Jamie Oliver is a man on a mission, ya’ll! But seriously, did you know that a lot of families in first world countries don’t really cook for themselves. Did you know that 1 in 20 British parents believe that a packet of potato chips counts as a portion of vegetables? And 1 in 10 believe that eating fruit is bad for you? Who are these people? Where are they getting their info from?
I don’t think that South Africans are that bad though. I come from a home where cooking is the norm and I’d like to believe that home cooking is not an anomaly in this country, but let’s face it, it’s not always the healthiest of options.
It’s so weird though, when you’re starting your baby on solids you’re all about those fruits and vegetables. But don’t tell me to put spinach in my smoothies because I will smack you. I am the biggest hypocrite when it comes to eating, I make sure that my son eats healthy and then I scoff down some McDonalds (don’t even judge!).
But, I’m trying to be better. We’re eating a lot more vegetables at home and somehow I’ve become a water rather than a juice person.
Jamie’s idea is that you should cook with your kids. And that this should be part of a school curriculum. You need to arm them with the skills to feed themselves. And if you make it in the norm in your home to present healthy things then they won’t turn their noses up at it.
Yes, I know kids are picky. I need to try very hard not to lose my entire goddamn mind when The Munchkin throws food that his dad or I have painstakingly made on the floor.
But I pick it up and continue trying. Sometimes I’ll offer him something else, but it won’t be unhealthy.
So to celebrate Food Revolution Day we made some Cheesy Broccoli Bites from Super Healthy Kids last night, because who doesn’t like cheese.
They are great for baby led weaning too because they’re soft and can be handled quite easily by a younger child. Just break it into smaller pieces though. The Munchkin downed 3 before supper and loved sharing them with his dad and me.
I wasn’t thrilled that this recipe required frying in oil because I just think of it as an unhealthy way to cook anything. I must test these out and see if they can be baked.
As always it ticks my “As Little Effort As Possible” box. And guys, that is my favourite box! Because I’m lazy and tired.
- 2 cup chopped – broccoli
- 2 large – Egg
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 cup, crumbs – Panko (Japanese Bread Crumbs)
- 1/2 cup – Parmesan Cheese, fresh
- 2 tbsp – olive oil
- 1. Steam 2 cups of broccoli
- 2. Add broccoli, egg, salt, panko or bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese to a food processor.
- 3. Blend just till chopped finely.
- 4. Using 1 tablespoon at a time, form into balls.
- 5. Heat oil in a skillet. Drop balls of broccoli mixture into pan. Flatten with a spatula and cook until both sides are crispy.
More healthy recipes to try with your kids:
Don’t forget to sign The Food Revolution petition to show your support for compulsory practical food education in schools across the world.
Pat Pughe-Parry (@trishpp) says
These look really nice recipes
Cindy says
I’m so with you on this! Our kids eat basically everything with the exception of tomatoes, not because they like it per say, but we have just made it part of what we do. We still have the occasional cheat like pizza on a Friday, but it’s important to me that they eat well majority of the time.
Zayaan Schroeder says
So far there isn’t anything R won’t eat but if he’s not in the mood for something then his just not. I have too many chest days myself though. Need to reign that in.
Wenchy says
I wish I knew a lot more about food and nutrition when my kids were young.
Sharon says
We’re all about the real food made from scratch in our home too. Ever since I started banting last year, I’ve become more and more aware of the rubbish and the sugar and the junk that gets put into so many foods that we are led to believe are “healthy”.
Zayaan Schroeder says
Yeah, and it doesn’t have to be hard either. There are loads of yummy, easy and healthy recipes out there.
Tana says
Those broccoli bites looks devine!!! Definitely going to try them!
Maz says
I’m going to try some of these. We generally eat very healthy in our home… any meat products come from my parents’ farm so we are lucky to know with certainty that it is completely and purely grass-fed. So does most of our fruit and veg (organic) and Mikayla is only allowed water or every now and then very diluted juice. I don’t deprive her of treats… every now and then we have a milkshake or hot chocolate, but in general we keep sugar to a minimum.
My problem is that my child does not ever want to try anything new… absolutely refuses. She eats raw salmon, ‘brown meat’, ‘soft chicken’, cheese and the only way to get her to eat fruit and veg is to give her the Pure Squish and Go pouches. I have tried making my own, I have tried making a game out of it, I have tried presentation… I am stuck.