Posts tagged “Family”

As we move further into the warm season, the opportunity for spring activities is finally here! For many people, this means getting active and venturing outdoors for exercise and fresh air. Whether that means hiking, biking, long walks, or simply a relaxing day at the lake, many are ready to enjoy the nice weather and seasonal activities regularly. But getting out of the house and springing into action means preparing and taking food along to keep you going.

Spring Activities for the Family

Some families and kids love to get really involved in spring activities with sports and more. It’s a great time to get kids outside and encourage healthy habits (like exercising and spending time in nature). Many families participate in such spring activities because it’s important to stay active and generally move your body in your free time! That’s why hobbies like biking, long walks, and sports like softball and soccer are so common in the springtime. But if you have an active family, you’re likely constantly looking for new ways to keep the energy up with healthy food as nourishment.

• When hiking, biking, kayaking, etc.: Go for finger foods and easy-to-eat snacks. This means cut vegetables, energy bars, nuts and seeds, and anything else that doesn’t require a fork or spoon. You can continue the activity without having to stop for a snack break or to sit down to eat.

• When picnicking, boating, watching sports, etc.: You could get a bit more creative with sit-down foods like salads, sandwiches and wraps, or something that requires two hands for dipping (like fruit and nut butter). Meal-prep ahead of time so you’re ready to go when you’re in the mood for more relaxed spring activities.

Snacks for Active Kids

It can be hard to come up with snacks for active kids at the last minute. It seems like they’re always hungry! But by keeping stocked on some staples, you can be sure to have food ready to go when you’re on the move or getting ready for those spring activities. Snacks for active kids and families should usually include fresh fruit or vegetables, fiber, and protein: Grabbing two or three ingredients in lunchbox-style snacking is quick and doable for many families. Some examples of this style of snacking include:

• Pear and Boar’s Head Gouda Cheese
• Apples and SunButter Sunflower Seed Butter
• Carrots, crackers, and Nomad Food Co. Hummus
• Berries and Ellenos Greek Yogurt
• Cucumbers, sliced turkey, and Northwest Delights Raw Almonds 
• Celery, Wonderful Pistachios, and Nancy’s Probiotic Cream Cheese
• Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps and Wholly Guacamole

Anything can be a snack if you keep moderation in check! It’s easy to start with whatever your kids enjoy and get more creative and healthy from there. For more ideas, browse Tacoma Boys blog all about healthy spring snacks.

Family Friendly Recipes for Any Time

When everyone is involved in the activity, you’ll need to have family friendly recipes that everyone will enjoy. This means making sure it’s something that everyone likes to eat that’s also nutritious and full of protein and fiber to keep you going throughout a busy day.  Plan family friendly recipes for when the whole family is out participating in spring activities as well as the end of an active day.

• Three Bean Salad by Little Spice Jar: Throw the salad in a jar for a super easy way to meal prep ahead of time and take things on the go!
• Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken and Veggies by Gimme Delicious: Sheet pan dinners are popular because they are so easy to prepare and clean up. You can even cook everything ahead of time and throw the whole thing back in the oven when it’s time to chow down.
• Classic Italian Sub: This easy-to-make sandwich is a sure-fire way to please the kids and feel full and satisfied.
• Breakfast burritos: Make a batch of burritos with different fillings like eggs, potatoes, vegetables, and sausage. Fill them up and freeze for quick and easy reheating in the morning!
• Homemade trail mix: Tacoma Boys has everything you need for a homemade trail mix made your way, like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips, and more. Try a blend of almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and freeze dried strawberries for something new for the family to munch on.

Prepare For Spring Activities with Tacoma Boys

Whatever you and your family feel like doing to get active this spring, there are a variety of ways to stay nourished and healthy through food. It’s all about preparing ahead of time and having fun in the kitchen! For more inspiration and ideas, check out Tacoma Boys recipes and then stop on by to see what’s in store for you. And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

During the colder months, we tend to trade in the fresh fruits and vegetables we associate with summer for the rich, hearty meals of winter. Soups laden with browned meats and plump beans are a true staple of our winter diets. Even though summer has come and gone, there are still plenty of fresh vegetables available, some still growing and thriving in the garden despite the cold temperatures. These fruits and vegetables are rich with vitamins and nutrients to keep us healthy through the winter, so why not dish out the nutrients with a vitamin rich side dish using our winter recipe roundup? 

To make adding a vitamin packed side dish to your meal a cinch, we’ve gathered some of our favorite, simple fall vegetable, side dish recipes for you to try.

Leafy Greens & Brassicas

Many sturdier greens thrive in the garden through Pacific Northwest winters. Kale, swiss chard, and collard greens are among the sturdy greens that keep growing right on through the winter and are available fresh in our markets. 

Kale

Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, K, B vitamins, calcium, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. It’s no wonder kale makes the short list for power packed veggies. It is also loaded with antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects. 

On the Menu:

Easy Massaged Kale Salad

Kale Pesto with Whole Wheat Pasta

Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard is packed with vitamins A and K. Just one cup fulfills your daily recommended intake of both vitamins.

