Do I feed you? Do I feed you not?

Week 3 in the Series…I love you, Eat this!

Welcome back! Last week we explored my personal thoughts on how we learn to love others through food. I realize that there is so much more that could be discussed on this topic, however we must move along for now. Feel free to write a comment below to continue that discussion.

This week we will answer the question: When is it appropriate to show our love for others through food?

Let’s start with new Moms and Dads: If your little one is crying, ask yourself: Is he/she tired, bored, gassy, has a dirty diaper or just wants to be held? If it has been about 2-3 hours since the last feeding, then hunger may be the answer.  Try not to automatically serve the breast or bottle at your baby’s every whimper. This will reduce the development of picky eating and eventually emotional eating in the future.

Parents of toddlers: Don’t succumb to being a short order cook. Whatever you plan for dinner, is the dinner. It is actually normal for toddlers to be picky, eat sporadic amounts, and even go with-out dinner occasionally.  This is a great time to start them on a supplement and demonstrate gentle boundaries at the table. Trust me, kids LOVE to eat. Even the most picky eater will come around. (Stay tuned for my Table Talk Workshop coming up in October, more info to follow.)

Parents of kids age 4 and up: Same rules apply as the toddler years, only hopefully they’ve gained a few more manners to go with those creative bargaining skills. It is normal for just about everyone to have a favorite meal. Incorporate these requests by having your children and spouse have a turn in the kitchen. Allow them to come up with their own dinner menu for one night a week. They can also share in the shopping and cooking. It teaches your family life long tools, makes the meal that much more special, and gives them more buy in when eating your meals during the rest of the week.

Special Occasions such as birthdays and holidays are wonderful times to love through food…with-in reason. Ask the special birthday guest what meal they would like that day and serve that meal. If having a party, offer a balance of more healthful and less healthful items as not all of your guests may want to eat cake and chips.  Holidays can be tricky. Choose NOT to leave bowls of chips, candy and nuts out 24/7. Offer vegetables with your meals and immediately put the food away for safe keeping afterward.

Vacations are a great time for relaxation and experiencing new things, even food. However, it is not an excuse to eat too much junk food, skip out on your lean protein and vegetables, or avoid exercise. It is my personal belief that most people get off track from their health goals when they go on vacation or have vacationing guests in their home.  It is possible to enjoy company, relax and experience a new place without compromising your health or your family’s health.

Next week we will explore ways that you can show love, but not with food.

Zen Food Corner:
My Favorite Leek and Potato Soup
(Adapted from Cook’s Illustrated, America’s Best Recipes Cookbook)

Ingredients:
3lbs leeks-cleaned well and chopped (discard dark green tops)
2lbs red potatoes-cleaned and diced into inch cubes
1 tbsp flour
5-6 cups of low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
¾ stick butter (yup, I just said REAL butter!)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Clean and dice and chop up your veggies. Pre-heat a dutch oven or large soup pot on medium heat. Add in the butter and let melt. When the butter begins to foam, add in the leeks.  Stir to coat the leeks and cover. Cook for about 20 minutes stirring occasionally or until the leeks are nice and tender-don’t caramelize them. Add in flour, stir quickly to coat the leeks. Add in broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Add in potatoes. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender.  Add salt and pepper to taste. Use a hand blender to puree in the pot or let cool slightly and transfer mixture in small batches to a blender to puree.

This dish goes well with a small grilled chicken salad and crusty whole grain bread.