Things can get a little grumpy in our house if someone is hungry - they don't call it "Hanger" for nothing! So we make sure we have delicious and healthy food on hand. Food is such a huge part of our lives. It nourishes us, it's enjoyable, it's social and it helps us to feel good - both mentally and physically. I am a firm believer that there is a link between the food we eat and our mood, which is why I try to make sure our day is filled with Good Mood Food, like Nairn's.
As a busy family with a 2 year old, it can be hard to find the balance between healthy eating, delicious food and quick and easy. We seem to always be on the go and don't have as long in the kitchen like we used to (pre baby), so we are always looking for quick meal and snack ideas, that a toddler will love too. Here are our tips for keeping a happy family fed, and ways to enjoy healthy eating too.
Keep meals and snacks exciting:
People tend to think that healthy food is boring, but it doesn't have to be that way! The key is variety and plenty of colour to keep things interesting. Try picking up a different fruit or vegetable that you don't usually cook with or use a different herb or spice. Herbs and spices are a great way to make food more interesting, without adding a lot of extra calories.
If you struggle to get your kids excited about food, then get them involved and make some food faces. I started getting my daughter involved in the food making process at around a year old - we would put some homemade hummus or cream cheese on some Nairn's Oatcakes and then top them with sweetcorn, peas, peppers, spinach and cucumber to make funny faces. It kept her entertained and got her eating vegetables - that is what I call Good Food Mood!
Don't over complicate things:
When we became parents, our whole approach to food changed. Having a healthy diet became even more important because we needed the energy and couldn't afford to be ill, and we also turned our focus to nutritious food than was quick and easy. Gone were the lazy Sundays where we spent 4 hours in the kitchen. We love quick and easy and during those first few weeks with a new born, we were all about snacks.
Keep your meals and snacks simple, but varied. There isn't much that you can't do with an Oatcake, and a pile of smashed avocado with a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper always hit the spot when we needed something quick and nutrient dense to eat.
Energising snacks:
The majority of parents to young children are sleep deprived and lack of sleep can lead to poor food choices in a bid to give you more energy. But whilst chocolate biscuits might feel like they give you an instant energy boost, you are just going to have an energy crash again. Snacking can play an important role in a healthy diet, and can give you an energy boost, so go for snacks that are slow realising energy like oat cakes and will keep you fuller for longer.
Busy families need to keep their cupboards stocked with some Nairn's Oatcakes for nutritious and easy snack. Whether you eat them savoury or sweet, there is a topping out there for you that will keep you going until your next meal with a smile on your face.