On the Menu:

Wilted Chard with Shallots and Vinegar

Risotto with Swiss Chard, Radishes, & Lemon

Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts are especially high in vitamins C and K. They are also one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

On the Menu:

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Perfect Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Red Cabbage

The bright color of red cabbage comes from pigments called anthocyanins, which, in simple terms, translates to loads of antioxidants that promote a healthy immune system. Red cabbage is easy to add to a meal. Slice and use in the place of lettuce on your tacos, add to a green salad for extra color and nutrients, or mix it up in this delicious and fresh winter slaw.

On the Menu:

Winter Rainbow Slaw

Braised Red Cabbage with Apples

Winter Squashes

Pumpkins are not just for jack-o-lanterns, though we do love a skillfully carved toothy grin. Loaded with beta carotene, vitamin C and E, iron and folate, pumpkins and other winter squashes offer support for vision and promote immune health. 

Pumpkin

On the Menu:

Savory Pumpkin Scones

Pumpkin Apple Quick Oats

Pumpkin Spread

Kabocha Squash

On the Menu:

Roasted Kabocha with Maple Syrup & Ginger

Paleo Creamy Kabocha Squash Mash

Delicata Squash

On the Menu:

Parmesan Crusted Delicata Squash

Roasted Delicata Squash

Root Vegetables

High in fiber and in vitamins C and A, as well as potassium, root vegetables are an easy choice to add to your winter diet. Many root vegetables are excellent for longer storage, so you can stock up and be sure to have them on hand, when you get the craving.

Beets

On the Menu:

Maple Orange Roasted Beets and Carrots

Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad

Carrots

On the Menu:

Simple Roasted Carrots

Hummus Dip for Sliced Carrots

Parsnips

On the Menu:

Parsnip & Potato Mash

Parsnip Ecrasse

Sweet Potatoes

On the Menu:

Slow Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Crispy Sweet Potato Roast

If you need even more inspiration to add a little vitamin goodness to your winter menus using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, check out our Guide to Local Seasonal Eating or ask one of our amazing produce specialists what seasonal fruits and vegetables they particularly enjoy.

According to recent data, 3.1 million people across the US follow a gluten-free diet.

Gluten-free eating is a great way reduce processed wheat products and to encourage kids to eat lots of fruits and veggies.

You may be wondering how you can get your kids to consider some gluten free options and how to add a gluten-free diet to your family’s meal planning each week without complaint.

Here are some awesome kid-friendly gluten-free recipes you’ve got to try!

1. Broccoli-Crust Pizza

Gluten-free broccoli-crust pizza is a win-win for kids and parents. You can quickly purchase cauliflower crusts in our frozen gluten free case, but this at home recipe is well worth a try!  Youngsters will love the cheesy texture, marinara sauce, and even the broccoli.

Parents will love the fact that their kids are actually eating broccoli, which is a great source of vitamins K and C. It protects kids’ immune systems and helps build strong, healthy bones.

Your kids will be more likely to eat green, leafy veggies in the future if they start to enjoy them now. And they can be delicious if prepared well!  It will help keep their teeth and bones strong throughout adulthood.

The kids will love spreading the sauce and sprinkling the cheese… and cooking together will make your kids more eager to snack on their creation.

2. Ranch Chicken Tacos

Ranch chicken tacos are super-easy to prepare with a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, some wax paper, and a warmed skillet pan.  And gluten free tortillas are as easy as choosing corn! Chicken is an excellent lean source of protein for kids, keeping their energy up without packing on the carbs. It is also a great source of selenium, phosphorous, and vitamin B6.

The recipe also includes superfoods like olives, tomatoes, and avocados. It is a super way to introduce your littles to avocado, which has lots of good fats and vitamins like C, E, and K.

Olives are packed with antioxidants and excellent for heart health. And tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Kids will learn to love their taste with a little savory ranch to sweeten the deal.

3. Berry Slush

Nothing gets kids more excited about summer than an icy treat. Get them in the kitchen to help create a Gluten Free Dairy Free Banana Berry Fruity Slush.

Berries are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients like Vitamin C. Bananas are a great way to replace the creaminess of dairy and boost kids’ moods. They are also an excellent source of potassium.

Get kids in the kitchen to mix the ingredients before you blend for some extra bonding time.  They will love the fun color of this berry slush.  And kids love straws… so don’t forget to grab colorful, reusable straws to boot!

4. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing says just-got-home-from-school like a batch of freshly-baked, yummy chocolate chip cookies. This recipe uses almond flour to keep cookies fresh and delicious, or use one of our other nut free and gluten free flours for kids who have sensitivity to nuts.

Milk is gluten-free and a great source of the vitamins and minerals that help kids’ bones grow strong and boosts their immune systems. So, pour some glasses for kids to dunk for a cozy treat on a cool afternoon.  We have great local dairies that provide us with nutritious and wholesome dairy products every day!

Kid Friendly Gluten Free Recipes

The best kid friendly gluten free recipes are delicious and nutritious. They will get your kids trying healthy food and asking for more in a jiffy. Cooking together is the perfect way to bond with your child and get them eating healthy for a lifetime.

For more nutritious ideas, read our blog today.

Finding the right partnerships in business is a serious task. So here are a few things that we look for when partnering with growers and manufacturers across the country, that helped us work so well with DeGoede Brothers.