combine these into fun and colorful succotashes along with great sides. Steam them with garlic or ginger for tasty main meals. You can also use dried or baked veggies as healthy snacks. For example, dry out peas sprinkled with olive oil and sea salt in a low temp oven.These addictive munchies are even tastier than potato or corn chips

What happens when those little foodies grow up to be rebellious teen foodies? Indulge them every so often. Yes, it's neat to have that Slurpee and heaven only knows what's in it hot dog. Yet if you want them to eat healthy then put them in charge of menu planning and cooking. They can come up with fun stuff like homemade whole wheat pizzas with fresh tomato and mozzarella .Other cool and healthy dishes include stir fries that have fresh veggies and chicken in them or wild salads that have arugula and wheat grass. Try putting a few organic apples and pears with their lunches or just have the fruit out as quick to grab snacks. Also nix the sodas. Buy a juicer and have teen foodies come up with fruit combo drinks that they can mix with seltzer.

Everyone wants the best for their kids. That should include giving them organic , homemade food, full of not only love but plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Pass on the legacy of wholesome, healthy food. Eating this way will be beneficial throughout their entire lives.

Some Quick Thoughts

I have to admit I have very little time now to write. Not to mention cook, I;m grateful for instant things, like Jello cups for dessert and take out food for every meal time.I wish i could go back to the old days when Icould write about a lot fo different topics and also spend hours food shopping. I'm lucky to have some time to write a few quick thoughts.

So anyonehave any ideas about quick meals and easier ways of grocery shopping. Let me know

Rethink That School Lunch

Now that its' the official start of the 2009-2010 school year it's time to rethink lunches. What do you want to give your budding (or big if you have teens) foodie? Do you cave in and fill it with their favorite snacks? Or do you give them something healthy? Whats the right mix and the best mix?

First of all study their eating habits. if your kids love snacks, you may want to substitute healthy ones like orange or peach slices or popcorn to go with their lunch. Apple chips are fun too. Another aspect is what are their favorite meats and veggies. If they like a particular meat like turkey, make wraps and sandwiches for them using it. Vary it with chicken every now and then. Salads are fun too. You can pack enough plus an extra plate so that it can be shared with friends. Another healthy but really fun choice packing veggies and a low cal dip. Kids love the idea of dipping anything, from the dreaded broccoli spear to green beans.


Remember that it's your kid's lunch not yours. You should include them in the shopping stage all the way through to the creating stage. Teach them to know what's a good fruit as opposed to bruised rotty, ones as well as what's considered organic. Let them browse through your supermarket's deli section and explain which meats are high in nitrates and preservatives. Buy ingredients such as oil and vinegar along with low fat plain yogurt so they can make their own dressings and dips. Have them choose the bread for their sandwiches, but steer them towards whole wheat and rye for better nutrition and fewer calories.

School lunches can be a combination of tasty and healthy it;'s a matter of one, conferring with your student about what he or she likes and then finding the right foods. Making them the perfect lunch will be easier than getting them to do their homework! Trust me!