Weekly Food Challenge: Add More Color To Your Plate
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Who's in? We'll get you started with ⭐️5⭐️ kid-friendly ideas to add some color to your plate, plus reasons WHY it’s so important!
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Recipe: Ricotta Cheese
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Say Cheese! There’s so much science in cooking and here’s a great experiment to do at home. Bonus: the results are edible!
Read More4 Ways To Soften Butter
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Who else has tried to soften butter, only to have it explode in the microwave or melt too quickly into a puddle?
Read MoreOur TOP 5 Ways to Reduce Food Waste
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Did you know that up to 40% of food is wasted each and every year in America? That’s tough on our wallets, tough on the environment, and hard to grasp for those who are food insecure.
Are you ready to start reducing food waste? Here are some tips on how you can help:
Read MorePick a reward that isn't food
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We know how easy it can be to use food as a reward for all sorts of things - behaving appropriately, scoring well on a test, being a good teammate, getting a shot at the doctor’s office. And, let's face it..."reward food" is usually junk food and candy, not a salad or a piece of fruit!
But, the more food is used as a reward, the more kids expect it and come to rely on it. Using food as a reward often leads to…
Misled by packaged claims? Read the ingredient statement.
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Have you ever made a purchase based on the claim made on the front of the package? We've all done it. The claims made on packaging can be incredibly enticing, and also incredibly confusing and misleading.
Read More"You can eat whatever you want...
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The journalist and foodie Michael Pollan has been quoted saying "You can eat anything you want, as long as you cook it yourself". We love the intent of this, but like to take it one step further and say "You can eat anything you want, as long as you make it from scratch." In case you need convincing, here’s our top 5 reasons why you(r kids) should take the time to make those tasty treats from scratch!
Read More10 breakfast ideas that take 10 minutes or less to prepare.
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Many people skip breakfast because they’re short on time or don’t know what to eat. But breakfast will keep you and your kids going throughout the day, so do yourselves a favor and make it a priority! Breakfast literally means to break the fast. Food is fuel for your body. The more you focus you give it, the better you’ll feel. We’re sharing 10 breakfast ideas for you and your kids that take 10 minutes or less to prepare.
Read MoreWhat are you doing about back-to-school lunch?
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We want to share some ideas on how to get your kids involved in making lunch! No matter whether your kids are learning at home or in the school building, they all have to eat lunch. While studies show that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we believe that a healthy lunch is really important too. Lunch should leave your kids feeling energized for the rest of the school day, not lethargic and in need of a nap.
Read MoreHip, Hip, Hooray! Three ways to make your own ice cream at home!
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I just learned that July 19th is National Ice Cream Day. We’ve tried making ice cream three ways this summer, and all three are delicious - and different. The most important step to making creamy ice cream at home is not even on the ingredient list. The secret ingredient is air! The more teeny tiny air bubbles in your mixture, the creamer your ice cream will be. That’s why it’s so important to churn, toss, or mix, depending on which of the methods you choose below. Give them all a try!
Read More5 Ways to Be A Healthier Kid
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There are 5 things you and your child(ren) can do at home to be the healthiest version of YOU! We’ve outlined them in Our C.R.E.E.D.
Read MoreFood For Thought: Buying Organic and Buying Local
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Many people wonder if it’s worth purchasing organically grown food. In my opinion, it’s not a simple answer. My first choice is to purchase locally grown food that’s chemical free. Maybe it’s certified organic, but maybe it’s not.
Read MoreOur top 5 strategies to help your picky eater eat.
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If your kid doesn't like to eat a particular food, keep trying. Perseverance is your best bet.
I have a lot of experience with getting my 4 kids to try new foods. In fact, one of my kids was tube-fed for several years and had to be re-taught to eat from scratch, a process that took several years, what felt like a zillion tries, and a whole lot of help.
So, based on a lot of experience, are my top 5 ways to get your picky eater to eat a broader range of foods.
Read MoreIt's a great time to plan for your garden!
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Real life offers all sorts of teachable moments, no classroom required! As little bits of greenery started to peek through the brown Iowa landscape, one of my kids asked if it was time to plan for our vegetable garden. It was a a great suggestion and offers the opportunity for some creative learning too!
Read MoreIngredient Labels 101
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Let us help you decipher what you’re eating in 3 easy steps: 1. Find It, 2. Understand It, 3. Evaluate It. Then, you can Eat It…maybe.
Did you know that most pancake syrup is made from corn? Cheetos are made from corn too, not cheese! And, those Strawberry flavored fruit strips might be made from apples.
Read MoreWhat do we mean by "REAL FOOD"?
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We want to teach kids about food, including the healthy stuff AND the indulgent stuff. During this week's Baking Bonanza camp, we indulged big time. It was fun and delicious. I think it's OK to indulge from time to time, and when you do, make it from scratch! We believe that the more you know about where your food comes from, and how to create it, you'll be better prepared to nourish your body in a mindful way…
Read MoreTHE MORE YOU KNOW...5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU READ THE LABEL
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Remember the “More You Know” campaign? I wish I could put a giant PSA out there for food!
You can learn so much about your food by reading the label. The initial look at any package is going to capture the flashy marketing designed to make you want to buy it. The only way to know for sure if you’re buying something good for you - read the label! Read on for 5 things to look for:
Read MoreChemistry in the Kitchen: Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder (and a recipe for pancakes too!)
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Do you or your kids ever wonder what makes your pancakes fluffy? Or cupcakes rise? In today’s after-school program, we’re going to do a couple of science experiments to see what baking soda and baking powder do. Then we’re going to make pancakes! Your kids can easily recreate the experiment and our recipe in your kitchen at home!
Read MoreIf at first you don't succeed try, try again!
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There's no better time of year to try, so I've included a list of my favorite spots to get the freshest possible produce into your child's hands!
Who hasn't heard the words try, try again? I think they aptly apply to getting kids to eat their fruits and vegetables! Studies show that it can take as many as 10-15 tries before a child starts to like a particular fruit or vegetable.
Read MoreWhat are 6 parts of the plant that we eat? Stems? Flowers? What else?
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I had a great time in several classrooms this week, talking about the different parts of the plant that we eat. Flowers? yes. Stems? yes. Seeds? yes. And the leaves, roots, and fruit too! Here's a quick overview in case you want to quiz the kids:
Learn how we explored roots, stems, leaves, seed, flowers and fruit!
