Maryann Jacobsen's Blog, page 9

Kids in the Kitchen: Overcoming Obstacles When Teaching Children to Cook with Katie Kimball [Podcast]

I think most parents understand the importance of teaching their kids to cook. I believe what gets in the way are “invisible” barriers. And in order to get kids cooking, we need to tackle these barriers head-on.

That’s why on episode 23 of The Healthy Family Podcast we’re spelling out what really gets in the way of getting kids in the kitchen. Our guest Katie Kimball runs the online cooking class Kids Cook Real Food. She is the author of several cookbooks including Better Than a Box and Healt...

5 of the Best Pieces of Advice on Feeding Children I’ve Ever Received

Jill Castle and I (my coauthor) just finished the final edits of the second edition of Fearless Feeding. Going through the book got me thinking about how much great advice I’ve received through the years. I’ve had the honor of interviewing some of the best experts and have incorporated their teachings into my own parenting.

So with feeding kids fresh in my mind, here are tidbits of advice I’ve received that stand out the most.

1) Food and learning go hand in hand 

I interviewed Pediatric psyc...

Moms, Daughters, Food, and Body Image with Karen Diaz [Podcast]

If there’s one theme I’ve witnessed repeatedly regarding moms, daughters, food, and body image, it’s this:

Mom has poor body image and food issues (to varying degrees). Despite this struggle, mom wants to keep her issues from infecting her daughter. She hides this part of herself, hoping her daughter never finds out the truth. She doesn’t share her unhappiness with her body, doesn’t restrict food at home, and never brings up the subject of weight.

Yet despite this cover-up, mom often watches...

Fall Dinner Rotation 2018

My kids are back at school so it’s time to get organized with food and meals. And adjust to our new normal: two kids, in two different schools.

Some thoughts on meals for fall. As always, San Diego has hot spells in September and October. So I’m not going full on with soups or stews. I also have to consider activities. Thursdays both kids have an activity from 5:30-6:30 so that’s slow cooker or instant pot day.

Also, with Little D’s late soccer practice on Wednesdays, it will be a free for al...

The Nutrition Maneuver All Parents with ADHD Kids Should Make

This is a guest post by Jill Castle, a registered dietitian, childhood nutrition expert, blogger and podcaster over at The Nourished Child. You can learn more about nutrition for kids with ADHD in her upcoming free training, The ADHD Diet for Kids: Dodge the Most Common Nutrition Mistakes (so Your Child Can Help Your Child Focus, Behave and Grow), offered on September 11 and 15, 2018.

Sammy isn’t eating enough. How does his mom know? He comes home from school with a full lunch box. He’s eaten...

5 Habits of the Healthiest Families [Podcast]

After a short stint off from podcasting, I’m back. And I’ll be talking a lot about what it really takes to create a healthy family.

Time off has a way of generating ideas and I had many this summer. But one, in particular, stood out. I got to thinking about how darn hard it is to raise healthy children — and be truly healthy ourselves — in today’s complicated world. It’s mind-boggling how the world has changed in a short period of time.

The speed of changing technology is a key driver in all...

Want Your Kids to Cook? Try Raddish [Review]

I was on a group text with two of my out-of-town friends when Raddish, a cooking club for kids, came up. I was trying some online kids cooking classes with the kids but it was slow going. Intrigued by my friends’ cooking escapades, I decided to try it.

I am a big believer in teaching kids to cook. I consider it one of the life skills children need to learn to grow up healthy. And through my book The Family Dinner Solution, I already give my kids a job to help with dinner and they make their o...

Grilled Chicken with Carrot-Cabbage Slaw [Recipe]

The grill is a great option for easy summer meals. So when fellow RD Toby Amidor offered one of her tasty recipes from her new cookbook out July 31st, Smart Meal Prep for Beginners, I jumped at the chance.

This recipe for Grilled Chicken with Carrot-Cabbage Slaw hits the spot. The rub is easy and requires no extra time marinating. I’ve been looking for a yogurt-based dressing to make coleslaw and this one has the perfect blend of flavors. I usually get the premixed kale and cabbage slaw and a...

5 Things Parents Who Create Happy Mealtimes Don’t Do

Most parents understand, intellectually, that the kitchen table should be a happy place. But then reality hits: crazy schedules, complaining kids, and nutrition standards that seem impossible to meet. The truth is there is a lot that can get in a way of creating enjoyable family meals.

Why even try? We know frequent family meals are linked to improved health and well being of children. But making those meals enjoyable makes everything better: connection, nourishment, and food learning. Not to...

Summer Dinner Rotation 2018

I hope you had a good 4th of July (for those in the U.S.). Every year we run the race in our town, see the parade, and go to the pool. It’s always a good time but we end up too tired to go see fireworks.

Since we’ve gotten back from our vacation in late June, I’ve been less structured with dinners. I’ve been planning a few meals ahead of time with the goal of emptying out my fridge. I’ve tried to go as many days as I can without going to the store. I usually go grocery shopping on Sunday. But...