Creating healthy habits can be tough, especially if you weren’t raised that way. I’m not saying I wasn’t raised properly, but hey, I grew up in the ‘90s! I mean, who can forget those little jug juices, Dunkaroos, Gushers, and, let’s not even get started on green ketchup (seriously, why!?). My childhood was full of all sorts of processed “foods” that probably weren’t doing my body any favors. I remember being super jealous of the kids who brought Lunchables to school. those mini hot dogs looked so cool, and I thought, If only my mom could be that cool. Of course, in hindsight, maybe she was actually the smarter one for not feeding me that stuff.

It wasn’t until after college that I really started eating right. Maybe it had something to do with being broke af and surviving off whatever I could find. But once I got my life together, I saw some incredible improvements. My gut health got better, my skin cleared up, I felt stronger, and my athletic performance improved. Suddenly, everything started clicking into place.

Which brings me to my boys. From as early as I can remember, they’ve been in the kitchen with me, right there by my side while I cook. When Charlie was just able to stand, Donald made him his very own kitchen helper. It’s this awesome little setup with steps that lets him climb up and down all by himself. It’s been one of the best investments for our kitchen! it’s Now CURRENTLY being used by friends for thier children.

If you’re wondering how to get your kids involved, start small. Let them explore simple kitchen tools. give them a bowl of rice or beans and a few scoops to play with or Let them peel bananas. These kinds of tasks are not only easy enough for little ones, but they also help build their fine motor skills. Plus, it boosts their confidence when they accomplish something on their own.

Now, we all know the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where so many memories are made and where bonds are strengthened. When you cook with your kids, you’re not just teaching them how to make a meal, you’re teaching them how to nourish their bodies and understand the importance of making healthy choices. As they grow, they’ll learn how to pick the right foods, prepare healthy snacks for themselves, and maybe even develop a more adventurous palate. The lessons learned in the kitchen will stay with them forever, shaping not just their taste buds but their outlook on food and health.

So, whether it’s making a snack together or learning about the nutritional value of what you’re cooking, this time spent bonding in the kitchen is priceless. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll be the ones teaching you how to cook something healthy!

Useful tools

Linked below are tools that i found useful. With these tools, your toddler can safely participate in kitchen activities and build skills that will last a lifetime. The key is to provide them with age-appropriate tools that encourage independence while keeping safety in mind. The more they practice, the more confident they’ll become in the kitchen… and who knows? They may just surprise you with their culinary skills!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram