I admire your focus on serving nutritious, tasty food to the family. I don’t know if you price-match, but it’s a big money-saver for us. Our WalMart offers to match any competitor’s ad on identical items, and I go through the ads, circle the sale items and do much of my shopping at Wally world. When healthy items are a great deal, I’ll stock up and either freeze the food as-is (I’m thinking lean ground beef or boneless/skinless chicken breasts) or batch-cook and freeze. Eating seasonal produce and incorporating more plant proteins is helpful, too.

Do you involve the kids in the meal planning and shopping? I’ve found my granddaughters enjoy going to the store, and having me point out things about food, such as how to pick a good head of lettuce, or a just-right kiwi. it’s a good time for nutritional lessons as well (label reading, portion-control, etc.).

As for the expense of healthier food choices – I read a quote that goes something like this: “Good food is the best medicine.” To me, eating healthily is one thing i don’t cut corners on, as I feel the health benefits are so worth it.

Have you heard of “Winning the Food Fight” by Steve Willis? If you aren’t familiar with the name, he’s a pastor who has decided to see the obesity epidemic as a spiritual issue, and has helped lead his congregation and his community to being more fit physically and spiritually. This new book looks like something that may offer help to those of us who want to lead their family toward more healthy eating choices. You can Google Steve’s name or check out the church’s website (www.fbckenova.com), or look up the book on Amazon for more info.

I’m looking forward to seeing pics as you renovate your cottage. I know that it will be spectacular when you get it all done!

Praying for the Lord’s clear guidance for your upcoming writing assignments/opportunities:)