Organic Farmer's Market

Yesterday the girls and I went to a local organic farmer's market and came back with a BUNCH of delicious fresh food! The sugar snap peas are the sweetest we have ever tasted. The girls keep asking for more to snack on - they snap off the 'cap' and split them down the middle to get to the little peas... eat them all up and then eat the pod last.

It means so much to me that my children really enjoy whole, fresh foods. I've worked very hard to introduce them to various nutritious meals since they were babies and now as they are getting older they really have a love and appreciation for fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

That's not to say they do not love sweets and their weekly visits to grammy's house where they enjoy eating chocolate, ice cream and other treats. But, they know that it should be a 'treat' and not their daily menu.

Today we made blueberry, strawberry and zucchini smoothies for breakfast. I thought it was pretty cool that when we were making them they didn't cringe at the fact that a vegetable was included. It wasn't exactly a "green smoothie" but a great way to eat healthy and get a good dose of fruits and vegetables before starting our day.

We also talk a lot about the importance of buying local produce... to us, it is even more important than buying organic. When you buy food that has been grown in your own area - you help support your local farmers and businesses, avoid the TONS of money and gas spent on transporting the food from far locations and often reduce your consumption of sprays, preservatives and toxins that are used on the food to keep it looking "fresh" when its gets to your grocery store. If you'd like to learn more about buying local - check this out.

Many of the meals in my summer childcare menu can be made with fresh, local produce as well. If you have used the summer menu, please let me know what your favorite recipe was this season and how your children have enjoyed it. We are working on a few additional menus and products that will be coming out this school year and would love to hear your feedback.

xoxo