My Kids Don't Eat Fast Food: Here's How

Hi there,

Here’s a funny story:

My son was first introduced to McDonald’s at age 9 by his friend’s dad.

Now, this dad didn’t realize that we don’t really do fast food. When he found out, he kept apologizing (and does to this day, ha!).

But here’s the thing:

I don’t think eating fast food is evil or bad, and I don’t judge anyone who does in the least!

It’s just that I love cooking so much, it’s not even something I think about.

The ironic thing is, when I met Alex in college before we got married, he was eating fast food twice a day.

But early in our marriage, we started cooking more and more and eating out less. Our bodies felt better, we had more energy, and we were full for longer. Also the homemade food was just so delicious. Eventually, fast food just fell off our radar.

So for me, it’s not about eating “good vs bad” foods. It’s simply, wow my stomach and my energy feels so great when I eat this way. So I just started doing it all the time.

I know this might be hot topic (again, not casting value judgements!), so let me explain a little more.

So the other week Alex and I were rushing to an evening event with our 3 and 9 year old, and it happened to include a 1 hour drive around dinnertime.

Some families might think of running through the fast food line, but instead Alex decided to quick air-fry some chicken, then throw together a little Greek salad of cucumbers, olives and tomatoes on the side and stick it in some containers.

It actually really didn’t take that long: he just looked in the fridge and made it up based on what we had on hand (luckily we had ingredients that made sense together). All four of us were so hungry after the event we demolished our entire lunchboxes.

For me, it’s really just about finding food that is nutrient-dense enough to power me through the day and simple enough to make so I’m not too stressed.

Some days, that looks like quesadillas with carrot sticks and cucumbers for the kids. Some days it’s beans and rice. Some days it’s this Greek chicken salad.

This recipe is based on that one we took in the car, with added chickpeas for protein, fiber, and staying power. I’d also recommend serving it with some pasta for the kids or maybe some farro or rice for an even more hearty meal. If you’re on the go, you could also bring some little pita rounds like we did.

For a different protein, you can swap in salmon, shrimp, or air fryer tofu, or your favorite quick protein idea. (Members can see my Air Fryer Proteins Cheat Sheet printable for instructions on all of these!)

Tell me your thoughts: do you agree or disagree on this topic? What do you make when you’re running low on time?

A few weeks ago I talked about how I found research that looking at plants or flowers (real, photos or videos) can lower stress levels and improve your mood.

Guess what else I found? Research has also found that looking at a body of water, whether it’s real or photos, also can lower stress levels.

Is that why I’m so obsessed with blue water?

It’s actually called the “Blue Mind” effect (look it up!). So this week, even if you don’t live in a place with lots of water, let’s all try to find some: whether it’s a river, pool, creek, video of an ocean, or if you’re lucky enough to live near water.

(If you need a video, here’s some video highlights from my Oregon vacation.)

This week’s invitation: Find some water to experience it’s stress-reducing effect, whether it’s a river, pool, creek, video of an ocean, or the real thing.

xoxo
~Sonja