5 Ways to Get Your Little One to Snack Healthy

Little ones are visual in every sense of the way. So, your typical colorful and fun potato chip bag or sugary cereal boxes are much more attractive to our little ones than a plain slice of cheese or a carrot stick. 

Keep it fun! Keep it colorful! And most importantly...include them in the process. From growing the veggies to displaying them in a silly colorful way. Keep in mind, keeping it healthy and organic does take more time, but if you include your child in the process it instantly becomes a bonding experience. 

Here are some fun wholesome snack idea:

- Dipping bowl out of a red bell pepper for your veggie sticks. Having a yummy healthy dip makes eating veggies that much more delicious. (Greek Yogurt with a bit of salt is a great one)

- A mouse out of your plain laughing cow cheese wedges.

- Almond butter heart shaped mini sandwiches.

- Silly cheese umbrella out of Babybel cheese.

- Homemade French Crepes. Some delicious healthy spreads can be almond butter, blueberries or strawberries with Greek Yogurt.

The kiddos in our Los Angeles based French/ Israeli preschool absolutely adore these silly, fun and healthy snacks! The best part about it all is their priceless enthusiastic reaction when they get to eat their silly snacks. :) 

French Crepes Recipe 

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup low-fat (1%) milk
• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup blueberries

Whisk together flour and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add milk and water, stirring to combine. Beat until smooth.

Heat a lightly greased frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour or scoop 1/4 cup batter onto griddle. Tilt pan with a circular motion so batter coats the surface evenly.

Cook crepe until bottom is light brown, about 2 minutes. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook other side.

Enjoy! 

Do you have any fun healthy snacks that work for your little ones? 

Yours truly, 

Sophie Le Petit Gan 

How to whip up a quick and healthy dinner for your family.

Keep it wholesome, fresh, organic and most of all FUN for the kids to help mommy in the kitchen! :)

Light and simple dinners are the perfect meals to end these beautiful sunny days.
This vegetarian Eggplant  burger is a great healthy light and savory meal for your little ones to enjoy making and eating. For this quick and simple dish start by inviting your child into a cooking mommy and me kitchen adventure! :)

 

Here we go....
...

Ingredients for 3 servings:
1eggplant
Hummus
1 Bunch of Fresh Kale
1 tomato
3 Buns (I used Challah buns but any will work)
1/2 an onion
Paprika
Salt

Slice your eggplant to about one inch thick then, have your little one sprinkle some salt and let it sit. (This will help absorb all of the eggplant's liquids).
Lightly dust your eggplant with paprika and some olive oil. Let your child get messy and rub the spices onto the eggplant!  Once eggplant has been sitting for a few minutes grill it well on both sides on your barbecue (you can also fry it instead).
Now that your eggplants are grilled it is simple and fun to put it all together into a delicious plate:)
Top the bun with thin slices of onion, some kale and slices of tomatoes then, top with a slice of eggplant. Generously spread hummus on top of the eggplant and layer with one last slice of the delicious grilled eggplant. Serve and Enjoy!

Does your child get curious in the kitchen when you are cooking?
What are some ways you get your little one involved in preparing dinner?

Yours truly,

Sophie Le Petit Gan
 

Raising an Organic Child.

It's time to step away from your plain Jane tasteless chicken nuggets, mac and cheese and pizza dinners!

Children are mini adults... they truly are in every sense of the way. They love exploring, trying touching and most of all tasting! They are my # 1 food critiques ;). The love and excitement they have for new flavors is quit surprising at first. I enjoy exposing children to new flavors and spices, get them used to eating foods from around the world, and allow them to experience the benefits of whole rounded and fresh organic foods, spices, veggies and grains.

The key to having children who can appreciate the sweetness of a good old apple and get excited to try a new dish full wholesome ingredients is to make it FUN! Take your child to a farmers market...give them a little basket, share with them new flavors exciting colors and uplifting smells. Bring it all home and have a fun cookout.

As a preschool teacher (not yet a mommy but I feel like one at times;) ) I truly incorporate as much organic wholesome and clean ingredients into the little one's meals.

Here are a few recipes for good wholesome flavor full family dinner or left over lunch for your preschooler to take to school. :)

Sushi Salad!

This unique Sushi Salad is the perfect "I don't feel like cooking its Sundayyy night... " kind of recipe.
Its healthy, Yummy fun and easy...  kids LOVE it!
It has all the healthy ingredients of sushi minus the hassle and the expensive price tag.
...

Here we go mommies:

Prep time 15 minutes.
1cup of Sushi rice
1 package of chicken breast
3 small cucumbers
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
3 Sheets of seaweed
Soy Sauce
Boil the Sushi rice with two cups of water on low until fully cooked. Sautee chicken breast with some soy sauce. Chop all veggies.
In a large bowl place rice topped with the cooked chicken breast veggies and chopped seaweed. Mix add soy sauce and spicy mayo to your own taste.
For my vegetarian friends, the salad is delish even without the chicken.

Enjoy!

Quinoa Salad!

This salad is the best thing that happened in my little two-by-two kitchen. It seems to be loved by everyone (vegans and vegetarians too). It has simple ingredients that when combined together the flavors become heavenly.
...

Here we go!
1 cup quinoa
1 red onion finely diced
½ cup sultanas
½ cup dried cranberries (craisins)
¼ cup dried blueberries
1 cup roasted peanuts (save ¼ cup for garnish) This is optional depending on allergies.
1 red capsicum finely diced
1 green capsicum finely diced
½ cup chopped parsley
½ cup chopped coriander
½ cup chopped celery
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen-thawed)
(For a big party multiply quantity by two)
Curried Balsamic Dressing
1 heaping teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 fresh red chili finely diced
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
3 tablespoons good olive oil
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar if you want it sweeter (optional)
fresh coriander leaves and a few peanuts for garnish

This recipe is a perfect "cooking with your little one" kind of recipe.
Chop all ingredients in advance and have your little one taste each ingredient and share what kind of flavors he/she is tasting. Then have them help you pour it all into a bowl and mix it up!

 Have fun cooking healthy for your little one !!!

Feel free to share what are some challenges you might be having keeping it wholesome in the kitchen for your kids?

Is your child not cooperating with some healthy changes you are trying to make?

Yours Truly,

Sophie Le Petit Gan