A Fly On The Wall

Yep, that was me.  On the way back from skating Monday night, we went to McDonald's for an ice cream.  Well, we don't go to fast food restaurants, so when the boys got there...they wanted food.  (I know, I use the term loosely there)  We are of the opinion that you don't deprive or keep our kids from trying things.  That being said, we allow them to make their own decisions, within reason, when it comes to food.  We rarely go out to eat and when we do it is some place like Moe's (burritos) where there are healthy options and we can all eat within our food restrictions.  I cook almost everything from scratch and everything is made in a healthy way.  (I can't help it, it is the way I was made...you are what you eat.)  Anyway, the boys got some sandwiches and fries.  As soon as they got in the car, there were complaints of belly aches.  Jay, the 11 year old, was asking about how bad that sandwich was for him.  Max, the 9 year old, was in pain and swearing off fast food for the rest of his life.  Now, I know that won't last forever, but this all led to a deep discussion of food, where it comes from and what makes it bad for you.  Remember, I am the fly on the wall.  I was not involved in this discussion.  The illustrator was the one talking about all of the nutritional information in the different foods the boys were asking about.  I was so proud of the 3 of them.  All this time, I thought I was talking to hear myself talk.  They do listen!  We have all been watching Jamie's Food Revolution together and when he made the chicken nuggets a couple of weeks ago...Max chose not to eat the nuggets at school the next week.  He reminded me of that episode and told me that he did not want them.  He ate the salad!  Mind you, he eats salad at school all the time.  That boy is definitely mine!  He and I can sit down and eat an entire cantaloup in one sitting together.

There is all of this discussion about children being overweight due to food choices.  I can tell you that part of this is genetics, but part of it is introducing your kids to the right foods.  I did not always like cantaloup, but tastes change, so you should continue to try things over and over.  It takes time to develop a taste for anything.  Liking some foods becomes a habit.  That goes for the good or the bad.  Good food does not take any more time to make than bad food.  There are tricks of the trade too.  You have to also be willing to change your idea of what things should taste like.  I can say this from experience on a lot of things.  Seriously, people...I can't eat cheese.  Trust me, there is no "perfect" substitution for cheese!  The illustrator had to say good bye to wheat bread, but we have learned that there are alternatives that are good.  The same goes for being healthy in your food choices.  I eat a lot of "weird"stuff, but it makes me feel great!  My boys are learning from us and it makes me happy to know they are concerned about what they are being fed.  Like I said, I won't deprive them.  They had Twinkies for the first time last summer. (I know, shocking.  I don't even remember eating Twinkies when I was a kid.  To this day, I don't remember ever eating one.) They liked them.  Then, I made some from scratch...they devoured them and asked for more.  I think it is important for them to know they can have whatever they want, so they don't sneak things later on.  That just creates a whole cycle of bad eating habits.  I am a firm believer in everything in moderation.  You only live once right?

I don't know if I got anywhere on this.  I totally just got on my high horse...sorry.  I am just so proud of my kids.  There are plenty of healthy things they won't eat, but the fact that they are questioning what's good and what's bad lets me know they are interested in their health.  That makes me so happy!

That being said...I will leave you on a high note.  I blame Jessica at How Sweet It Is for this...

Smore's Brownie!  I followed her directions except, these are gluten and dairy free!  The graham crumbs are from Kinnikinnick!  They are so good!  Here is what I did...

Smore's Brownies
(adapted  or a slight variation from How Sweet It Is)

1 cup gluten free graham cracker crumbs
1 cup Smart Balance Light (melted)

Combine these and mix well.

1 package of Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Brownie Mix mixed according to package directions
(I used Smart Balance Light instead of butter)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 10 inch round dish or a 9 x 11 baking dish.  Spread the brownie batter in the pan and then pour the graham mixture on top.  Take a knife and swirl the graham mixture into the brownie mixture.  Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

After it cooled, I put large marshmallows cut in half on individual servings and broiled them for a couple of minutes until nice a toasty.

Just so everyone knows...I am not perfect.  I do have my vices.  I just had to get it off my chest.  So...that being said...what are your favorite junk foods?  I do love me some s'mores!