It finally feels like summer here in San Diego. Why? The weather has turned warm. Very, very warm. So warm that people are complaining and doing what they can to stay cool. Now this is summer.
This change in weather has also changed what I feel like cooking — and eating. I’m going to hold off on my long slow-cook day on Wednesday and stick with some quick meals for a while.
I have a new meal report. We tried Halibut with Mango Salsa and while I liked it, my husband thought it was just okay. My three-year daughter really enjoyed the salsa which I think was the reason she took a couple of bites of fish.
I think fruit salsas are not only great for kids but perfect this time of year. When I asked my daughter what she wants on the menu this week she actually said fish (of course her first vote was for cupcakes but I informed her that’s not a dinner choice).
Could she be turning into a fish eater? Only time will tell.
This week I’m trying another recipe from Food on the Table’s No Whine Wednesday because it looks right up my alley — it contains beans and it’s super easy. I’m also going to try this sloppy Joe recipe I got from The Scramble Newsletter which is made with lean meat and veggies. Other than that it’s old standbys.
For more meals plan ideas check out Org Junkie.
What’s cooking this week?
Monday: Chicken enchiladas with black beans
Tuesday: Skillet Gnocchi with white beans and spinach
Wednesday: pot luck leftovers
Thursday: Not your mother’s sloppy Joes and baked fries.
Friday: Baked salmon, mashed sweet potatoes and green beans
Kids serve themselves?
I’ve known for a while that having kids serve themselves at mealtime can be beneficial. According to a 2003 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, children who were allowed to serve themselves ate 25% less of an entree than the child served the large entree portion.
And there’s another consequence to serving big portions. Kids who eat very little at mealtime can be intimidated with too much food on their plates. But if they serve themselves, it really changes the dynamic at the table. Now they are the ones responsible for the food on their plate.
So the last couple of dinners I put everything in serving dishes on the table. My daughter loved taking each item and putting it on her plate. She turned around and tried EVERYTHING on her plate.
I plan to do serve dinners like this as often as I can. Yes, it’s more dishes. But it’s worth it. And it helps that my husband is on dish duty most nights.
Packing lunches
My daughter starts preschool this week! This means I’m joining all you parents out there who make lunches for their kids. Some of you might be taking the summer off but before you know it you’ll be packing lunches again.
This September, I’m going to collaborate with another blogger on a Lunch Box Series to be hosted on Foodie-isms. The creator, Stephanie Holguin, is a foodie, mom, and an amazing cook. For the series, I will provide key information including a detailed “Nutrition Checklist” to help parents pack lunches that help their kids learn and grow. Stephanie will use her culinary expertise to provide tasty food options kids simply can’t resist.
In the meantime, Stephanie is going to be posting reviews for lunch box options. Check out her first one where she highlights Planet Box.
So tell me. What is your biggest challenge when it comes to packing your child’s lunch?
Just found your blog 🙂 We have similar food sensibilities! I’ll be checking back. Really enjoyed your menu this week and am interested in trying the gnocchi!
Thanks Micki. Thanks for stopping by!
Great news that your daughter may be a fish eater! I’m happy at least 2 out of 3 eaters like the halibut. Fruit salsa makes a huge difference. I look forward to hearing what you think about the gnocchi.
Thanks for the meal ideas! My husband loves gnocchi so he should enjoy that one. I’ve never made it at home.
I am going to try letting my three year old pick out her portions tonight. Good idea that I should have thought of before!
Let me know how it goes!
Nice blog angle. I have twin toddlers who will be starting pre-school in a year. Learning so much as I go and always looking into new ideas for getting them to eat healthfully. So your blog is an inspiration.
I’ve learned that at this stage, they so much want to be like their parents, so if I’m enjoying a nice green salad (yes, salad) and broccoli or asparagus, they want to try it, too (and they eat it). And, luckily for me, they are actually starting to ask for certain fruits and vegetables. : )
Thanks Lauren! Your blog looks great too. I agree that preschoolers relaly want to be like their parents. And even if they aren’t eating what we are eating they are secretly thinking that someday they will.
My biggest problem when packing my son’s lunch (or making any meal) is finding protein and veggies with dips he likes and isn’t allergic to. My son is allergic to soy, dairy and eggs. He also goes to a school that is peanut free. Thank goodness for sunbutter.
PS I am really enjoying your blog!
I am a little anxious and kinna excited to start packing my daughter’s lunch when she starts kindergarten this Fall. I really want to keep things healthy, but I’d also like her to eat the food I pack and not throw it in the trash and starve all day. I’m looking forward to the lunch box series and am going to check out Planet Box right now! Thanks!