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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 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 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 MoreThink of real food = good fuel for your body. You’re kids have been practicing hard all season, so complement all of that hard work with good nutrition when they head off to practice or compete. With a little advance planning, your kids can skip the processed, greasy, and fatty stuff typically sold at the concession stand and be on the top of their game!
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 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 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 MoreHas anyone else already fallen into the abyss of summer snacking? Food is disappearing around here faster than I can keep up. It appears that all rules were thrown out the window, yet I don't recall making that a conscious choice. There are already a dozen reasons why concrete plans have not been laid, and nor should they! It's summer after all...
Read MoreThe countdown is on! Summer is right around the corner. With the kids out of school, there might be a lot more activity in your kitchen! A little preparation can go a long way to help your kids eat healthy (most of the time) all summer long.
Start off on the right foot, since it's a lot easier to set some parameters from the beginning, than to try and implement them mid-summer.
Read MoreThe nice folks at our local Trader Joe's store know my crew of 4 kids by sight, and some by name. That's because they frequently come grocery shopping with me, and have been doing so practically since they were born.
These trips to the grocery store certainly weren't relaxing, but they did start to teach my kids about food from a pretty young age. They learned that food doesn't just appear in the kitchen, that there are lots and lots of choices to make, and they became actively involved in a discussion of why I might buy this and not that. Here are the top 4 reasons why (I think) grocery shopping is good for your kids:
My kids make their own lunch. Every family does things differently for a myriad of reasons. At our house, the kids pick one day a week to get hot lunch, and the rest of the week they bring their own. And they make it themselves, which in my opinion, helps foster independence and encourages them to think about what they will be putting into their growing bodies around noon-time.
Read MoreWhether or not you are headed out of town for Spring Break, your kids are going to tell you they are hungry. Why not have them make a batch of these Energy Bites to enjoy on the road trip, after sledding (hey, it's going to snow, right?), or about 30 minutes after they finish their breakfasts and claim they are already hungry! Feel free to swap out any ingredient for something similar to make it more to your liking.
Read MoreI was fortunate enough to spend Friday morning making Tomato Soup and Gnocchi with 5 fabulous tween-aged cooks. Here are some highlights:
Read MoreReal 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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