It has been interesting lately because I have gone down a bit of a rabbit hole at home trying to remove most ultra-processed foods. I will admit, for me this was probably not as dramatic of a change as it would be for many people, but it has still been an interesting journey.
One of the biggest challenges has actually been snacks and breakfast. Finding lunchbox items for kids that feel realistic and not overly processed has taken some experimenting. We have landed on a few flavors of homemade granola bars and some other staples.
Breakfast has been another area we changed years ago. We mostly stopped buying cereal and instead rotate pancakes, oatmeal, French toast, fried matzah, and whatever else sounds good that morning. I usually try to make extra so I am not cooking from scratch every single day. I have noticed that my teenager is much more likely to grab a hot breakfast, and otherwise often skips it.
It can definitely feel stressful with the prep and cleanup, but I have gotten into a routine. In a lot of ways it reminds me of when I stayed home with my kids and would always make a hot breakfast and cut up fruit before school.
This experiment has also become something fun. We have started trying to make foods we would normally buy — homemade Cheez-Its, graham crackers, and other projects. Sometimes they turn out and sometimes they absolutely do not, but that is part of the fun. It gives us a chance to try, adjust, and think differently.
Food really is such an interesting way to explore. Sometimes food is about fueling our bodies — protein, nutrients, energy, balance. Other times food is creativity, comfort, celebration, or simply looking in the pantry and figuring out what can happen with what we already have.
One thing we have found though is that limiting ourselves too much and saying “no treats” or “no fun foods” tends to backfire. Then suddenly all you want is the thing you said you could not have. Balance seems to work better for us.
Honestly, building a menu — whether for yourself, your family, or a large event — takes thought. Understanding how people eat matters. Whenever people ask for recommendations, there are so many things to think about: Who is the group? What time of day is it? How long is the event? What else is happening? How hungry will people actually be? What portions make sense?
Like everyone, we are not perfect. In our community, running out of food is a huge no-no, and we do our best to avoid it. But we also know that learning people — understanding their wants, needs, habits, and vision — is what helps us get closer each time.
Whether it is me making pancakes because I know my kids will actually eat breakfast, or planning menus around what guests will enjoy depending on the day and setting, food is never just food. There is always more to think about — and that is part of what makes it interesting.
