Balanced Back to School

Lets face it, every year we ( by we I mean "parents") have a back to school bucket list of how this school year will be the year that we magically some how have it all together. We will supernaturally become amazing at: checking homework, feeding everyone a healthy breakfast, packing a nourishing lunch, waking early to  workout, having a quite time and somehow have all people happily dressed and out the door by 7:30 am.  This may work for the first three days of school but let me tell you friends its most likely NOT HAPPENING all year. You know the drill three weeks in your back at the donut shop with one kid half-way dressed and everyone is lucky to have a lunchables in their backpack!

This year we have had quite a few changes in our house and with change comes the need to reevaluate how things are done. The only thing that is truly crazy my friends is trying to do the same thing over and over and think you will get a different outcome. So out with the old "new school year bucket list" for us. I have decided to set a few things that will be staples and that's it. 

Thought I would share my plan just in case some of you over achievers need a starting place on how to tone it down a bit. These are the goals they are doable and real life tested my prayer, wish, hope, fingers crossed behind my back is that they lend to somewhat peaceful mornings and pretty healthy kids.

1. Breakfast will be simple- we will stick to HEB BLENDABLES ( I know they aren't organic) but they are pre cut fruit and veggies that you throw in the blender and drink on the way to school. We also stock Bobo's Oat Bars to grab when we cant make a smoothie. 

2. Lunches - will be a pack it yourself event. The only rule is you must pack a protein, a fruit, and two water bottles whatever else goes in that lunch I am washing my hands of. 

3. Broth and Vitamins - We all take vitamins period. While I still stick to the concept that getting our nutrition from whole food and real food is absolutely best, I house teens and lets face it we have other things to parent. Remember not all vitamins are created equal and quality ones are worth the extra money. How do we make this happen? Vitamins stay in my car console and I divvy them out in the morning on the way to school or sometimes on the way home from school. We will drink broth. Sometimes I make it sometimes I buy it. ( It helps that I have a chef who prepares it for my clients already)  If you want the recipe its on my IG Story. If you want to buy it shoot me an email.

 

So this it, no grand plan just small steps towards health. Plain and simple. Will my kids drink sodas and eat hot pockets absolutely. Will we drive through the donut shop yes, but not everyday. Real health and nutrition like everything in life calls for balance. Happy New School year my friends, for those of you who aren't teachers I hope you go have a long lunch with friends, for those of you who are teachers ( also know as angels walking on earth)   well I hope your non teaching friends bring you a good lunch and lots of coffee... I know I will be making some deliveries myself!

New Menu Ideas

May equals busy at our house, but the goal is that busy does not equal bad food! This our family’s real life plan, we thought it might help you out too. I'm telling you a little meal prep and menu planning can go a long way. Remember, eating at home not only insures food quality but it really is more cost effective. So try one or two of these REAL LIFE suggestions we hope you enjoy.

Tacos your Way

2lbs ground beef or turkey

2T Chili Powder*

2T Cumin

1 T Fresh garlic*

Store bought pico

1 cup fresh graded Raw Cheddar

1 Avocado

Lettuce Cups or Taco Shells your choice

If your using meal prepped ground beef, reheat in skillet with 1/4-cup water and add seasonings. The rest is ready to go, pile and enjoy.

Why this works? Its protein (beef or turkey), raw foods (cheese, pico, and lettuce cups) healthy fats (raw cheddar and avocado) IT TRANSITIONAL - if your gang isn’t ready for the lettuce shell no worries- give them a taco shell while you enjoy a 100 percent clean meal!

Easy Breakfast for Dinner

Bacon

Egg and Spinach Scramble

Grab your own fruit

Meal Prepped bacon - the only problem with this is everyone eats it if I don’t hide it! When buying bacon is sure its labeled no nitrates or nitrates added. Applegate is a good brand; you can choose pork or turkey. I will cook a few pounds in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Be sure and line your baking dish for easy clean up.

Eggs- we want them to be brown and cage free. Heat real butter in skillet and scramble; add in spinach and pink salt (its loaded with great minerals) and pepper. 

Let big kids choose their own fruit and help peal for the younger kids. Remember if your not buying organic to wash, peel, and bless it always!

Real Food Check- Protein- eggs and bacon, Healthy Fat- real butter, eggs, Quality Carbohydrates- Fresh fruit and spinach

 

Pizza Night

Meal Prep Chicken Thinly Sliced

Fresh Pesto or Pizza Sauce

Fresh Real Mozzarella (the stuff in water)

Flat Bread or Lavash (any thing under 5 ingredients works)

Baby Spring Greens (optional)

This meal really takes 5 minutes! Spread sauce of choice on flat bread, add meal prepped chicken, cheese and greens and place under broiler. WATCH CLOSELY until cheese is melted. Enjoy with a big salad or alone. Transition tip- if your kids want pepperonis let them have some Applegate makes a great no nitrate-uncured pepperoni. We want eating to be fun not a fight. This is a great KIDS in the KITCHEN meal.

 

CLUB SALAD

Meal Prepped Chicken and Bacon Crumbles

3 Boiled eggs

3 heads of Romaine

1/2 Cup of Raw Cheddar

2 cucumbers

Cherry Tomatoes

I know what your thinking there is No Way my kids will eat this... Well try these tips

Keep all ingredients separate- we taught our kids to eat salad by separating everything

Place different "dips" salad dressings in fun colorful bowls. Allow your kids to dip however they like

Offer a fun activity for trying new things- everyone that eats salad gets to peg mom or dad with a water balloon!

 

 

Meal Prep: We do this on Sunday nights our kids are 9,11and 13 so they enjoy helping out. For this menu you would need to cook 2 lbs bacon, 10 chicken breast, and 2 lbs ground beef. That sounds like a lot but that gets you 5 evening meals. On Sunday night we usually enjoy our grilled steak or chicken with some veggies straight off the grill. Try some grilled pineapple and zucchini.

We hope you enjoy!

 

 

Real Food, Real People, Real Simple

On the Go Snacks

When we travel, we are susceptible to just grabbing the closest food to appease our hunger. Plan ahead! Don't get caught without a healthy alternative. Here are a few suggestions for your next road trip.

Produce

The goal is to buy organic, local, non-GMO.

Apples

Baby Carrots

Season Fruits - peaches, pears, plums

Pea Snaps - These are great for beating boredom while driving!

Grapes - Pre-bag them in individual portions.

Bottled Kombucha - This is a fun different treat for car trips!

Apple Cider Vinegar shots - These are a great pick me up!

Protein & Dairy

Purchase organic or no nitrates or no nitrates added. Natural is just a marketing gimmick.

Epic Bars - These do mix flesh protein with fruit but would be fine for special situations.

Beef or Turkey Jerky

Pro Bugs - I freeze these and let the kids have them on vacations because I know that our eating will be compromised.

Individual packs of raw cheese - Be careful with these, as they have lots of calories!

Pantry Items

That's It Bars - Kid's love these. 

Bobo's Oat Bars - Oats are great for the thyroid. (These do have sugar.)

Raw Nut Butter Packs - Make sure to read labels. They are not created equal!

Pirates Booty