This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.It still feels strange every time the words "I home school my kids" come out of my mouth. Yet here we are, coming to the end of our first year. It was crazy, amazing, frustrating, exciting, challenging, blessed and everything in between.Really our entire last year was all of the above with the transition to homeschooling on top of moving to the country and starting a small farm. And I've loved every minute of this … [Read more...]
Gluten Free Instant Pot Mac & Cheese Recipe
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.Sometimes I wish there was an easy button for dinner. Don't get me wrong, I love to cook! But with three little kids, home schooling, activities and work it's hard to squeeze it in some days. Sound familiar?But I have a little secret I want to share with you...kids love easy meals! Really. If you take your time and prepare an elaborate feast they'll probably turn up their noses. Keep it simple with grilled cheese and … [Read more...]
Peach Cobbler Smoothie Recipe for Picky Eaters
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.There are a few parts of parenting that should be easy...and yet they are not. Like potty training, getting kids to sleep and feeding. All basic human functions that little humans don't seem very good at!The first two get significantly better after the age of five. But that last one can be a challenge from day one on. Feeding Kids is Fun! My love language is feeding people. Seriously. I am so happy if I can cook … [Read more...]
Nightshade Free Instant Pot Chili Recipe {In an Hour!}
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite. My family LOVES chili. I never have to worry about picky eating on chili night. It used to be a staple on our menu. Until we had to work around a multitude of allergies (including tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic and beans). Then it became a once in a while meal for part of the family. I am the queen of substitutions, but you can only take out so many chili components and still call it chili.A Year of Blessing It was … [Read more...]
Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe {AIP & GAPS Friendly}
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.I just got an Instant Pot. Yes, I'm kind of late to the game here. It seems everyone has had one for a while now. (Still unsure if you should get one? Check out Katie's reasons why you should and 1 reason why you shouldn't)But I've held out. And didn't even get one until I got it as a gift!Why? Because I love my crockpot. It's one of my favorite kitchen appliances. I use it several times a week. And I'm never … [Read more...]
Keeping Hydrated isn’t all about 8 Glasses of Water a Day
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.Everybody needs water to survive. It's a fact.But did you know not everyone needs the same amount? Eight glasses a day is not a rule you need to follow. In fact it was never recommended in the first place. You can read about how that came about and why it's not true here.This post - and that gorgeous water bottle - is sponsored by MightyNest. Watch for a special offer for you this week! Dehydration Is … [Read more...]
Easy and Healthy Breakfast Recipe – Candy Cane Smoothie Bowl
Simple Candy Cane Smoothie Bowl Recipe Print Prep time 5 mins Total time 5 mins A simple, nourishing smoothie topped with festive pomegranate seeds, chia seeds and grapes. Recipe type: Breakfast Serves: 4 Ingredients 1½ cups plain whole milk yogurt (regular or greek) or coconut milk yogurt 3 Tbsp. maple syrup or honey 1 capsule or teaspoon probiotics (whatever kind you use) (optional) 2 Tbsp. grass-fed collagen ½ small avocado pinch unrefined sea … [Read more...]
Is the Secret to Why You’re Tired and Overweight Too Much Water?
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.Get up. Shower. Get dressed. Put on makeup.And fill my water bottle. That was me.Then remind myself periodically throughout the day to take a drink. Refill and repeat. Keep track of how much I drink. Make sure I'm getting my eight glasses at a minimum.Sound familiar?At the same time I was getting up super early every day to have time to get things done, nursing a little one full time, exercising every … [Read more...]
Are Essential Oils Detrimental To Natural Living?
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.What does a natural lifestyle mean to you?That's a good question. And not so easy to answer when you really think about it. There are so many components of a natural lifestyle. Sometimes so many that it's overwhelming! Essential Oil Boom One aspect of natural living that has really blossomed in recent years is the use of essential oils.When I started my real food journey in 2010 that was not a term I had ever … [Read more...]
Nutrient Packed Blueberry Spinach Smoothie Recipe That Kids Love!
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.School is under way. That means two things. Mornings are busy. The germs are spreading.That doesn't mean throw in the towel, buy boxes of cereal and say a prayer your child stays healthy.No way! That means it's time to get smart and start the day with a nutrient boost that supports the immune system and provides critical vitamins and minerals for focus and energy.This post is sponsored by Vital Proteins, … [Read more...]
