Meals Matter...even in a time of a pandemic (How to bring more choice to your mealtimes)

We are certainly living in an interesting time right now.  The COVID-19 Pandemic is bringing about significant change in all areas of our lives.

 (Despite these uncertain times, I am still drinking my morning Yorkshire Tea and I am using my good china).

For many of us right now, our choices have been limited, our day-to-day activities have changed, and our upcoming activities have been postponed indefinitely or cancelled.  Our sense of control has changed.  

 (This was taken yesterday on my afternoon run.  It's so important to get outside).

Instead of waking up and choosing what we are going to do, many of us are starting the day with the briefing from the Prime Minister, hearing about what has changed in the last 24 hours.  This is followed by news updates throughout the day from or Premier, Minister of Health, and Medical Officers.  

While there is much we cannot control, there are things we do have control over, and meals are one of them.  Think about how we are feeling as adults, and then think about what it is like for children, many of whom have had their plans go to the wayside.  

 My humble suggestion to you is to think about meals that are a "choose your own adventure" kind of approach, where individuals make their meal the way they like it.  In a world, where a lot of our power, choice, and control has changed, meals can be one way where we have some control, and this is so important for children.  

 

  Parents, remember that your job is to provide the food and the child's job is to choose what they are going to eat.  I can't take credit for that statement; it came from a Registered Dietitian.  What follows are some ideas for meals where each person chooses what they want to eat.   

Pizza is one of those great things to make, where everyone can make their own.  You put the toppings out and let everyone choose their own toppings.  Here is a post with some possibilities. 

 

Remember, you can keep this as simple as you like.  You can certainly make your own dough (my blog has many different recipes, including this 10 minute one, made in the food processor), but you can also use a store bought crust, tortillas, English Muffins, etc.  Be creative :)

 

Rice or Quinoa Bowls are another great idea.  You can do these in a variety of ways.  The main thing is to offer choice and let everyone build their own bowl.  Here is one recipe for a DIY Chopped Leaf Rice Bowl #1 (with chicken, brown rice, avocado, and black beans).

 Or what about a Buddha Bowl? 

 

What about a grilled sandwich bar?  Put our your ingredients, have everyone choose their own (do make sure everyone has washed their hands well and is using tongs or utensils to get the food).  You can grill these on the stove, in a sandwich maker, or in the oven.   Here is one example (tomato, pesto, and mozzarella panini).

If you want to make a bunch of them all at once, you could try this delicious recipe for a Croque Monsieur:

 And who doesn't like celebrating something?  Why not make the meal a little more special by bringing out the candles, putting on some great music, and using the wine glasses?  Think up something to celebrate: first day of Spring, family time together...It really doesn't matter what you are eating.  Here is a photo of our little family celebrating New Year's Eve with Grilled Cheese (okay, Croque Monsieur):

What about making yogurt parfaits?  You can put out whatever ingredients you have on hand:  yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit, granola (homemade or store bought), cereal, dried fruit, nuts, etc.

Meals may look different in the coming days...our lives are already looking different.  Look for ways you can give choices at meal time.  Avoid the power-struggles.  These are times when we can be creative, looking for ways to celebrate.