Happy day friends! I hope you all have had a wonderful start to the back to school routine. We just survived week 1 of back to school, and I know this weekend I need to make extra time to preplan for the week ahead. I will do that today! Making snack baskets, chopping veggies and fruits and putting the in the fridge to be ready for a successful - stress free week! If you need help planning your family's healthy back to school meal plan please email me- I would love to help you feel organized and start the school year on a positive, healthy note. Start today by taking time to plan for your successful week- one hour of planning today can help you the entire week! I would love to know what you do to do in preparation for a full week?
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
One of the things back to school brings is making quick breakfasts and packing lunches for my little ones- which we all know isn't easy! There are ways you can make grabbing a quick breakfast in the morning nutritious and healthy eating at lunchtime really fun and exciting for your kids! For example, the kids and I have had "Tasting Parties" in the past when on a weekend I would lay out different healthy food options for them and let them taste and sample until they found new favorite healthy foods we could start incorporating in their breakfasts and lunches! Below are some tips for helping you succeed with your picky eater!
Here you can find the results of last year's taste test. http://www.transfitathens.com/blog//2013/08/07/
5 Tips for Picky Eaters!
No. 1: Be patient with new foods (Children may need to try a food 8 times before they will like it!
No. 2: Make mealtime FUN! (dinner games, jokes, questions about whats your favorite....)
No. 3: Recruit your child’s help (At the grocery store, ask your child to help you select fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. Don’t buy anything that you don’t want your child to eat. At home, encourage your child to help you rinse veggies, stir batter or set the table)
No. 4: Set a good example. If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child is more likely to follow suit.
No. 5: Don’t be a short-order cook. Preparing a separate meal for your child after she rejects the original meal might promote picky eating. Encourage your child to stay at the table for the designated mealtime — even if he or she doesn’t eat. Keep serving your child healthy choices until they become familiar and preferred.
Here are some of the kids’ favorite lunches that they love to take to school!
I hope you have a fabulous, healthy start to your school year! Always remember we do all things not for world but to glorify Christ! Allow His strength and peace to keep you motivated and in balanced through the hustle and bustle the new-year brings!
Here a few easy, healthy recipes that are kid friendly and that your whole family will love- no matter how hectic the schedule gets!!
HEALTHY BREAKFAST SANDWICH
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large egg whites, beaten
- 1 thin slice of cheddar cheese
- Pinch of salt
- 1 slice tomato (optional)
- 1/2 whole-wheat English muffin, toasted
Heat oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add egg whites, salt and cook, stirring constantly, until whites are set, about 30 seconds. To make the sandwich, layer the egg whites, cheese and tomato on ½ English muffin.
You can double this recipe and make a few sandwiches for later in the week. Wrap in foil and place in refrigerator. Heat 45 seconds to re-warm.
For a quick dinner that the whole family will love, try these two recipes together along with maybe a side salad or some steamed veggies to add in extra nutrient-rich greens!
Healthy Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 15 min.
6 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into ½ inch pieces)
2 pinches salt
2 pinch pepper
1 pinch garlic powder
2 tbsp light extra virgin olive oil
1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or almond meal for lower carb option)
Olive oil cooking spray
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss chicken in olive oil and then season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic. Dip the chicken in bread crumbs until coated completely. Roll until nicely coated. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with spray and place the nuggets onto the tray and then into the oven. Bake until golden brown and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes).
Sweet Potato Fries
3 Large Sweet Potatoes
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
3 tsp fresh orange zest
Preheat oven to 450. Wash and peel sweet potatoes. Cut Potatoes into ½ inch wedges, transfer to baking sheet and toss with oil. Combine spices with potato wedges and toss to coat. Spread into a single layer and back for 30 minutes, turning occasionally. Enjoy!
Blessings, Caroline