The Best Real Food Allergy Friendly Lunches {Portable & Easy}
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.School is right around the corner (I said it...don't throw tomatoes). Depending on where you live it could be a month, a couple weeks or even days away!comp Of course that means school lunches are coming too. When you have to manage food allergies, your choices are limited. No more pb&j. No crackers and cheese. Scrap half of the cute Pinterest ideas. Even if you don't have allergies in your family, your school lunch … [Read more...]
The Best Real Food Allergy Friendly Snacks {For Your Road Trips & Summer Fun}
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.Kids like to snack. No question about it.And summertime is no exception.You head to the park for some fun, spend the day at the beach or load up the car for a family vacation. Or maybe you prefer staying home and you're just playing in the sandbox in the back yard.Either way it's inevitable the requests for food will start.There are so many healthy choices! What a blessing.Not Everyone Is So … [Read more...]
Chocolate Filled Frozen Banana Bites Recipe {Dairy-Free}
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.With summer in full swing it's nice to be able to give the kids a cold treat without loading them up on sugar. Not to mention it's way more fun to be playing outside then spending a bunch of time inside the kitchen preparing food!These frozen banana bites are fun to make and fun to eat. But so, so easy. Knife skills. Let your kids practice their knife skills by slicing the bananas. Then use a straw to make holes. Add … [Read more...]
How To Use a Rotation Diet for Food Allergies
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.One of the hardest things about an allergy diagnosis is taking food away from your child."Sorry, no more yogurt for breakfast. Nope, no more butter on your muffin. Say bye-bye to that peanut butter sandwich."Then you break the news. You also have to rotate your food. The raisins you like to snack on every day? Now you can only eat them every four days. I hope you enjoyed that apple. You can't have another until … [Read more...]
Why Do Real Food Bloggers Have Sick Kids?
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.When it comes to seeking health advice we all go online. We may not trust everything we read. We may ask a doctor's advice too. But we all do it.We do a search and browse various sources, including blogs. I do it all the time when my kids have a particular problem I need help with. It's easy. It's informative. It doesn't cost money. A view from the other side But I also give the advice. I am a blogger myself at Just … [Read more...]
How I Got My One Year Old To Eat Again {Recipe: Squash Milk}
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.Every parent wants their kids to be good eaters, right?No complaining. No throwing food. No refusing to eat vegetables. It's a reasonable desire.Of course most kids do go through phases of eating more or less, phases of liking and refusing certain foods, phases of wanting to make their own food choices and willingly eating whatever you serve. Love it or hate it, that's life. Thankfully it seems to get easier to … [Read more...]
Why I Secretly Love Our Food Allergies
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.I'm not gonna lie. Having (multiple) kids with (different) food allergies is not easy. In fact, many days it is down right hard.I can't cook one meal for the whole family. I can't just order pizza when I'm sick and have no energy to cook. At the moment I can't even eat at a restaurant. If you have a child with food allergies I'm sure you know the list of "can't" could go on and on.But... I secretly love our food … [Read more...]
10 Easy Lunches for Kids Using Mason Jars
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.The holiday break is over. The new year is here.That means it's time to get back on track with healthy eating! One very important part of that is teaching your children what real, nourishing food is and why it is important.In my experience the best way to teach your kids about good food is by letting them help prepare it! Start teaching them at a young age and by the time they are in school they can practically … [Read more...]
Gluten Free Chocolate Peppermint Twist Cookie Recipe
This post is from contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.Christmas is filled with traditions. Each family creates their own and passes them on to the next generation.One of the traditions that my mom passed on to me is baking Christmas treats. I could sit and watch her bake for hours. I was fascinated by it (and now thirty years later write about my own baking!).I loved to help out too. I shared her passion, and now enjoy doing the same with my own kids.So I am always … [Read more...]
Why I Stopped Eating Gluten-Free
This post is from KS contributing writer Mary Voogt of Just Take A Bite.Some people think eating gluten free is a fad. Some say you only need to avoid gluten if you have an allergy.At the opposite end of the spectrum are the people that think all grains should be avoided by everyone for good health and for autoimmune conditions. The word "wheat" makes them cringe.Then there are those in the middle that are eating gluten free due to celiac disease, hypothyroidism, allergies, digestive … [Read more...]
