Proper Nutrition

My kids would eat candy, cookies and ice cream for every meal and though the thought of eating anyone of those right now is extremely appealing (as I'm snacking on rice cakes), I know the consequences of eating a diet full of sugar is not good for me or my kids. We need balanced diets full of vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, meat and occasionally fats. So when my kids think I'm the meanest mom ever for not letting them have banana splits for dinner (and they argue there's fruit involved) I know better.

Just as the Lord knows better when I whine and beg for MY way. When I ask for the sweetness of an easy path, He knows the benefits of traveling a road that requires dependence on Him. When I ask for the sugary blessings of the prize patrol showing up on my doorstep, He knows the value of hard work and wise choices. And when I desire the syrupy (not sure if that's a word) happiness of material things, He knows that true joy and contentment only comes from a closer relationship with Him.

Often the Lord gives us ''cookies'', some of mine came in the flavors of Fisher, Easton and Finley but a life full of the sweet things not balanced by the nutritional times of hardships, trials or simply learning to wait leaves us deprived of the most important nutrients that we need to grow and thrive spiritually, the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

A relatively nutritional dinner is Cuban wraps with black beans, rice and fresh pineapple.

Cuban Wraps
6 flour tortillas (or flavored wraps)
1/2 lb deli sliced Spanish pork
1/2 lb deli sliced sweet ham
1/4 lb deli sliced Swiss cheese
1/4 cup Mojo sauce (found in ethnic isle of grocery store)
mustard
dill pickles

On each tortilla spread mustard on bottom then layer with pork, ham, cheese and pickles. Pour 1 tbsp Mojo sauce over top then wrap burrito style. After all sandwiches are made place in a sandwich press or on a griddle over medium heat and weigh down with an additional skilled filled with a large can of vegetables or anything to make a "press." Toast on both sides until light brown and cheese is melted. Serve with Vigo black beans and rice (follow package directions) and fresh sliced pineapple.