Posts by admin:
- MyPlate: Use MyPlate as a reminder to include the five food groups – grains, protein, fruits, veggies, and dairy.
- Food groups: Remember to include a minimum of 3 food groups in your child’s lunch.
- Get kids involved: Have your child help you make a list of all the food they like in each of the five food groups.
- Organize: Use a lunchbox with divided sections or separate containers to help you remember to include multiple food groups.
- Outside the lunchbox: Lunch does not have to be a sandwich. Instead, try some crackers and hummus, or peanut butter in celery sticks with raisins. I will be sharing a few samples at the end of ideas to create.
- 4 Own Brand medium whole wheat tortillas
- 1/2 cup Nature’s Promise original hummus
- 1 cup packed baby kale
- 1 cup leftover rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Own Brand part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and diced
- Own Brand olive oil spray
- Own Brand Mild Salsa for dipping
- 1 recipe for mole sauce ( only use 4 cups for this recipe)
- http://singerskitchen.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6070046
- 2 cups shredded chicken, cooked
- 1 bag of Mission tortilla chips
- 3/4 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled ( can be found in Mexican food stores or even at Giant Food Stores) if you cannot find then use feta cheese
- 3/4 cup white onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup crema or sour cream
- 2-3 ounces Earthbound Farm Organic Flavor Blends – Savory Arugula, chopped
- Colorful
- Great toys and options to add toys to activity chair
- extra storage space in the back for wipes and bibs
- three-point harness – extra safe
- feeding tray too small compared to others. Cup attachment takes up space, plus the toys, but even with removing them, the tray is smaller compared to others.
- Despite the adjustable height, the chair seemed small for my 12-month old. The chair is recommended for 6-month old and I believe it would have been ideal for her at that age.
- The toys and activities only kept my year old daughter’s attention for a little while.
- Despite adjusting seats legs to adjust to my daughter’s height, the seat seemed a bit small for her.
- Pledge to pack a healthier lunchbox at PowerYourLunchbox.com. Companies supporting the program will make a collective $1 donation for every pledge taken to Feeding America programs that support families and children. (see list below)
- Show off healthy lunch boxes on social media. Produce for Kids’ Instagram and Twitter followers can use the #PowerYourLunchbox hashtag to show off their healthy lunch boxes to have their lunch boxes featured on the Produce for Kids Facebook page. Produce for Kids is also giving away a Bentology bento box every day. Follow along on the hashtag to see great ideas from fellow parents.
- Party with Produce for Kids on Twitter. Parents looking for even more tips and resources for healthy lunch boxes are invited to join Produce for Kids and partner companies at the #PowerYourLunchbox Twitter party at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 17.
- Avocados from Mexico – Mexican Hass Avocados, Bee Sweet Citrus, Crispy Fruit Freeze-Dried Fruit Snacks from Crispy Green®, Eat Smart® Fresh Cut Vegetables, Earthbound Farm® Baby Kale, GROW Bananas by Organics Unlimited, Marie’s® Dressings, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice, NatureFresh™ greenhouse tomatoes, Pero Family Farms® Mini Sweet Peppers and Snipped Green Beans, and Sun World® grapes.
- 4 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 Tablespoons canned black beans, drained
- 1/4 cup carrots, steamed and diced
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- non-stick spray
Chicken Kale Artichoke Roll-Ups + Giveaway
August 25th, 2016Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Giant Food Stores. All opinions, recipes and photos are my own.
Back to school means that parents are back to making and prepping meals for their kids. What many do not realize is that parents need to be taken care of during this school year as well. Balanced meals for the whole family make for happy and healthier families. This is our goal this year and we hope these Chicken Kale Artichoke Roll-Ups will do the trick.
Busy Schedules
The calendar for the fall is already filled with many activities and it is not even September. I have my eraser board ready to keep up with my schedule and the necessary phone apps to keep me as balanced as possible. But what about my plan for healthier eating?
The one thing that really goes out the window when the schedule starts getting busy is eating correctly and in a healthy manner. Thanks to grocery stores like GIANT that offer opportunities and knowledge to think outside the lunchbox. Lunches for your kids do not have to include just the ordinary sandwich but having a model to use as a guide can give us parents opportunities to give our kids a variety.
Build a Better Lunch with GIANT
Thanks to GIANT’s nutritionists, they are offering their top five tips to build a better lunch.
