Bonjour to my fellow busy Mamas! Melanie, thank you so much for having me. A little bit about me; I’m a single working mother to a beautiful little one year old, nutritionist + private chef, wellness expert and teacher! OH and food is my life. I get a lot of questions about nutrition + food shopping from clients and followers so I thought I would answer a few popular ones and then if you GUYS have more to email MM!
“I teach a lot of kids and meal prep for families and the most successful tool is to get them involved.”
Q: How do I shop effectively and wisely in my local supermarket?
A: 1. Never shop hungry! 2. Shop the perimeters of the store, that’s where proteins, breads, produce and relatively the WHOLE foods are. Aside from spices, ethnic and some drinks – a lot of the isles are packaged items, which are pricey and usually full of crap! 3. Make a plan. Planning out your meals and week is honestly one of the most effective ways to stay on track and to be ready for the week of feeding families AND STILL HAVING YOUR OWN TIME. Make cheats if need be…BUY a whole roasted chicken and it becomes three meals. Chicken (white meat) + roasted sweet potatoes. Then use the dark meat, mix with apples, yogurt and curry for wraps! Then use the bones to makes stock. Add in stewed tomatoes, lime, cumin and adobe peppers. Add in quinoa. A quick “Chicken tortilla soup”!
Q: What are the best foods to incorporate to a busy lifestyle and picky children?
A: Honestly food is hard with the younger kids (my kid hates food!) so I’m of the belief system to be bold. My parents used a lot of spices and flavours, made things from scratch which I absolutely believe sparked my LOVE of food. Roasted proteins and veg with different spices and herbs not only adds flavour but promotes variety and expanding your palettes! ALSO make a challenge to yourself by buying one new thing every week!
Q: My kid(s) is a picky eater, how do I get them to eat more foods?
A: I teach a lot of kids and meal prep for families AND the most successful tool is to get them INVOLVED. Studies have proven that kids who learn younger how to taste, create and make even simple things to start EAT better and are less fussy. It also gives them an accomplished feeling that they helped and you know mushrooms or kale is less “GROSS” when you know what it is LOL.
Well I hope this helps at least one mama feel a little more sane in the week. Also follow me for meal ideas or food delivery (@thehealthybies)! HAPPY shopping mamas (and papas).