Tag: back to school

Kid-Approved Veggies for School Lunches

When it comes to kid-approved veggies, there are several tips (and recipes) I recommend.  This is a topic I often discuss with clients who want to help their children eat healthier at home.  Whether home or school, there are several veggies that kids (and adults) do enjoy.

When I was a kid, I didn’t enjoy soggy Brussels, canned green beans and steamed foods.  Now that I am a healthy foodie and love experimenting with dishes, it’s been fun to discover all of the veggies that I love to cook and the kiddos eat and enjoy.  Yes, it does depend on the kiddo and what they like.  Try experimenting with different foods and ways to cook them.  Have fun with it and get them involved with food prep around the meals.

While planning dinner with my boyfriend this week, he mentioned how he was chatting with one of his kids about eating healthier at school.  He then told me that his son put in a request for some of the dishes I often make for us when we are together.  This made me smile big time! ? After cooking a variety of produce from our gardens this past summer, the kids were discovering different ways to enjoy delicious, healthy farm fresh food.

Kid-Approved Veggies for School Lunches #backtoschool #foodforkids #kidapproved

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I get so much pleasure watching them enjoy fresh, healthy meals.  They are so fun to cook for, we enjoy making meals and snacks together, and I love our quality time together at the table.  It made me reflect further on how many parents ask me for help with the kids and cooking.  Below are some tips and recipes that I’ve found to be helpful and kid approved.

Tip #1: When it comes to preparing  healthy veggies for kids, let’s keep in mind that they often times like sweets.  TRY experimenting with sweet veggies.

Sweet veggies like peppers are great for snacking and sautéing in stir fry.  Stir fry is just as delicious the next day when the flavors have marinated.  Perfect for school lunches.  If your kiddos enjoy cut veggies, adding multi-colored cut up veggies with hummus or a healthy dip is a great snack or lunch item.

Do your kiddos like carrots?  This is one of my favorite recipes!  Not only does it include healthy raw honey but the caramel glaze from roasting makes them sweet like candy.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Recipe: Healthy Honey Glazed Carrots

 

Tip #2: Keep it simple and fun!

Spaghetti squash has become a hit at our dinner table and we’ve discovered that it stores well for school lunches too. Another favorite with the kiddos!  We like to roast ours in the oven with garlic powder and herbs.  No complicated meals over here!  It’s super easy to make and can be fun if you want to add in toppings.

Speaking of toppings, spaghetti squash can be served on the side, topped with a delicious pasta/meat sauce or made into fun boats.  This is great for a family fun night!

Recipe: Simple Spaghetti Squash

 

TIP #3:  ADD IN SHREDDED VEGGIES to home cooked meals.

If you have a very picky eater who isn’t a fan of veggies, try shredding veggies and adding them into meals.  Shredded veggies mix well with meatballs, meatloaf, pasta sauce dishes and more.  Get creative and try new things.

I enjoy making these turkey rounds and use shredded veggies in place of some of the oats.

Recipe: Turkey Rounds

 

After discovering more of the kiddos favorites, I’ve been working on some new recipes that are kid (and adult) approved.  More to come soon!
Have you discovered some new veggie recipes or tips for school lunches? I welcome you to share.

XOXO,

Kim

 

 

 

 

Healthy Back to School Tips for Families

It’s Back to School for many families this week.  The summer is coming to a close and many people are experiencing more stress and chaos.  There is often a challenging transition from the slower summer pace to busy schedules, sports and after school activities.  To help with the transition, I am sharing some tips that may help your family.  I recommend discovering what works for your own family and schedule.

Healthy Back to School Tips for Families #backtoschool #healthyschoolhabits #familyhealth

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1.  establish a healthy routine

Creating a healthy schedule and routine will help a great deal.  Establishing homework hours, a consistent sleep schedule and supper time will help parents and kids become more organized and less stressed.  Organization apps like myHomework and iHomework are a great resource for children and families.  Preparing the evening before will help too.  Packing lunches and backpacks, reviewing schedules for the next day and setting out clothes will alleviate the additional morning “runaround.”

Whether you use a family app or schedule that can be written out, a family calendar could be a great resource.  Especially when it comes to work, homework, after school activities and supper.  For a fun DIY family project, check out this homemade Family Calendar.  Discovering what system works best for your own family is important for success and less stress.

2. get organized around the house

As the school year begins, there is often shopping for clothes and supplies.  As new items come into your home, it’s a great idea to de-clutter and get rid of old items that aren’t being used.  It may be beneficial to set up a homework area or center in your home.  A place where you can store additional supplies and offer a space for kids to complete their homework.   The fall (and school) season is a great time for “cleaning house.”

3.  Schedule family time

With the business of the school year, it’s easy to let the day fly.  The next thing you know, it’s bed time and you’re wondering where the hours in the day went.  Scheduling a set family time allows for quality time together and communication.  This could be at supper time or during an evening walk around the neighborhood.  Not only is it beneficial for stress management but it’s a good time to ask your kiddos how their day went.  It’s also a good time to discuss things such as bullying, back to school worries, accomplishments, goals and so forth.  This is also a good time to disconnect from technology and slow down as you approach bedtime.

Some families use a “technology basket” where they store their most tempting devices.  

Creating this habit and incorporating it into your schedule helps with stress management, educating your children, opening communication among the family and aids in healthy family structure.

4.  healthy habits

The start of the school year can bring several unhealthy habits.  From grabbing unhealthy meals to lack of sleep, it’s easy to run down your immune system.  There are several tips that I recommend for creating healthy habits.  When it comes to communicating with and educating your children, it may be beneficial to to discuss nutrition and the difference between buying versus bringing meals to school.  Creating a healthy menu and prepping meals on the weekend may benefit your family as well.

Organization and prep can help when the schedules are busy and you’re trying to save money.  You can also have more control over what the kiddos are eating during the day.  Some schools have cafeteria menus that can be viewed ahead of time.  Knowing this schedule can help you prepare what you want your kids to eat at school.  For some healthy meal options, I welcome you to check out this link: Healthy Lunch Ideas

When it comes to relationships, cultivating healthy ones is important.  It’s a great idea to get to know parents of kids in the neighborhood, parents of your kid’s friends from school and building a relationship with teachers and staff members.  Especially if your children are involved with after-school activities and events.

Encourage exercise and movement.  With the amount of time children are on technology these days and sitting at school, it’s beneficial to stress the importance of exercise and movement.  This can be anything from after school sports, outdoor activities with friends to the evening walks I mentioned before.

School safety and hygiene are a great topic to discuss with children.  A lot of germs are spread around in schools.  Especially as we move into the colder months.  Educating children about washing hands, not sharing hats and brushes and not sharing food and drinks are important.

5.  set goals (other than grades)

With a new school year ahead, it’s a great time to set new goals.  Academic excellence can be one but there are other goals that may be considered.  These could be sports that your child wants to play throughout different seasons.  It could also be household responsibilities and chores.  Incorporating your children and working on a new structure will help all involved.  If it works for your family, you can implement a reward option or ways to inspire and motive.

Last but not least, make it a great year!

The start of a new year can be overwhelming for not just the kiddos but also the parents.  As you begin a new year, find what system and tips work best for your family.  Have you discovered some additional tips that work in your home and lifestyle?  I welcome you to share below.

Here are some additional resources for your family:

Back to School Printables

Menu Planning- Save Time In The Kitchen

Additional Back to School Tips

wishing everyone a wonderful and safe year ahead!

XOXO,

kim