If you think about it, children are natural cooks. They're always mixing and experimenting. We often see this as a disgusting habit but we can train them to use their curiosity in a good way.
I'm going to share with you five [5] easy tips that you can use right away. And I'm sure one of these will work for you.
So what makes me an authority on this subject? Well I'm a foodie that became a registered nutritional consultant practitioner, blah blah blah... Okay, I have seven [7] children who like to eat. That's a lot of Na Keiki [children] to cook for, which is why I needed to teach them.
“If you give a child a meal, you feed her for a day.
If you show a child how to cook, you feed her for awhile.
If you teach a child to plant & harvest, you feed her community.”
Above is a snapshot of me and my seven babies on Mother's Day. The meal you'll see below was prepared by my oldest, Wharehuia. [Maori for house of the song bird.] I have two daughter's and five sons. Life is full. I actually published Walk In Beauty because of my children.
5 Easy Tips
Step away from fast-food.
Connection happens in the kitchen and fast-food robs you of that time. You don't have to do it often but you'll want to do it regularly. Start with one day, like Friday night. Make it together and have fun.
Magic happens in the kitchen, allow your children to take part in cooking. Especially when it's their favorite dish and they get to taste the food as it's being prepared.
Make a playlist or subscribe.
I made a YouTube playlist of some fun recipes and purchased Jamie Oliver's travel & food series. I also asked them about their favorite foods and we explored a bunch of YouTubers who are also food bloggers.
The number one boost is the Master Chef Jr. competition on tv. We all enjoy that series and learn as we watch. Those children are amazing and inspire us all.
It started with Usborne.
My friend was an Usborne book consultant and I enjoyed hosting book parties. This particular brand has a wonderful kid's cookbook selection. Their books have brilliant step by step pictures that's perfect for all learning levels.
Eventually I started adding to our cookbook collection. Let's just say that it's an investment that's paying off. Purchase books that have wonderful pictures & examples.
Make the connection
The saddest thing I see is a disconnection from the growers, their food and our mouths. This all boils down to r-e-s-p-e-c-t, or should I say lack of respect. If you ask a child where their food comes from they'll usually answer, "the store, duh!" [eyes rolling]
Taking them to farmers market opens their minds and heart. You're exposing them to the value of seed-time-&-harvest. This will help them connect the money you earn & the food the farmer raised. Now that's RESPECT.
Self Empowerment to the 3rd.
Mind, body & soul... growing something that they will enjoy embodies all of these wonderful elements. It's both holistic & fulfilling to harvest then eat.
Start simple. My Na Keiki grow green onions for their noodle bowls. It's so easy to start and requires little care. Save the green onion bulbs & let it rest in some water. Roots will sprout, plant then enjoy.
Fit Foodie
2 Pot Recipe
- Soak the chickpeas the night before.
- Boil the chickpeas, allowing a little of the soup base to remain.
- Chop sweet potatoes, celery & cilantro. [onions optional]
- [Separately] Stir fry the protein.
- Add the chopped ingredients to the stir fry.
- Once cooked combine the stir fry to the chickpeas.
- Mix and season to taste. [she added a curry paste to her dish]
If you're not a part of my inner circle I hope you will join me today. Click on the link below to see what it's all about. I look forward to swimming with you in the Mermaid lagoon soon.
BEAUTY
In 2017 I fulfilled a promise to a mentor, who passed away suddenly in freakish plane crash, and a friend, who died after overcoming a disease to only contract something else. Yet all the while I thought about my children and the next generation. What do I want them to know about BEAUTY? How can I teach them to Walk In Beauty.
My mentor charged me with a simple goal back in 1999, "Write a book." Then my friend inspired me by asking, "How do I know if HE's the right one?" [She was dating at the time.] I created the outline back in 2001 but my heart couldn't see it through. Until now.
I'm finally content with this creation, as I was able to combine a mini E-Class with the E-Book. It's part observation and memoir. To learn more click on the images below and see what I created for you.
