In the news

Junk Food Sugar May Help Some Fat Cells Proliferate

 

Celebs Join the Fight for Better School Lunches

Not lovin' it: U.S. chicken McNuggets 'contain SILLY PUTTY chemical'

 

 

Annoying commercial #12

The USDA must be smoking crack if they think I will believe drinking a glass of juice is the same thing as eating 2 servings of fruit & vegetables. Why do these companies keep trying to force us to believe that hiding vegetables and tricking our kids is the best way to keep them healthy? What kind of adults are we going to produce with this method?  I'm not saying drinking juice in moderation is a bad thing (and throwing some veggies in it does make it a little better), but don't try to fool us into thinking it is something it is not.

Using up old/leftover fruit

This time of the year, I tend to get a little fruit happy since it is readily available, priced right, and tastes great. Problem is, we can't always eat it all before it goes bad. When bananas go brown or strawberries get too mushy, a smoothie or frozen drink is a great way to extend the life a little longer. You can even freeze the fruit to use later.

I made some frozen fruit drinks this weekend for my kids using bananas, strawberries, and watermelon. Just add some ice and orange juice and you've got a nice cold treat for a hot summer day.

Vote for me, pretty please??

Babble is having a contest of the 50 Best Mom Food Bloggers, and I've shamelessly put myself in the running. Help a mama out by taking a minute to vote for me. Just sort alphabetically, find me under the W's (for What are my kids eating?), and click "I like this."

Thanks a million!

Affordable and healthy!

Organic on the left, regular on the right - exact same price, but you get more with the organic version. Don't assume that organic is always more expensive!

Eight popsicles for $2.00 isn't bad, but stack a $1.00 coupon on top of that, and you've got a great deal! Your kids get a yummy treat you don't have to feel guilty about!

Grayson's favorite - beans & biscuits

Almost anytime I ask Grayson what he wants for dinner, he will answer beans & biscuits. I'm sure this recipe was invented by someone else long ago, but I still consider it a Kelly original. The measurements given below are my best guest...I'm an eyeballer.

Recipe:
1 lb ground beef - browned, drained, and rinsed
1/2 diced onion
1 large can Bush's Baked Beans (I get vegetarian)
3 tablespoons bbq sauce
Chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded light cheddar cheese
2 cups biscuit dough, whatever recipe you would normally use, but add enough milk to pour (I use Jiffy mix and add milk)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all but last 2 ingredients together and pour in a 8x8 casserole dish. Add a layer of cheese then poor biscuit mixture on top and spread evenly. Bake until brown on top. I won't declare this to be the healthiest meal I make, but it is a hit, and there is plenty of room for variations.

Let your kids call the shots

Because their worlds are filled with people constantly telling them what to do, kids love it when you let them make their own decisions - especially when it involves food. When it comes to the fruits and vegetables we eat, I ask my children for their input as much as possible.

This week when I went to the grocery store, I asked what fruits they wanted  and was told watermelon. Luckily, they were on sale for $3.99 each at Food Lion. I cut it all up so it is readily available in the fridge for them to help themselves to.

This morning on the way to camp, we passed the local Farmer's Market and Grayson asked to stop. Thursday mornings are a big morning for the market, so he noticed all the people out. I gladly stopped and gave him $10 to spend however he wanted to. He picked out some great stuff, and we had an interesting conversation about supporting your local growers and economy. Don't assume your kids are too young to learn these things.

When it comes to picking healthy food, let your kids call the shots when they can. It'll get them excited about what is on their plate! Better yet, let them grow it themselves (more to come on that topic)!