Let's face it, modern families are busy and just about all of us end up eating out once in a while. If we're in a rush, fast food joints may be the only places that fit our schedules and our kids' finicky appetites.
Love it or hate it, most of us end up stopping at McDonald's with our children, but even though it may not be our first choice there are still choices available for the health conscious parent. This chain has taken most of the trans fats out of their fries, reduced the sodium in many foods, and now offers milk, apple slices, and even yogurt.
Order
Happy Meals are a big thing for kids, and they used to be pretty darned unhealthy. Today, however, there is more variety. Consider a Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap, apple slices, and a milk to drink. Even a chocolate milk if your child prefers. And they still get the toy. This combo has approximately 450 calories, 690 mg of sodium, and 12 g fat. While this may not be ideal, it's not terrible.
Don't Order
I have nothing against chicken nuggets and fries, and one of my sons really loves them, but if you're looking the healthiest option, pass on this Happy Meal combo. If you add a small Fruitopia to the mix you end up with approximately 600 calories, 640 mg of sodium, and 25 g fat. Another option is probably best.
Stopping at a fast food place such as McDonald's isn't all that bad if you're careful and discerning. If your children do prefer the less healthy options, limit the number of times they're allowed to choose the nuggets or cheeseburger.
Walnuts serious brain food, especially for children, and they taste good enough on their own. Packed with omega-3s, walnuts keep the neurons in kids' brains firing, protects the heart, lowers cholesterol, and may even help ward off certain types of cancers.
But sometimes we don't want to eat a handful of walnuts all the time. Walnuts are versatile enough to fit in many different recipes, so try the following maple walnut crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw walnut pieces
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- pinch of salt
Method
- Preheat over to 325°F (160°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a large bow and mixing gently. Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed and all walnut pieces are coated with the syrup.
- Spread walnuts evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, turn, and bake for 10 minutes longer.
- Let cool before serving.
Make sure you use real maple syrup, not the fake stuff. You'll also want the sweetest nuts possible, so buy smaller walnuts that are lighter in color. Purchase them in small amounts and keep them in the fridge or even the freezer to keep them as fresh as possible.
Kidney beans really are a superfood. They are packed full of fiber, protein, iron, folate, and even antioxidants. Unfortunately, many kids avoid them like the plague. I know mine do. And while you can tuck them into nachos or burritos, they're often quickly spotted by eagle-eyed children. Why not try hiding them in a burger everyone will enjoy?
Ingredients
- 1½ cups red kidney beans, mashed until smooth
- ½ cup quick oats
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (medium works best)
- 1 cup grated sweet potato (raw)
- ¼ cup coriander, fresh and copped fine
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp oil (choose your favorite for pan frying)
- ¼ cup red onions (optional)
- Barbeque sauce (optional)
Method
- Take out a large bowl. Add all ingredients except the oil and the optional barbeque sauce and mix by hand. Make sure all ingredients are equally distributed.
- Form mixture into six equal patties.
- Heat oil in skillet. Cook patties for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown on each side. Feel free to add barbeque sauce as if you were barbequing. In fact, these can also be cooked on the barbeque outside if you like.
- Place on buns, add ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, or other toppings and serve warm.
This is a versatile recipe, so experiment with different herbs. I like to do basil, oregano, and thyme instead of the herbs listed here, but you might have other favorites. The flavor comes from the herbs, so don't be shy.
Having a live tree in your house at Christmas can make your home feel just a little more festive and bring joy to your entire family. Many people, however, choose not to buy a real tree because they believe that it will not last throughout the holiday season and they'll be left with a dead tree by Christmas. This is simply not the case. A real tree can certainly survive through the holidays if it is properly tended and selected with care. All it takes is a little knowledge.
Keeping your tree fresh through the holidays begins with the selection of your tree. There are really two options: a potted tree or a cut tree. If you decide to purchase a potted tree, ensure that it has been watered properly and appears to be in good health. Examine the bark for any damage, and if any bark is missing, find another tree. Give your potential tree a little shake to see how many needles drop. A few is normal, but too many fallen needles indicates dehydration. Also check for any dead needles or branches.
Most people will choose a cut tree for the holidays. These same tests can be performed on a cut tree as on a potted tree. Additionally, with a cut tree, you’ll want to examine the bottom of the trunk for excessive damage which may have caused trauma to the tree. Before leaving the lot, ask an attendant to cut two to three inches off the end of the trunk. This will allow the tree to absorb water more efficiently once you get the tree home.
Get your tree into water as soon as you get it home. If you’re not going to put your tree up immediately upon your return, leave it outside with a source of water. Christmas trees actually like the colder weather, so don’t worry that the cooler December temperatures will damage your new tree. You will want to check the water to make sure it hasn't frozen.
If possible, use a plastic tree stand. Metal tree holders can puncture the bark of the tree, which can cause a loss of sap. This will weaken the tree, making it wilt that much sooner. In addition, the larger your tree stand is, the fewer times you’ll have to add water. At any rate, check the water levels every day. You don’t want your tree to dehydrate, or it will become a fire hazard as it dries out. It will also begin to wilt, and possibly even die. To provide more protection for your Christmas tree, look for those holiday lights that give off the least amount of heat.
If you want your tree to truly last through the holidays, it will need more than just water. Trees, like people, need nutrients in order to thrive. To make your own tree food, combine four cups of water with two cups of corn syrup. Boil this mixture for five minutes, allow to cool, and poor it into your tree stand. You can, if you like, add some iron supplements (but no more than three tablets, crushed) and a tablespoon of bleach. Do not add too much bleach or you could damage the tree. Alternatively, you could purchase Christmas tree food, sold at many locations during the holidays.
Caring for your live Christmas tree is simple and well worth the effort. Treat your tree with care, and it will bring joy to you, your family, and your guests throughout the holiday season.
