Year 2, Day 364: Tuesdays 'n' Strawberries

Emily purchased strawberries for Ruby last week and though buying strawberries out of season for me is strictly a no-no, I had one and thought it was good enough to start using in my cereal. Strawberries are excellent because out of all the breakfast berries they are the lowest in sugar/carbs and they taste good. Most strawberries out of season (even by a little bit) are white on the inside, not red, and while they may resemble real in-season strawberries, don't often taste like them. It's such an immense difference that I swore off off-season strawberries, but I like them so much 'even a bad one is good' sometimes. I noted that Russo's had very good looking ones and I have been buying them for Ruby. She likes a 'fruit plate' for breakfast—strawberries, grapes, apples, blackberries, bananas, whatever's around. I can't say I mind.

Breakfast
Kashi
Heritage Flakes
Blueberries
Strawberries
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Snack
3 pieces Beef Jerky
2 oz 50% Jalapeno Cheddar
100 Nuts (60 Pistachios, 40 Almonds)
1 Fuji Apple


Lunch: Russo's ($4.90)
Romaine, Tuna, Broccoli
Mushrooms, Red Peppers, Red Onions,
Feta, 2 bites of Grilled Tofu
Balsamic Vinegar

Dinner:
Cabbage & Romaine with Feta, Balsamic Vinegar
Robert's Chicken Soup

And on that topic...from the South Beach Newsletter: Teach Kids Healthy Eating Habits

Teaching children the principles of healthy eating at an early age will go a long way toward helping them live a healthier life. "Children who learn to make the right food choices — selecting colorful fruits and vegetables, good fats, and good carbs, while avoiding trans fats in packaged foods and fast foods — are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and enjoy lifelong health," says Dr. Arthur Agatston, preventive cardiologist (sounds like he prevents the practice of cardiology-Ed.) and author of The South Beach Diet®.

The first step is to set a good example yourself. They'll pick up on the fact that you enjoy eating fresh produce, lean sources of protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. It's equally important to have a steady supply of these foods in the house. Stock the fridge with fruit and precut veggies so your kids can easily reach for a healthy snack. Begin to abandon refined grains and sugary cereals, and replace them with whole-grain crackers, sliced breads, and high-fiber, low-sugar cereals. (Check, check and check—Ed.)

It's also helpful — and fun — to include your children in selecting recipes, shopping for ingredients, and preparing the dishes you eat together. As active participants in the process, they'll be more interested in tasting their creations. Let young kids pour and mix, and allow older children to measure ingredients and slice vegetables. At the grocery store, encourage your kids to choose an exotic fruit or a grain they've never tasted. (They like to make chocolate chip muffins, and the last pomelo and pluot did not fare so well—Ed.)

Finally, don't deem certain foods "forbidden." It's OK for your kids (and you) to indulge in an occasional dessert, for example. This flexibility is what distinguishes the South Beach Diet® from other weight-loss plans — and what makes it a program you can follow for life.