Taking Food Shortcuts Does Not Benefit Your Kids

Our kids are important to us and we do our best to assure they grow up strong. But the realities for many also indicate we are going for the cheapest options just to keep food on the table.

This means even though we are trying our best, the nutrition kids need is not always there. For example, taking kids to fast food outlets might be chap but none of what they offer is real food.

It has been processed and manipulated to death and even the flavours are not real. They are man-made and the products are full of vegetable oils, sugar and salt. This is the sort of thing you can get away with once in a long while but should not be relied upon and repeated every week.

Use real fruits and veggies that do not come in a box. If they are frozen, you still have nutrition so that is a good option. Realize even juice is not healthy since it is mostly sugar and the form that fruit was originally has been stripped of all skin and pulp which is necessary to digest the nutrients.

Check if the product has been verified if it says organic and always wash fruits and veggies before using, not just before you put them in the fridge. And when taking supplements, again look for verification and try to get most vitamins from the foods you cook for the family.

Learn how to dry foods for long storage and freeze fresh produce. Fermenting is an excellent way to ensure your family is getting the probiotics they need. If using salad dressings, make your own from simple ingredients like extra virgin oil, lemons, unflavoured and unsweetened yogourt, etc.

Want tea? Then try growing a few herbs in pots on your windowsill like mint, chamomile, etc. Try growing a few spices too. And as I always indicate, having a veggie garden of your own is the best. It also teaches kids self reliance among other things.

Remember, that journey where you take the time to investigate and do a little more towards living clean will reap huge benefits for everyone. Make that effort. Healthy kids will be your reward.