One thing that I have been focusing on lately is limiting processed food in mine and my family's diet. I've focused mainly on this right now because I KNOW anything with added chemicals is not as good as the real thing. I'll admit, it's hard. Thankfully there are some great websites available with recipes that contain only non-processed foods. Obviously the best way to limit processed foods is to make your own. This is often easier said than done when your time is limited, but I'm trying my best.
I love to snack on granola bars. I recently found a great recipe for homemade granola bars. They are a prefect combination between soft and crunchy granola bars and you can add any nut or dried fruit you may want. Everyone in my family enjoyed them, except AJ, but she's never been a granola fan so she doesn't count. Now that they are all gone, I'm craving them again...
I'm most excited about my homemade yogurt. I wish I would have tried making yogurt years ago. I know others have reported difficulty getting their yogurt to turn out, but I am 2 for 2 and thus far would say it is very easy and fool proof. Not to mention delicious. Have you ever looked at the amount of sugar in yogurt? Of course all yogurt will contain some sugar because it is made of milk and milk has lactose (sugar), but I had to search high and low to find a cup of yogurt with less than 10 grams of sugar. I did find some decent options in the organic area of the grocery store, but didn't like the price so much. Thus I decided to give homemade yogurt a go and try making a healthier version of this "good for you" food.. All of my kids love yogurt, and it is great in their fruit smoothies, (with hidden spinach-shhh, don't tell AJ). This is usually a twice a week "treat" and a great way to use yogurt. Plus the add-ins are infinite: granola, fresh fruit, dried fruit, frozen fruit, honey, syrup, peanut butter, nuts...
I've given up sweets and all junk food for Lent. I've done this before and although it is difficult, those who know me know that I love a good challenge. My evening usually consists of a little treat after the little ones go to bed. Yes, I have a sweet tooth, (or teeth), which I blame on the Wray side of the family. I would have six little hands trying to snag my treat if I ate it in front of the three Musketeers. Last night, after they fell into their slumber I sat down with a bowl of homemade yogurt, fresh strawberries, granola and a little honey. It was delicious. Not as good as a piece of my dad's homemade apple pie a la mode, but darn close! I'm looking forward to finding other "healthy" foods to curb my sweet tooth/teeth.
Have my kids had McDonald's? Sure. Do I ever just throw some Tyson chicken nuggets in the oven? Absolutely. Kraft Mac and Cheese? Yep. I think a parent would be lying if they have NEVER done any of these three things. I love knowing that even if I'm unable to stay home with my kids and prepare every one of their meals, they are eating very healthy meals at their daycare. In fact, they eat better there than I could ever do at home. This is definitely one thing I love about our daycare. They are constantly changing the menu to make it as healthy as possible. They focus each meal on whole grains, fruits and veggies and no fried foods. Many times AJ has said to me, "I only like the broccoli at school," or "I love the chili at school." Although these statements may break my heart a little, I don't care because she is eating things I wouldn't touch when I was 4. Mr. Carlos sure makes some yummy food for everyone, (I might have to snag some of his recipes).
I'm excited to find new healthier, homemade options of other favorite snacks. I think teaching your little ones to eat healthy is vital. My oldest already seems to understand the importance of it and I hope she is learning lifelong skills with regards to food options. I am hoping to feel better, more energized and less tired after limiting sweets and junk from my diet, and am looking forward to keeping my sweet tooth at bay when this is all said and done.
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