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So, I’ve been thinking a lot about shopping lately. Sure you may think it's because I’ve been meandering through the racks of post-holiday sale items or perhaps because I seem to spend a large portion of my time hiding out from the bitter winter chill in the comfort of the nearest Pottery Barn, but (while this is true) that’s not it at all.
Instead, I’m obsessing over supermarkets. Specifically, what’s offered in the aisles, what’s filling up our carts and what we end up taking home and feeding to our families. The thing is it’s no secret that the children in our country have been getting heavier over the past few decades and I’m pretty sure it has something to do with what we bring home from the grocery store. I mean, if we’re all really doing a stellar job selecting the right foods for our kids and filtering out the funk, why are we still seeing an increase in obesity among the school age set?
Sure you can blame it on fast foods and soda consumption, but the primary place where kids should be consuming their calories is in our homes… where good food choices should be easy! Let’s face it, aside from checking out the latest cartoon characters on their favorite cereal boxes, no kid’s going to be scanning the labels in your pantry. It’s our job to do that for them…before the latest sparkling-neon colored, goo coated "energy bars" travel from the supermarket shelves to our own.
Just like getting them to bed on time, just like checking that their homework is complete, just like teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street…it’s our responsibility to fill our refrigerators and cupboards with healthy choices. That means foods full of whole grains, vitamins and monounsaturated fats—you know, the kind found in California Ripe Olives—instead of those containing trans fats, saturated fats and empty calories. Sure you can toss ‘em a lollipop every so often…that’s why they call it a treat! Just be sure to line your shelves with the stuff that actually treats their bodies right on a day-to-day basis. Now that’s something we can all buy into!
You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but a package of vittles is a whole different story. Labeling laws require that companies fill you in on the facts before you fill up your family with their food. You’ve just got to look past all the brightly colored eye-catching designs and learn to focus on the fine print.
Forgo products that are high in saturated fats and trans fats, in favor of those like California Ripe Olives or almonds that contain monounsaturated fats. Look for products with lower sugar contents and check their sodium counts. Figure out if there are any health benefits from things like protein, calcium or vitamins that may out-weigh some of the dubious attributes of your potential purchase. Also, seek out products that are made from whole grains…and of course, fill your fridge with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables!
Want to serve up a snack that’s way cool? Here’s something that’s easy for kids of all ages (that’s right, even you) to whip up. Just puree some cauliflower with cream cheese and mix in California Ripe Olives and you’ve got a perfect spread for whole grain crackers, bagels or pita pieces.
Go one step further…let them eat cakes! Fix up these Olive Sweet Potato Cakes over the weekend and show the kids how to nuke ‘em or toast ‘em when its snack time. Full of antioxidants and vitamins, and they’re also naturally sweet and satisfying. Who can complain about that?
What happened to the good ol’ days when dad drove home at 5:30 and the family sat down for dinner by 6…together? Even when I was young that seemed to be a passing fad, now it’s nearly all but forgotten. I’m not trying to get all June Cleaver on you, but “Shame on us!” If we don’t use dinner as a time to get the family together, we’re really missing a great opportunity to connect with our kids and teach them important lessons like…healthy eating habits.
Many of us shrug off home cooking, saying that we just don’t have time, but this is crucial to your family’s health. Even if you prepare something as simple as a burger and salad, when you make it yourself you can ensure that it’ll have less bad fat and sodium and more vitamins than you’ll get from a purchased meal or one from the frozen foods aisle. Buying lean cuts of meat, using monounsaturated fats from things like olive oil, California Ripe Olives and avocados and seasoning to taste with herbs and spices gives you more control over your family’s diet. Remember, these guys aren’t looking for a gourmet meal, just something to grow on!
Incorporate foods that are naturally beneficial and use the time to teach your kids about nutrition. If they see you eating appropriate portions of vitamin rich foods, they will be much more likely to create excellent eating habits of their own.
In my house, it’s the simpler the better. Green broccoli, O.K., Green herbs, bigtime “no way!” This doesn’t mean I forgo on flavor, but instead I season with subtlety for the kids and add on for us adults as necessary. Take a shot at these tasty little turkey tacos and you’ll see what I mean. TOP
Pantry Power |
| Nuts: Go with lightly or unsalted varieties. |
| Vegetable Chips: Try sweet potato or beet chips for extra antioxidant power. |
| Canned fruits and vegetables: Pineapple chunks, California Ripe Olives and sweet corn are perennial favorites. |
| Canned beans: Tons of protein and perfectly popable. |
| Whole grain breads: Not just for sandwiches anymore. |
| Whole grain crackers and cereals: Who needs chips for crunch-time anymore? | Dried fruits: Filled with vitamins and antioxidants…and they’re sweet too! |
| All-natural popcorn: Pop it yourself and leave out the butter. | Rice cakes and crackers: Spread with peanut butter or top with cheese. |
| All-natural peanut butter and other nut butters: Not just for PB&J, try on apples or celery | Fruit spreads: Add a little sweetness without all the unnatural sugar. |
| Salsas: The hottest way to jazz up a snack. |
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