Kitchen Smarts
True or False: All recipes have to be followed exactly
False
at least three
True or False: You should always compare retail prices to be sure you're getting the best deal.
False. You want to compare unit prices to make sure you compare "apples to apples"
Give an example of a healthy versus less healthy choice (or "everyday" versus "sometimes" food) within the Fruits group
apples vs. apple pie, smoothie vs. ice cream with fruit, etc.
True or False: One of the best ways to encourage kids to eat healthier is to model healthy habits yourself.
True. Kids learn by watching you!
Your family decides to make Stir Fry tonight. You gather all your ingredients but realize you don't have any mushrooms. You don't have time to go to the store. What do you do?
Use another vegetable or leave it out
Give one example of a healthy snack that you could plan and make at home
any healthy snack (should include at least two food groups)
You find a bulk bag of apples with a lower unit price than loose apples. You are trying to determine whether this is a good buy. Name two things you might want to consider other than price.
whether you can use up the apples before they go bad, how long the apples will last, whether you have enough storage space, different ways you can prepare the apples so you won't grow tired of them, etc.
If a food is a whole grain, a whole grain ingredient will be listed where on the ingredient list?
as the first ingredient in the list
Name two ways you can involve kids in the grocery shopping
let them pick out a new fruit or veggie to try, let them cross items of the list, practice counting and math skills by adding up prices or the number of items in your cart, etc.
Name two ways kids can help you in the kitchen
help stir, measure ingredients, tear herbs, set or clear the table, etc.
What is one benefit of getting kids involved when planning dinner?
You're in the Dairy aisle. Name two nutrients you would want to pay particular attention to on the label
Saturated fat and added sugars
Show sample food label. How many calories are in this entire package?
Make sure total calories is determined by accounting for how many servings are in the package
True or False: Fruit juice is the best drink of choice to offer your children
False. Water and low-fat or nonfat milk are better drink choices. Reminder: Keep serving sizes for juice small and whole fruits are better choices than fruit juices.
Name one reason you would want to prepare the kitchen and ingredients before cooking
save time when cooking, make sure you have everything you need before you start, prevent mistakes, etc.
It's "clear the pantry night!" Name three items you might want to have in your pantry at all times to create a nutritious meal
canned beans, canned fruits and vegetables, whole grain pasta, brown rice, nuts, oils, canned seafood, etc.
Name two ways to save money on fruits and vegetables
compare prices on fresh, frozen, and canned produce, buy fresh produce in season, purchase produce in its most whole form, etc.
True or False: We know that wheat bread is a whole grain.
False. We can't determine whether a food is whole grain just by the name. Check the ingredient list!
Name two ways to get kids excited to try a new fruit or vegetable
do a "taste test" of the item, try flavoring it in a variety of different ways and have kids choose their favorite, let kids pick out the new item, serve it cut up into fun shapes or with a dip they enjoy, etc.
What's one of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of foodborne illness when cooking?
Wash our hands
Name two mealtime "rules" you could use to make family meals more enjoyable
no bad-mouthing foods, turn cell phones and TVs off, etc.
Name two ways you can save money on food before you even enter the store
create a menu plan accounting for things you have on hand, create a shopping list, check online for sales and coupons, etc.
Give two examples of foods from the Protein group that are lower in "unhealthy fats"
beans, lentils, nuts, salmon, skinless chicken, etc.
Name one way you can help transition your family to more whole grain foods
serving grains "half and half" and slowing increasing the proportion of whole grains, have kids help you find the whole grain versions of their favorite foods at the store, etc.