Simplicity is where it's at. When we are trying to figure out what to feed our kids, we have to educate them on what they should eat, and not what their taste buds want (my 7 year old has given several convincing attempts). One of my life mentors once told me, "Keep giving it to them, they'll eat when they're hungry." If we all did this from the very start, then the kids with the healthy lunches would not be the weirdos in the lunchroom. We want kids to act reasonable, we want them to learn and pay attention in school,so we must feed their brains foods that will allow this to happen. So what can we feed our kids that they will eat?
As my kids grow older, I start to give them all little more choice in the preparation. They like to cook, so when I let them help make the food, they are more excited to eat it. Even if they don't like how it tastes, they are proud of what they have done, and that is putting them in the right direction. Sophie loves the way a whole chicken tastes right out of the oven that only has salt and pepper sprinkled on the top. Jack enjoyed our cooked pear crisp a few nights ago. Every child will be a little different in their likes and dislikes. So, in our house, we have the 5 bite rule, or the one bite rule depending on the circumstance. Sometimes, I just let them be hungry. Sophie didn't want her oatmeal this morning, but she ate one bite and drank her milk. Hopefully, if she suffered from hunger this morning, she will be more willing to eat her oatmeal next time. Even we as adults have to go back and try flavors over and over again. I am 31 years old and am just now willing to try to enjoy mushrooms. The spores we disect ed in highschool kept me from ever wanting to eat them. I am attempting to be more open minded...
The foods that are natural to the earth are often flavorful enough once we cut sugar from our diet. We have to retrain our tastebuds to enjoy what nature provides. When you are not eating refined sugars, fruits become much more of a sweet treat. The milk and honey referred to in the Bible seems like much more of a treat when you consider they had no refined foods and they had to work to harvest the honey.
So, sit back and gain a little perspective as you leave that sugar out of your tea and appreciate the simple flavors in life. Cooking meat and veggies, cutting up fruit, and throwing in a little nuts is all really very simple, and very satisfying. And your kids will eventually learn a new norm.
About this blog
In other words, the Zone + Crossfit = Optimal Heath!
This blog focuses on nutrition, using the Zone Diet as the basis. However, I often eat Paleo foods in Zone proportions.
I love to investigate anything having to do with food- what we eat and why. And what happens within our bodies, our organs, our brain, when we do? My precious mother struggled with eating disorders. I want to avoid this delimma based on research, common sense, and the natural consequences on my body. The Zone shows me where the balance lies between eating too much and eating too little.
My husband runs a Crossfit gym. Exercise and choosing the right foods have become a mission for ourselves and our children. We don't want to be nerds about it, we just want to be healthy.
I have been asked by several friends what I feed our family, especially our kids. My husband and I follow the Crossfit prescription to nutrition (meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar). If you know me, you know that the sugar part of this equation will be a life long struggle given my love for chocolate! Evan adheres to the stricter version known as the Paleo-Zone diet (and I do on my good days!) which requires the same foods in a ratio of 40% protein, 30% carb, and 30% fat. Children require 50% carbs, 30% fat, and 20% protein. If you're wondering how to figure this out, I do it on a per meal basis and I have a "block" chart from the Zone website.
It seems like a headache at first, but if you're interested, just know that it is not that bad once you practice it for a couple of weeks. All you need is a $10 scale and some determination. It really is quite simple and makes my life easier at the grocery store and when cooking dinner. Most of all, I feel great when I eat well- mentally and physically, and we all know that the physical can affect the mental and visa versa!
Evan and I are hunter/gatherer wanna-be's! This blog will track my journey of health as it should be, and the honest reality of living in a sugar fried culture. When it comes down to it, I get excited to talk about nutrition, but I am definitely not perfect at it! If you have the desire to eat well, but it is often a challenge to overcome the temptations along the way, then you are in the right company!
I hope you leave this blog feeling enlightened and encouraged as you go throughout your day!
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