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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 MoreThe 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 MoreMany 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 MoreWe 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 MoreThere 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 MoreMany 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 MoreIf 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 MoreReal 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 MoreDo you have kids that like one form of something, but not another? It happens at our house too! I have one child that doesn’t like eggs AT ALL, but really enjoys breakfast casserole…made with eggs. Hmm…
We think breakfast casseroles double as both a great breakfast or dinner option, and any leftovers are great for lunch. It’s pretty easy recipe to make from scratch and will serve a big family like ours. And, it’s an easy recipe to double and make for another family in need, especially during this crazy time!
Read MoreAs we draw nearer to St. Patrick’s Day, I challenge you to make something green to eat or drink, without reaching for the food coloring!
The only green foods that I can think of are plant based, so consider the upside; whatever you make green will be better for you! Give our smoothie a try; Annie just made a double-batch and it’s nearly gone.
Read MoreIt’s rare that I meet a child who doesn’t enjoy helping in the kitchen when given the opportunity. It’s more or less play, right? Yet oftentimes, as parents, it can be overwhelming enough just to get a meal on the table, let alone have your child(ren), whether toddler or teen, potentially add to the chaos and mess at an already trying time of day. But it’s so worth it, and what better time of year to make a fresh start. So, ease into a new habit by “piggybacking”.
Read MoreI can hardly believe that the holidays are upon us! For those of you trying to come up with the perfect gift for your child or teen who loves to help in the kitchen, look no further; here are our TOP 10 for 2019!
Read MoreI envisioned an entire childhood of idyllic family meals. It sort-of came to be…with modifications. Read on to learn my top 3 ways to (hopefully) make it work.
Read MoreYes! I did just write that. I'm certainly not a fan of the complete and total sugar overload, but I do think there are some valuable reasons to let your kids dig in to that bucket-o-candy. Here are our Top 5 Reasons…
Read MoreSix years ago we had a lovely fall trip to the beach. Yet what I remember most about this trip was the food. Every bit of my youngest daughter’s food for the week needed to be blended in advance and transported on the plane. The four years that I spent tube-feeding were the impetus for me to start Real Food 4 Kids the week after she started Kindergarten.
Read MoreWe 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 MoreAre you searching for the perfect gift for your budding chef? We put together our own top 10 list to help you this holiday season. Get started!
Read MoreI first published this post in the Spring of 2017. For the most part, things still hold true: My kids make their own lunch. Over time, they complain less, and have become more creative. In my opinion, making their own lunch helps foster independence and encourages them to think about what they will be putting into their growing bodies around noon-time.
Read MoreSummer vacation is nearly upon us and that calls for celebration! Longer days and less structure can lead to a whole lot more snacking, though. Use these 5 tips to keep your family from reaching for that umpteenth granola bar!
Read MoreYour kids will love these GREEN muffins to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups flour (I use whole wheat with no complaints)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda.....
Real Food 4 Kids offers hands-on cooking classes for kids and teens. Classes teach a variety of basic cooking skills and are available in-person in Des Moines, Iowa or can be attended virtually from anywhere.
Voted "Best for Kid-Led Instructional Videos" three years in a row by The Spruce Eats.
Voted "Best Overall" Online Cooking Class for Kids by Simply Recipes.
“This morning EJ made an omelet crafted from left over ribeye, sautéd red onions, green peppers, tomatoes and serrano pepper (as EJ said “for some heat”) and mozzarella cheese. You’ve made such an impact on him!! Thanks for showing him your love, kindness and craft!”
— Megan W
“You have such a way with kids (patience & organization, too!); thanks for creating Real Food 4 Kids - it’s such a wonderful and unique program. It’s really helping Josie with her confidence, even beyond cooking!”
— Carolyn
“The information presented is invaluable; I learned many new things! Children have a right to know what is in the food that they are eating/being provided. I think a huge ‘eye-opener’ was listening to them try to pronounce the ingredients off the label.”
— Kristel Kautzky, School Principal
“My son really enjoyed it. He wants to be a chef and is already planning his restaurant menu :) I appreciate it so much all the work you put into making this so well organized, and amazing.”
— Carrie
“The fun way in which vegetables were presented and the experience of trying them with his peers did more for my picky eater than all of my experience as a pediatrician. After one visit from Real Food 4 Kids, my first grader is now requesting peppers or salad in his lunchbox daily.”
— Christy Sullivan, mother of 5, Pediatrician, & President of St. Augustin School Board
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