I’m not really sure how I originally came across this book but what a gem it is! If you’re stumped for lunch or snack ideas for your family (kids AND adults), then this is a great guide to help you kick-start into some new options that will be sure to please. It’s primarily geared towards readers with children but I think it would be benefical to anyone in discovering new favorites and how to keep track of them too!
Part One: Get Ready deals with the basics: Discovering Your Child’s Favorite Foods, A Crash Course in Nutrition and Tips & Tricks for Turning Nutrition Knowledge into Healthy Reality. Each chapter provides hints and tools for healthier options (including a “quiz” to help you get started with a favorites list) as well as how to combat Junkfood Jealousy. Who knows the familiar “but Mom, Sarah has them in her lunch every day!”.
Part Two: Get Set addresses how to set up your kitchen to make meal prep a cinch. How many times do you have great intentions in the store only to forget about what you bought and go back to the old standbys? What I especially love is the section on creating a Kid Friendly Kitchen. I did this a few years ago by setting up my pantry so that the bottom shelf of my pantry has the snacks that my kids can choose from…granola bars, raisins, popcorn, etc. There are still limits but it helps create a little independence. Who knows, maybe they’ll start making their own school lunches too! The author also touches briefly on Breakfasts on the Run and give some great tips.
Part Three is all about recipes. Included are some fun things like California Rolls (my kids LOVE these!), Fruit Leather, or Good Anytime Granola Bars. Lastly, in Part Four, the author includes additional resources like story books for children on creating healthy eating habits, books for parents (with additional suggestions for food allergies titles) , cookbooks for kids and adults , and websites for more info. both on nutritional needs as well as mail-order sources for hard to find ingredients.
Overall this little book packs a lot of great info. that is easy to understand and follow right away–no matter what stage you’re in! Check it out and happy eating!
[...] inspiration of your own? Check out this fabulous book that I did a review on a few months ago: The Healthy Lunchbox What is great about this book is that it’s not just a recipe book but the first half gives [...]