"When your a working mom or a mom on the go we can all use some quick cooking tips!
Like most mommies, our days may start at 2:00 am. We are either up nursing a baby, getting a child a glass of water or being kicked in the side by a 3 year old who somehow snuck into our bed in the middle of the night. The alarm goes off at 6:00 am so you can get your shower and get dressed for work. We then rally the troops…feed them breakfast, get them dressed, get their backpacks packed, etc. Then, off we go to work or into our home offices. The last thing on your mind is what to feed your kids for dinner. So here are a few tips and ideas on how to make your dinners quick and healthy.
- Annie’s organic bunny pasta just takes 12 minutes to make and feeds two kids! They also make organic pasta in quick and easy single serve packets- 3 minutes in the microwave and it’s done!
- Green giant frozen vegetables take 3 minutes in the microwave, are low fat and loaded with vitamins. Broccoli with cheese sauce is our favorite (regular cheese- not “zesty” – check the package) and also “Healthy Weight”…soy beans, pea pods, carrots…
- Barilla makes a barilla plus pasta that has more protein and nutrients. This is especially great for those kids who won’t eat meat.
- Here is an excellent site for some quick recipes for your family and picky eaters:www.familyfun.go.com
- Carnation Instant Breakfast is loaded with vitamins and minerals for kids. The vanilla flavor can be incorporated into a smoothie with bananas and frozen strawberries for an even more nutritious shake. This is great for dessert for that picky eater. Let your kids add the strawberries and bananas to the blender. Kids who help prepare their food, are more likely to eat/drink it. This works also for a quick and easy breakfast.
- Healthy takeout once a week is a great option! Don’t feel bad about it especially if you choose healthy options: Chinese- steamed vegetable with chicken- sauce on the side like garlic or sweet & sour.
- Pizza night- tomatoes/Cheese and another vegetable on top (if your kids will have it). Carrot sticks/celery/snow peas on the side with the option to dip in a low fat ranch dressing is a great way to up your vegetable servings.
- Orange Yogurt: My daughters favorite…Add pureed baby carrots to vanilla or banana yogurt and let them put a few ice-cream sprinkles on top!
- Rotisserie chicken picked up from your local grocery store is a great option and healthier than chicken Nuggets or frozen chicken strips.
Make play dates for dinner with other working moms you know through work or your daycare program. You’ll enjoy the company and can get some great ideas from seeing/talking to other families about what their kids eat! Bring PJs so they can sleep in the car on the way home if the night rolls into bedtime.
If you are a planner, Crock pots can be started in the morning so dinner is ready for you and the kids when you get home. One of my favorite cookbooks is: How to Make Love and Dinner at the Same Time (although that has never quite happened at my house….sorry honey).
For adult conversation with your spouse during dinner, occasionally try feeding the kids first and then give them an activity or game to do while the two of you eat. Maybe even allow a ½ hour of tv while your at the dinner table uninterrupted by, “Mommy can I have?” or “Mommy, can you get me…”
Remember, research says that it takes a child 19 times to adopt a new food! All you can do is offer healthy options and let them adopt the foods at their own pace."
Kristie Finnan
Working Mother & Author of Mommy's High Heel Shoes
