Tag: kids

Coconut mango pineapple popsicles

Coconut mango pineapple popsicles

Hello friends! It’s summer and this weekends weather forecast is calling for hot hot weather. To beat the heat we have been making our own popsicles.  As a dietitian mom, I am always looking for a healthier option when it comes to feeding the girls. Read more

Rudolph Sugar Cookies

Rudolph Sugar Cookies

Do you have any family Christmas traditions? I like blasting the Christmas music and getting the girls in the kitchen to bake Christmas cookies, I am hoping we will create some family lasting memories and recipes that will be passed onto their families. These cookies are Read more

Berry Picking with Kids during covid 19

Berry Picking with Kids during covid 19

Nothing says summer like a bowl of fresh local berries. Luckily, here in BC we have a variety of berries available right out our back door throughout the summer months.  Berry picking with the girls is always on our summer bucket list. Luckily, the girls are eager to role up their sleeves and get a bit dirty. Taking kids to pick their own berries is a great way for them to understand where their food comes from. It’s also a great opportunity to talk about the benefits of eating and supporting locally grown food. Berry picking is a great family activity and you can still do it  during covid 19 with a little extra planning.  Let’s take a look at covid 19 safety protocols you may encounter berry picking this year.

Call ahead:

Do your research before you go to find out what berries are available for u pick and times available. Some farms may only offer online reservations to avoid large crowds of people.   For a list of u pick farms in your neighbourhood check out pick your own.

 

No sampling :

One of the big changes to this years covid 19 safety protocols is no snacking. This protocol is aimed at reducing the risk of passing the coronavirus on from someones mouth to a plant that their hand touched.  Like any other family outing I pack plenty of snacks.  I like to pack portable snacks like fresh fruit, vegetables, granola bars and nuts. Don’t forget to keep the kids well hydrated with plenty of water.

 

No reusable containers:

Similar to grocery stores, farms are not allowed to have pickers bring their own containers. Instead, you will be asked to purchase a reusable container from the farm or they will provide you with a box.

Get to the patch early in the morning:

If your kids are like mine they are up early. I always find family activities are successful after a good night sleep and a full belly. The summers get pretty hot and picking berries in the mid afternoon heat is no fun for anyone. I suggest you go as soon as the farm opens to avoid the hot sun and large crowds of people. Remember to bring a sunhat, sunscreen, and stay hydrated with plenty of water.

 

Have Fun:

Last but not least have fun! Although berry picking will look a little different this year it does’nt mean we can’t have fun.  Kids attention spans fade quickly. What seems like a family fun activities may soon seem like a chore. Make it fun by playing games. Encourage them to find the biggest strawberry or the weirdest shape berry.

 

 

Now what should you do with all those delicious berries you picked. Besides snacking on them after they have been washed, of course. We love making smoothies, popsicles, muffins, baked oats, and salads. I also   like to preserve the deliciousness of summer by freezing them for the winter.

 

Preserving Summer’s Bounty:

I like to pick and buy extra berries in the summer months so that we can reap the health benefits and taste all year long.

Step 1:

Rinse your berries in a colander and remove any stems or leaves.

Step 2:

Place your berries on a clean towel or paper towel and let them dry completely before freezing.

Step 3:

Place berries on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for at least 2 hours.

STEP 4:

Place frozen berries in containers or freezer bags. Label and date berries.

Step 5:

Enjoy all year round in smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt or baked goods.

 

Happy Picking!

 

 

 

 

5 tips for healthy eco-friendly school lunches !

5 tips for healthy eco-friendly school lunches !

I can’t believe we are in the last weekend of summer! Yikes! Like many parents we have been running around getting things organized for the upcoming school year. There is a lot of attention on how to make healthy school lunches, for good reason, we Read more

How this Dietitian gets her kids to eat vegetables and enjoy them.

How this Dietitian gets her kids to eat vegetables and enjoy them.

If there is one question I get asked on a regular basis it’s how do you get your kids to eat their vegetables? As a dietitian and a mom, I know how challenging and stressful it can be to feed growing bodies. Trust me I Read more