On this week’s Global TV parenting segment, we discussed one of my favorite topics – food! Food, glorious food! Actually, not so glorious when your kids complain that they don’t like what you’re serving, and then they ask for the trusty grilled cheese. Yes, many of you have stated that you make ONE family meal, and if the kids don’t like what you’re serving, they go to bed hungry. I’m just not there yet, ladies. Don’t judge.

But this week, I gave you my family favorites. These recipes are quick to make, healthy and taste great. I would love you to share your own healthy recipes below if you have any that work in your family. Here is this week’s segment, and I have provided the recipes below. Let me know what you think!

Direct link to video: http://globalnews.ca/video/599052/erica-diamond-recipes-for-busy-moms

Lebanese Chicken

Source: Liz / Harriet (mother-in-law’s friend)

4 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts.

4 oz. vegetable oil
2 oz. white vinegar
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. salt
5 cloves of garlic
pinch of cinnamon
2 1/2 tsp. oregano

The trick here to get that rich tasty flavor, is to pour this marinade over your boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and let it sit in the fridge for 2-3 days covered. Then, grill or broil. Simple, quick, easy, DELICIOUS! Add some quinoa and green veggies, and you’ve got a wonderful dinner.

Ginger Teriyaki Salmon

Source: Dr. Weil

salmon_teriyaki_RCP

While my children do not love salmon, I can get one son to eat it with ketchup! This recipe is from someone I respect in the field of health and wellness. I cook up some basmati rice on the side, green veggies, salad, and you’re good to go! It’s really tasty and the omega 3’s from the salmon are good for your heart.

The full recipe can be found here: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/RCP00182/Salmon-Teryaki.html

Homemade Pizza

Source: Moi! 😉

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So here’s the fun part about pizza – the kids partake in the cooking, which always helps with the eating in my house. I buy the whole wheat dough at Cavallaro on Sherbrooke Street if you live in Montreal. A few dollars for a ball (which the kids love to roll out) or I buy the dough flat and already rolled out. I buy whole wheat dough, organic cheese and organic tomato sauce. Throw on some colorful peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, fresh garlic, and you’ve got yourself a great meal. Don’t forget the basil and oregano for flavor! As you can see, I made plain for my kids, and the veggie version (sundried tomatoes and mushrooms) for my hubby and I. I serve it with a kale salad, and our bellies are full and happy.

Lemony Broccoli Pasta with Chicken

Source: Catherine Newman

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I love a chicken and veggie pasta because it satisfies my dinner rule –  a protein, a carb and a veggie for everyone. This recipe is easy and delicious, and I love cooking with lemons (good for immune boosting). Let your kids choose the pasta – we recently made it with organic bunny-shaped rice noodles, but you can use pinwheels, bowties, or linguine! Please note that I use less butter than the recipe calls for, and I skip the walnuts (but they add a great texture!)

The full recipe can be found here: http://family.go.com/food/recipe-779170-lemony-broccoli-pasta-with-chicken-t/

Healthy Beef Tacos

Source: Jenna

tacotoppings 

Again, when my kids create the meals, they simply eat better. We love taco night, but  many of the taco mixes contain MSG. I love this tacos recipe for the family, and here you can make your own taco sauce (using cumin and other spices). Experts say to eat the colors of the rainbow (think red strawberries, oranges, yellow bananas, green broccoli, blueberries, purple grapes), and this is a yummy colorful meal. I buy whole wheat shells, extra lean ground beef, and the kids eat it up!

Full recipe can be found here: http://foodwithkidappeal.com/taco-night-a-healthy-kid-pleaser/

Happy Friday beauties! Do you struggle with mealtime in your house? Do you make one dinner and expect the whole family to eat it, or do you cater to different little mouths? I’d love to know your mealtime tips… I struggle here almost every day.

Finally, I would LOVE your recipe links in the comments section below. What’s easy, healthy and tastes great? Help some of us mommies who scratch our heads every night. Misery loves company!

Erica3