Updated: April 22, 2021
Originally Published: Feb. 19, 2017
In recent years, the concept of “clean eating” has surged in popularity, with many of us trying to embrace healthier diets. As obesity rates rise, we’re often bombarded with messages about the importance of consuming more greens — kale in particular seems to be the poster child for this movement.
Like many trend-followers and devoted parents, I strive to provide my family with well-rounded, nutritious meals. After all, I want us to spend plenty of time together, enjoying life for years to come. But let’s be honest: eating healthy can be a real hassle.
For those living a life similar to mine, grocery shopping takes on a whole new dimension when small children are involved. The moment we step through the store’s automatic doors, their endless hunger and fatigue kick in, leading to whines about snacks. Naturally, I try to appease them with a few grapes while attempting to navigate the aisles.
Organic produce is a must, but why is it that the most unattractive apples seem to be the healthiest? It’s puzzling, Mother Nature! And these unattractive apples come with a hefty price tag. When I return home, my husband inevitably asks why I just spent $80 on what looks like the worst fruit in the store, while the perfectly shiny apples would have cost just a few dollars.
Beyond the organic label, everything must be fresh. The rule seems to be that if it’s not ugly and fresh, it’s not healthy. I’ve learned this from browsing Instagram.
Sometimes, I even need a backup plan. As I navigate past the bulk bins, I can feel the judgment from other shoppers when they spot the cans of green beans tucked beneath my stash of unsightly apples. It’s as if they’re silently critiquing my choices, similar to the way they might judge their yoga mat.
Once I manage to get the groceries home, washing becomes a necessity. Even if the produce was delivered in a magical, germ-free bubble, it must still be rinsed. And the prep work is where the real fun begins. Chopping, dicing, and mincing can leave your wrists aching. I organize everything into color-coded containers, ensuring that healthy snacks are front and center. After all, I’m a responsible mom.
The toughest part about healthy eating, though? Once I’ve put in all that effort, I still have to make the food appealing to my picky kids. I can transform zucchini into noodles and cauliflower into mash, but let’s face it: they’d rather have everything smothered in cheese or ranch dressing. If that’s the case, I might as well have gone for the prettier produce and saved a fortune.
Attempting to eat healthy is exhausting and often goes unappreciated, yet here I am — gearing up for another grocery run because nothing says “I care” quite like spending my kids’ college savings on food they might refuse to eat. If you’re interested in similar topics, check out this insightful post on home insemination kits for more engaging content.
In summary, while the desire to eat healthily is noble, the reality can be a challenging balancing act, especially for parents. From shopping to preparing meals that kids will actually eat, the journey is filled with trials and tribulations. If you’re looking for guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, visit WomensHealth.gov for excellent resources, and for those curious about self insemination, check out Make a Mom’s authority on the subject.