Another great resource in addition to recipes that I have used with my family is GIANT’s magazine called Savory. You can pick up a copy in-store or you can peruse online as well. If you are on Pinterest follow GIANT as well for more ideas.
Even if it is hard to know the first thing about meal planning, GIANT’s nutritionists are available for individual consultations. There are great incentives upon completing consultations like a $20 gift card to GIANT. Check their website for more info.
Giveaway
Want a little help with your back to school needs? Enter below for a chance to win a $25 gift card to use at GIANT or MARTIN’s food stores.
GIANT Own Brand and Nature’s Promise Products
I have featured and spoken highly of GIANT’s own product line but I have not shared how essential their products have been for our family. Even though I received products for my family to try, it is not the first time I have used their products. Since GIANT is the nearest grocery to me and the most accessible during the busiest times of day, I try to really use the store’s own brand. I have not been disappointed especially when they have Nature’s Promise, which are either organic or free from specific ingredients.
I am assured that the healthy snacks I pack for my girls are the best quality and price without breaking the budget. Before I leave the house, my bag is packed with snacks that I know are healthy and satisfying for my girls. Here they are after an hour-long gymnastics class.
Chicken Kale Artichoke Roll-ups
by
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Keywords: grill griddle heat melted entree lunch snack low-carb chicken kale cheese artichoke winter summer fall
Ingredients (4 servings)
Instructions
For each tortilla
Spread 2 Tablespoons hummus over the entire tortilla.
Sprinkle about a 1/4 cup of baby kale leaves over hummus.
Add about 1/4 cup of shredded chicken over the tortilla then add the 2 Tablespoons of artichokes.
Finally add 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and roll, bringing the side of the tortilla together as you roll to prevent any ingredients from falling out.
Heat a non-stick griddle and spray roll-up with olive oil spray and grill on medium heat for 4 minutes on each side.
Each side should look golden, indicating that contents have heated and melted.
Remove from pan and cut in half.
Serve with Own Brand mild salsa.
Sharing is Caring!
Authentic Chicken Mole Nachos
August 24th, 2016If you like Mexican food but really do not have time to make it, this recipe for Authentic Chicken Mole Nachos will have your family asking for more. The recipe makes a huge batch that freezes well and can be used for various recipes. Hope you enjoy the recipe below!
Summer nights and Dining
Have your kids stopped eating meals that you have planned over the summer? Since it has been so hot, my girls have either been super hungry or not really hungry. I am learning that knowing how my kids feel and how they will respond to food daily will make my life easier.
In fact, it was my husband who told me last night not to make anything fancy for my kids. He felt like they did not seem to be too hungry or even hungry for regular dinner. I found it interesting because I am usually the one who says these things, but I know that my husband has learned to be intuitive.
Well, my husband was right. The kids were not that hungry and we ended up making smoothies for dinner with buttered toast. It was a hit with the kids. I made sure there was some protein powder in their smoothies so they would be filled up and nourished still.
Authentic Chicken Mole Nachos
What about the parents? Well, we knew that we would need to be nourished so I was happy to see that to see TWO bags of frozen mole sauce that my grandmother had left prepared almost a year ago. I simply defrosted the sauce, added 3/4 cup of chicken or vegetable broth and let it simmer. I then added shredded chicken and let it cook for a 10 minutes.
What a quick meal I was able to put together that whetted our appetites. I had roasted two whole chickens during the weekend so I had shredded chicken for several meals. With planning and an authentic recipe for mole, you could have quick AND authentic chicken mole nachos in no time.
I used Mission corn tortilla chips, layered some shredded chicken mole. I then added diced white onions mixed with cilantro and sprinkled some Cotija cheese (dried Mexican cheese) which I can now find at Giant Food Stores. Lastly, I added crema, or a creamier sour cream-like sauce to the nachos and layered with some fresh arugula. It was a delight to consume such a delicious meal.
Recipe
Authentic Chicken Mole Nachos
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Keywords: bake cook appetizer entree lunch gluten-free chicken lettuce cotija cheese tortilla chips Mexican
Ingredients (4 servings)
Mole Sauce
Nacho Toppings
Instructions
For Mole Sauce
Heat the sauce in a sauce pan and add 3/4 cup broth and shredded chicken. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Assembly
On a baking sheet, layer tortilla chips, add the shredded mole chicken over the tortillas, then sprinkle the crumbled Cotija cheese.
