Let’s cut right to the chase. Being a mother is hard. Nearly every single day there seems to be a new rule about how to be a “good mom.” How can we keep up? There is no wrong way to feed your children, but there are ways that we can make mealtimes easier. healthier, and less expensive for all of us.
Processed jarred baby foods are certainly a quick an easy way to stock up on meals, but they aren’t the most cost effective. Choosing to make baby food at home is less expensive than purchasing readymade baby food. Further, it allows you to have control over the ingredients and flavors without added preservatives, salt or sugar.
Things can become specifically difficult for all the mothers out there who have chosen to commit to living a sustainable vegan lifestyle. Being a vegan as an adult is already hard enough. Adding young children to the plant based mix can create stress, uncertainty, and unfortunately judgment. Whether or not you intend to raise your child as a vegan in perpetuity, introducing your babies to vegetables early on is an excellent way to avoid pickiness later on.
A vegan diet has been proven to have a plethora of health benefits. From your stomach to your skin, there are so many benefits to “going green.” That said, a common criticism of an organic vegan diet is the perceived cost. Here are some tips and tricks for feeding your little loved ones while reducing waste, saving money, and avoiding animal products.
They Eat What You Eat
Setting aside small portions of the vegetables you and your family eat daily is a quick and easy way to whip up a simple dish for your baby. By taking ingredients you already intend to use for your own meals, you can save money on baby food while reducing waste. The UN Environment Program reports that households discard 11 per cent of food at the consumption stage of the supply chain. Rather than tossing excess food, anticipate it in order to make baby food. Is it “Taco Tuesday” in your household? Try taking popular Mexican ingredients like avocado, lime, and cilantro to a make a quick and easy puree.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup avocado cubed
- 1/2 cup corn
- Cilantro to taste
- Squeeze lime to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the avocado, corn, cilantro and lime juice in the blending bowl.
- Pulse to blend, adding liquid as needed to bring to the desired consistency
Bulk is Best
Being a busy parent leaves little time for extra chores: including cooking. Whenever you see a sale on veggies, stock up on a few more than you normally would to create baby food. Making stage one and two purees takes the same amount of time whether you make a large batch or small.
Using reusable ice cube trays, you can make months of meals ahead of time. Luckily for all the moms out there, babies don’t need Michelin starred meals on daily basis. Vegan purees can be simple and easy. Just steam and blend! Vegetables can be frozen for up to six months, so you can prepare however much your freezer space will allow. That is valuable time AND money saved when considering feeding your baby.
Take it Easy
Don’t beat yourself up! Ultimately, the best way to feed your baby is often along the path of least resistance. There are healthy and easy ways to maintain a vegan diet for your babies should you choose to take that route. A little planning and strategy goes a long way in the journey in reducing household costs and environmental impact. To shop eco-friendly and cruelty free products for your sustainable home, check out Impakter Eco for more money and planet saving goodies.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by Impakter.com columnists are their own, not those of Impakter.com. Featured Photo: Happy mom feeding baby Source: Shutterstock.
