Ok, so all this talk about food and no eating -  what gives?!  I’ve heard that so many times as I’ve covorted in the conversational bog of savory, scrumptious, explosive food.   Without a fork, spoon or plate in front of me – the instruments of eating may not be available, but the most important, non-tangible component of eating, the mind is alive and devouring the culinary possibilities.  By talking about ways to concoct familiar dishes in a healthier, lower calorie way, my thoughts are always consumed with ways to cook for my family of four: two discerning toddlers and a husband that prefers meat over vegetables – but will eat most veggies, thank god!   

For this summer, I am making meals that include herbs from my garden:  rosemary, chives, basil, dill and cilantro. 

Tonight was Smokey Paprika Black Bean Chili with Cilantro. Easy to make and my kids loved with a dollop or two of plain low-fat yogurt (great substitute for sour cream). 

Tomorrow feels like a rosemary day.  Hummmm…..such options!

My two toddlers LOVE to eat, and the best part is they love to eat “Real Food” – not the fake, processed, made-for-kids-stuff.   It might sound sick, but they use their fingers as scoops to devour hummus, and chow down on falafels (they call them ’chick pea balls’), they savor fresh mozzeralla and even help me pick basil from our backyard stash for homemade caprese salad.  They would take down a whole container of cherry or grape tomatoes in a sitting (if I let them!) and plead hunger when they have finshed their last bite of applesauce (unsweetened, ofcourse!) and want more….

It used to nag at me – as a nutrition professional who counsels overweight people -  that maybe this love of food isn’t a good thing and will lead to weight issues down the road.  But I quickly squelched that passing notion and determined my lot in life as a postive one — as these kids are growing well and need good food (not junk)!  It’s one of the pleasures in life to see them eat and really enjoy food.  It reminds me of my grandmother’s glances of love as my sisters and I ate her delicious home-cooked meals.  A healthy appetite is a wonderful thing that should be cherished forever!  Bon appetit!