Food

I recently received a copy of The Amazing New Real Meal Revolution Raising Superheroes, to review. A book, I wish was around when my girls were littlies! I was one of those moms who from the moment I fell pregnant, read everything I could get my hands on, about raising children. A particular issue for me, as a first time mom, was nutrition, especially seen as I was blessed with a fussy eater!

Even though my eldest daughter was{still is to a point} a very fussy eater, I did not give up trying! With the result, as a teenager, she is a very healthy eater. She is also willing, to at least give something a try, even if it is only once! Many of you will be familiar with The Real Meal Revolution, which was launched in 2013. The ‘Red Bible’, was a result of the culmination of three years of research and talks by Professor Tim Noakes. As LCHF{low carb high fat} or Banting was already something many people were aware of, the book was very well received. There was still however the issue of obesity, which bothered Professor Noakes, especially in children! The main question on Professor Noake’s mind was – “what do we feed our kids?”

Prof Noakes set out to research the latest science on children’s nutrition with an agenda-free question: If grown-ups get fat because of reckless political decisions, marketing and poorly regulated science, what has happened to our children in the same environment? As a courtesy, he threw in another question, which few big-food businesses really want to hear the answer to: “Whose fault is all of this?” To complicate matters, we’re born with a natural predisposition for sweet and salty foods (this holds true even when we are not addicted). These inherent preferences are not problematic in themselves, but become an issue when we allow our physical and emotional needs to become inextricably intertwined.

Real Meal Revolution Raising Superheroes

If you are already a parent, then I am sure you are aware, of the struggle of getting your kids to eat the “right things”. The media does a great job, of making unhealthy food look super attractive. This in no way helps our cause as parents. This is where, I feel, a book like Real Meal Revolution Raising Superheroes, fills a void. It helps make healthy food look and sound attractive! Written in association with Jonno Proudfoot and Bridget Surtees, the book aims to to provide parents with the best science available, on children’s nutrition. What the book is not, is a book about Banting or a weigh-loss guide. So if you like me, are Raising Superheroes, read on!

Marvellous Mums

What is particularly exciting about this book is the “Marvellous Mums” chapter. It is devoted to moms nutrition, from pregnancy, until baby is 6 months old. This chapter touches on important nutrients to include in your diet, as well as foods to avoid, common pregnancy complaints and breastfeeding.

Wonder Weaning

The Real Meal Revolution Raising Superheroes, then goes on to discuss weaning baby onto solids. This can be a rather stressful time, of yours and babies life. It was something I struggled with as a mom. Especially the feeling of rejection, when your precious little one, spits-out or refuses the food, which you so lovingly made! I love the fact that this book gives you insight into what foods should come first and how much you should be feeding your 6 month old. It also includes handy tips on different cooking methods and what kitchen equipment you will need. The most important thing to remember, when weaning your baby, is to be patient! Never give up and have a sense of humour because there is usually more food everywhere else, other than in your babies mouth!

Other chapters in the book include: Terrific Toddlers and Incredible Kids.

Tremendous Teens

This is a chapter I was particularly interested in reading, as we have a tween and teen in the house! Tremendous Teens gives you the low-down on important teen related issues. Issues such as physical and hormonal changes, acne, anaemia, eating disorders, as well as the dreaded mood swings! The teenage years are a particularly tough part of parenting and any help or advice you can get is most welcome. The book gives you great input into what to look out for in those fragile years, as well as what foods and supplements to encourage.

I could go on about this subject for days but I really encourage you to grab a copy of the book for yourself, you will not be disappointed.Real Meal Revolution Raising Superheroes retails for R330 and can be purchased inshore from Exclusive Books, CNA, as well as online from Takealot, Wellness Warehouse and Readers Warehouse or directly from the Real Meal Revolution Website. If you keep reading there will also be an opportunity for you to win a copy of the book!

“Creamy Beef Stroganoff on Buttered Cabbage”

As part of my book review, I encouraged my girls to pick a recipe from the Real Meal Revolution Raising Superheroes book, for us to enjoy as a family. They opted for “Creamy Beef Stroganoff on Buttered Cabbage”, which is a meal we would usually eat with rice.  

I was really concerned that everyone, my hubby included would pull there nose up at the cabbage, but to my surprise it was a winner! {the key with cabbage is to not over cook it}

The recipe was really easy to follow and everyone loved the meal. There was even enough for lunch the following day!

There are lots of other recipes we cannot wait to try! I particularly love the awesome lunch ideas in the book, as well as the party food recipes!

Win!

As I mentioned earlier, I have a copy of Raising Superheroes, which you can win!

To enter:

• Please read the instructions below and complete the Rafflecopter entry form {only entries via the form will be valid}.
• Comment: What aspect of your child/children’s nutrition do you struggle with the most?
• Tweet: Win a copy of the Amazing @real_meals Revolution Raising Superheroes Book from @inspired_lifeSA #LCHF
• Share: Visit Facebook and share the competition – remember to Tag us @timnoakesrevolution and @InspiredLifeSA.
• Please ensure you read the *Terms & Conditions below carefully, to ensure you comply with all the entry criteria.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Terms & Conditions: By entering this competition you automatically accept all the Terms and Conditions laid out below.

• Entries are open from 22 September 2015 until the 2nd October 2015.
• You must complete all the steps as stipulated above on the Rafflecopter Form: Leave a Comment, Like and/or Share on Facebook or Instagram and/0r Tweet about the competition.
• To ensure that your entry is processed correctly (please use a valid email address). Your details will only be used to validate your entry and inform you, if you are selected as a winner.
• This competition is only open to South African residents and to readers who have not won a competition on Inspired Living SA in the past 6 months.
• Entries will be considered incomplete and thus disqualified if the entrant does not provide all requested information. Entry information will not be shared with any third party without the entrant’s prior knowledge and consent. The prize will go to the first name selected at random after the closing date.
• The prize is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
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