Broil for 5 minutes and add diced onions and cilantro, cream over the nachos and finally sprinkle the fresh arugula blend.
Divide between 4 plates.
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Bob Evans Celebrates Families in August + Giveaway
August 23rd, 2016
Families can save on eating out by dining at Bob Evans for the month of August with several deals. Kids eat free with every adult meal purchased. Keep reading to see how Bob Evans Celebrates Families in August plus enter a giveaway.
Disclosure: While Bob Evans sponsored this post and our visit to the restaurants all opinions are my own.
Busy Summers
When my husband and I looked at our calendar at the beginning of the summer, we told ourselves that we needed to make sure we did not pack our months. Unfortunately, we could not foresee the amount of traveling we’d have to do, but we have embraced it.
I thought we would have grilled a lot more this summer but somehow we have not, due to the demands of daily life. Life with three girls plus a busy schedule with two working parents sure puts a damper on any desire to cook. Despite that, we have had good family time.
Dining Specials at Bob Evans
I appreciate placed like Bob Evans who offer specials that make dining easier for families. Every weekday in August, in honor of Family Month, kids will eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. It is a great way that Bob Evans is encouraging families to sit down and enjoy quality time together before the kids head back to school and summer comes to a close.
Not only are they offering that deal but when families dine in every Saturday and Sunday in August, families can enjoy the Slow-Roasted Turkey & Dressing, USDA Choice Sirloin, and Blackened USDA Choice Sirloin dinners for $8.99 when they dine in after 4 p.m.
Do you have kids that like breakfast for dinner? My girls ask for breakfast for dinner quite often so when they saw that the kids menu offered breakfast even during dinner time, they asked for it. Well, by the time we went through all the choices, the girls decided on cheeseburgers. The numerous choices allow all kids to be happy though, so we were happy too.
Breakfast All Day
Why not start on a new tradition with your family by having breakfast or brunch at Bob Evan? Bob Evans opens daily at 6 a.m. daily and offers brunch menu items all day, starting at $4.99. Remember, during the month of August, kids eat free, even early in the morning!!!
Recently, Bob Evans launched “Best-in-Class Breakfast,” a breakfast menu relaunch that uses farm-fresh ingredients, including fresh, never frozen Bob Evans sausage, fresh-cracked eggs from Midwestern farms, 100 percent Florida orange juice, fresh-cut potatoes, and freshly brewed coffee from 100 percent Arabica beans.
We enjoyed a 3-course dinner that included dessert while the kids ate what they liked especially some fresh vegetables on the side. Even our fussy 1-year old enjoyed a cheeseburger and some ice cream at the end of the meal. I have to say that it was the one evening our daughter was quiet during a meal time. Thumbs up to that!
All I have to say is that I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when we returned home and I had NO dishes to wash. You know what I mean right? Score!
Giveaway
Want to take your family? Enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card. QUICK though, since there is a week left to dine! The giveaway is only open for TWO days so that a family has a chance to dine this month, or even next month if you want!
Sharing is Caring!
Less Stress with The First Years Disney Baby Feeding and Activity Seat
August 22nd, 2016
The First Years Disney Baby Feeding and Activity Seat is a good seat for babies at 6 months. It has distractions in the form of toys and even a place to place the baby’s sippy cup. Keeping baby distracted makes for less stress during meal times.
Disclosure: Thanks to The First Years for helping during meal times with the activity seat. I was happy to try two Blue Apron meals that were already prepped for me. All opinions, photos, and reviews are my own. There are some affiliate links in the post.
Meal times with little kids
Meal times are always stressful in my home. Breakfast time is the least stressful usually but dinner time is the worst! Even though everyone has had a nap before I start dinner, it never fails. Every girl wants something or a snack. I do not like having their meal spoiled by snacks before dinner so I usually offer a veggie or fruit so that they will not get too full before dinner.
Now that I have a THIRD toddler in my home, meal time is so heightened with noise. I know that my youngest needs food earlier than everyone else, but having an earlier meal time for everyone just does not fit for everyone. I know many moms prepare dinner in the mornings so that it can be ready in the evening but it simply has not the way I have been able to function, especially with a full-time job.
