Governess of Grub: trying to feed hungry, young athletes

I can't wait for school to start, but not for the reasons you might think. In summertime I lose control; control over all things dietary.

The boys returned from Ohio Dreams yesterday. Florida week is so much fun for them. They're even ok with the 15 hour bus ride, which includes no less than six stops at McDonald's. Call me crazy, but knowing my kids are eating at McDonald's gives me complete anxiety. If you really have to ask why, just read 8 creepy mystery ingredients in fast food for starters. I would rather have the option of packing them a small cooler loaded with enough fruit, nuts and turkey sandwiches to get them to Ohio. Heck, I'd do it for the whole bus!

Wyatt will eat anything. William is my picky eater. It's not all his fault. He's allergic to eggs, and all shellfish-- the ultimate curse for a kid whose family hails from the Gulf Coast.

Last year at camp, William sustained himself on Ramen noodles from the camp store. I had high hopes that he would eat the allegedly improved camp food this year. Alas, no. His choice of sustenance? Oreos and Twizzlers.

Getting the boys started right today.

In three short weeks, the start of school will be upon us, and I'll once again have strict control over food consumption. Turkey and lettuce sandwiches, fresh fruit, pretzels, and a cold water, with sometimes a chocolate milk mixed in, is their typical lunch. Sure, it would be easy to let them eat the lunch the school provides, but seriously, have you smelled that stuff? I wouldn't eat it, so why would I make them?


Peanut butter has always been a huge staple in our house. With a good balance of protein, fat and carbs, it's a high energy food that helps to keep us full. Recently, our favorite BMX News correspondent shared some information that made me want to retch.

"Apparently it is approved by the FDA on average of 30 insect fragments, including rodent hair per 100 grams of peanut butter." - from 10 Disgusting Fast Food Facts

I've had the heebie jeebies, and can't help but think there's a rat in our jar of Jif, ever since I read this. When your creamy suddenly gets crunchy, what do you think you're crunching on? I've decided to go the au naturel route, and hope for the best.

It's gluten-free and GMO free, but is it rodent hair free?

Sadly, I've come to the conclusion that, unless it's grown in our backyards, we don't really know what we're consuming. We can, however, maintain a certain level of control in what we offer to our kids. I'm no expert, but I do follow certain guidelines.

• We eat home cooked meals that don't come from a box.
• I shop the perimeter of the grocery store with few exceptions.
• Our house is always stocked with a variety of fruits for snacks.
• If we have sweets, I almost always make them myself.
• Sodas are for special occasions only, not for drinking around the house, or at a race.

Our diets certainly aren't perfect, but I feel that Vann and I are doing our best to fuel our young athletes, and our best is getting better all the time!

Happy eating!

BMX Mom