It's the day before Christmas eve, the electricity is out, and the kids are all settled into bed. I'm taking some time to put the things that I want most for our family back into priority. I very much feel like taking good care of our health is important not only for life expectancy, but because it allows us to make the most of the here and now. The way we care for our bodies (through exercise, reduced stress, exposure to healthy sunlight and soil, and good food). It's something we all know, but I have found that more than anything else it's something that takes a little pre-planning to make reality.
I find it easier to change my own eating habits above my families. I've done that in the past, but I want to make a commitment that while on sabbatical I put more effort into the diet of my entire family. I believe that in feeding them healthier foods they will all enjoy a clearer perspective, increased health, and other long term benefits. It's an investment in our entire family's future.
One of the best ways that I have found to change the foods consumed by family is to re-focus meal time:
Breakfast: Bacon & Eggs or Oatmeal
Lunches: Chicken, Egg, or Pimento Salad with Fresh Fruit
Dinner: Beef, Chicken, or Pork; Cooked Vegetables, Sliced Fruit
But the most important thing I can do for my high energy family is to ensure that they have plenty of healthy snacks prepared and ready. Here's the list of quick & easy snacks I'm planning on having readily available come January:
Hard Boiled Eggs
Shredded Chicken
Chicken Salad (simply add mayo, salt, and pepper)
Pimento Cheese (Esters Farm)
Almond or Peanut Butter (Gone Nuts)
Kale Chips
Ginger or Tumeric Shots (Zest-Juice for Life)
Hummus (Esters Farm)
Citrus (Marion's Groves)
Cheese Slices (Kenny's Cheese)
Lettuce, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar (Stuarto's Olive Oil Company)
Apples
Cut Veggies & Ranch (HOME Cafe)
Herbal Tea (Double N Apothecary)
Yogurt (JD Country Milk)
When my family has access to healthy, fresh snacks and meals everything seems to be more peaceful and organized. It's a priority that I seem to make every year this time of year. I'm thankful for that. The ability to start a new year with new priorities and a fresh perspective.
**All snack items can be found at Community Farmers Market in Bowling Green, Kentucky.