AVOCADO MAMA
Like us on Facebook!
  • Home
  • Coaching & Classes
  • Recipe Guide
  • Contact
  • Products

Kids. Halloween. Candy.

10/30/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
It's that time of year again- Halloween is here! I have to say that this holiday has evolved to a very different experience for me than when I was a child. As a child, I didn't think twice about candy- I just ate it- especially the chocolate that I'd hide from my brothers.

Today, I am responsible for the health of four amazing children, and I take that responsibility seriously. This is not to say I never allow any "fun" foods, but I do tread carefully in the land of junk food and make sure it doesn't become a staple in my kids' lives. What I want for my kids is for them to see junk food as either not food or holiday food (preferably not food).

Last year, I lucked out when my oldest daughter (6 years old at the time) decided to trick-or-treat for UNICEF. She didn't even accept the candy being offered to her. "No, thank you", she said. When she and her siblings came home from their neighborhood walk, we had a great time trick-or-treating in our house. My husband, teenage son and I each handed out healthier treats that our younger children love, as they knocked on closet and bedroom doors that we pretended to be our "houses".

This year, my oldest daughter (now 7) wants to trick-or-treat for the animals. She plans to collect money to donate to www.mercyforanimals.org

My younger daughter is still excited about the candy that she'll collect, even though she'll filter out a large portion of it to the "toss" pile, due to animal-derived ingredients. This will leave only a few pieces of candy that she may or may not want. Either way, she will still get to enjoy the homemade goodies we'll hand out when the crew comes home from their walk.

Yes, the thought of those few pieces of candy is grating on my mind, so here is another thought. Wouldn't it be great if people handed out something other than candy? Stickers, glow bracelets, organic raisins... Ok, maybe not organic raisins. I tried that last year, and a boy threw his box of raisins back into our yard when he thought I wasn't looking.

Disease Proof has a great article about Halloween candy alternatives:
http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/healthy-parenting-how-can-you-turn-halloween-into-a-funfilled-time-for-your-children-while-keeping-it-not-too-frightening-for-you.html

No need to take all of the fun out of Halloween. If we start with our children, we can create a future where the holiday season doesn't kick off with a bag of poor nutrition. Change the contents of the bag, and you will change the health of the children.

By Jennifer Gloodt


0 Comments

Coconut Curry Lentil Stew

10/12/2012

2 Comments

 
Picture
'Twas the night before grocery day, and what could I do? I created this simple and tasty lentil stew. For a lower-fat version, omit the coconut and coconut milk.

Coconut Curry Lentil Stew

1/2 white or yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
1 cup forbidden rice, or other variety
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
2 large kale leaves, chopped & stems removed
4 cups water
2 cups homemade coconut milk* or 1 can
1/4 cup dried coconut flakes
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped- optional
1 TBS sweet curry powder
1 TBS dried basil

Sauté the onions and garlic in water until soft. Add remaining ingredients, except for kale, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low/medium with a lid slightly askew, and let simmer for about 40 minutes. Check water level and stir occasionally, adding more water if it gets too dry. Stir in kale, and let cook 5 more minutes. Serve with sliced limes and add sea salt to taste.

*Homemade coconut milk:
1/2-1 cup dried coconut
6 cups filtered water
1 date or 1 TBS maple syrup, optional

Blend all together in a blender, and strain through a nutmilk bag.

2 Comments
    Sponsored Ad
    Picture
    Jennifer is a compassionate Plant-Based Lifestyle Coach and Holistic Doula. Jennifer's passionate interest in vibrant health and nutrition is the driving force behind The Avocado Mama.

    Sponsored Ad

    Archives

    July 2014
    April 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

Living and Eating in Harmony