Food is not a chore!

In my last blog post, I shared how encouraging our children to work with us can lead to new possibilities, especially food.

Every mealtime offers us a precious opportunity to spend time with our little ones.  To learn what’s on their mind, provide our perspective on their challenges, and celebrate their joy.

It can be challenging in our rushed lives to remember that this is a gift we have each day.  Picky eating, busy schedules, distractions of all kinds and outside pressure, especially during the pandemic, have disconnected many of us from the joy in this daily ritual.

We can find ourselves at odds with our kids, coaxing them to eat their vegetables, and reminding them of our expectations around manners at the table. 

Too often, we are frustrated by the response to our carefully prepared meals, prepared in response to a feverish “what’s for dinner?” at the end of a busy day.

As a parent, this is not theoretical to me.  I’ve spent enough time in the kitchen preparing food my kids won’t eat, and enough mealtimes at the table in frustration as my kids offload their frustration from the day on those closest to them.  I might even do this myself occasionally!

Like you, though, I also care enough to try to make things better.  Happily, it can be the smallest changes that make the most significant difference.  I’ve needed to make big shifts in my mindset, and I am continuing to learn. 

I’m working on a series of short videos to show how easy this can be.  And how much fun!  

Here’s my first in the series: an alternative to CocoPops (!).  See the video here:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWzkqr96UCY&t=2s

Chia seeds are incredibly nutritious.  They are high in fibre and protein and contain calcium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.  They are also a highly sustainable crop, suitable for growing in arid environments and depleted soils, and not susceptible to pests and disease.  

Cacao powder retains more nutrients than traditionally processed cocoa, including flavonoids and a range of vitamins and minerals.  If your children prefer a little sweetness, feel free to drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the pudding.  You won’t need much.

I was optimistic that my kids would eat this straight from the pots, but they quickly proved me wrong!  Never one to be easily defeated, I ran a knife around the pudding edge, releasing it onto a plate.  Two drops of yoghurt, two blueberries and two slices of peach later, Mr C. is ready to be welcomed onto your child’s spoon.  Do you think this would appeal to your child?  Please let me know in the comments below, or share any tips with me on fun, healthy food ideas! 

I’d love to build a community of mums who support each other in nourishing our children, especially those experiencing cognitive or social challenges.  If you, or anyone you know, might be interested, please share this blog. 

I’d love you to join me on this journey.  Nourishing our children, and ourselves, in body and soul, empowers each person to live up to their unique and brilliant potential.

Our nutritional medicine, achieve+ junior, relieves mild anxiety and improves your child’s ability to focus and learn.  Just one scoop every day is all it takes.