Blue Apron aiding through meal prep stress
Thanks to Blue Apron for a chance to try two meals that are already planned and prepped for me. Despite the recipe and instructions and every item unit based for the recipe, I still had a hard time.
Did I mention I have had a teething baby? Teething is from the devil, and brings havoc into daily life. No matter what anyone says, no real amount of medications, homeopathic or over-the-counter, can really alleviate a baby’s pain. Sometimes nothing is good and we have to embrace the chaos.
That was my week last week. It was painful and chaotic.
The First Years Disney Baby Feeding and Activity Seat
I was thankful for a high chair that had extra accessories to distract. The First Years Disney Baby Feeding and Activity Seat is colorful and a smaller chair than other chairs we have tried. Granted I am trying out this chair on a year old baby and not a 6-month old baby.
A few things about the activity chair:
Pros:
Cons:
While I like the seat, I can say that perhaps the seat would have been better when she started her first foods. Either way, give it a try! It is available on Amazon.
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Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box
August 17th, 2016
Meal planning comes in handy especially when school is in session. Learn to Power Your Lunchbox with my Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box and pledge to kick off the school year by packing healthier lunches.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Produce for Kids. All photos, recipes, and opinions are my own.
I am mentally trying to wrap my mind around the upcoming school year. Last year was the first year to have one daughter in school and it was quite a busy year even if it was preschool. I really was not prepared with a calendar or even how to keep up with events at the school. This year I know I must have my act together since I have two little ones going to school.
I know I am not the only one that has gotten into a rut of making the same lunches for our kids especially when each day is packed with activities, but I know I love trying new meals with my girls. As a mom, I know there are days that my kids want specific meals and others where I can introduce new foods and meals. Some days are just touch and good. Either way, I know that I am going to make this the most exciting school year when it comes to meals.
Power Your Lunchbox pledge
Last year I introduced you to Produce for Kids and Power Your Lunchbox pledge with my Turkey and Zucchini Roll-Up Bento Box and thanks in part to your help, 10,797 families and classrooms took the pledge to pack a healthier lunchbox and donated 107,970 meals to families in need through Feeding America.
As a reminder, Power Your Lunchbox pledge is a back-to-school time initiative that raises funds for Feeding America kids’ programs. This year, from Aug. 8 to Sept. 23, Produce for Kids is again encouraging families nationwide to kick off the school year right by pledging to pack a healthier lunchbox. All parents need to do is take the online pledge at PowerYourLunchbox.com to make a $1 donation to Feeding America® children’s programs such as Kids Café, Backpack program and Child Hunger Corps.
How to get Involved
Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box
One of the meals I know my girls like are quesadillas. There are so many recipes for quesadillas online but really, many people just do not know that quesadillas are best made with corn tortillas. They are authentic even more so and my girls definitely prefer them over whole wheat or white flour tortillas.
I created a new recipe using corn tortillas, mozzarella, steamed carrots, black beans, cilantro and a little taco seasoning. The heat on the skillet has to be just right for the tortilla to fry just the right amount of time. After the quesadilla is finished then I cut them into 4 triangles and great addition to bento box. My girls love bento boxes because they love having options. I love offering healthy and colorful options for my kids.
The colors reminded me of a Mexican fiesta especially with all the veggies and fruits. I added quesadillas as the main meal, then a variety of fresh veggies with a dipping sauce, and orange and grape skewers. I was so excited to get to know the Produce for Kids partners that helped me make this delicious Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box:
Recipe
Mexican Fiesta Quesadilla Bento Box
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Ingredients (2 quesadillas)
Instructions
Prepare the steamed carrots the night before. Boil several carrots in a pot covered in water. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Drain and refrigerate.
Dice 3 carrots and set aside. Grate the mozzarella cheese and drain black beans.
Heat a non-stick skillet on medium heat and spray with olive oil.
Prepare the quesadillas.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese on one corn tortilla, Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons black beans, half the diced carrots, chopped cilantro, and 1/2 tsp taco seasoning. Place the second corn tortilla on top and place the quesadilla on the skillet.
Cook for 4 minutes on one side then another 4 minutes on the other side. The cheese should be melting and the tortilla a little golden.
Repeat with the rest of the ingredients. Cut into quarters.
Add fresh veggies in another space in the bento box with ranch dressing.
Make skewers alternating clementine wedges and Sun World grapes.
