Keeping foods simple

We come into this world with taste buds that enjoy the simplest flavors.  As children, we enjoyed pureed steamed vegetables that contain little to no seasoning.   Then over time those foods become bland to us.  In the simplest form, I see this as a battle between nature and nurture.  Do our taste buds change as we age? Are we biologically predisposed to like certain foods?  Are our taste buds changed by our exposure.  My guess, is that it's like anything, a little of both. 

For example,  when my parents met, my dad's favorite condiment was ketchup.  (Really dad,  ketchup,  yuck! )  But I'm happy to report that after a few years he began requesting salsa with every meal.  So my dad was introduced to a more intense (non-sugar laced condiment) and his taste buds changed.

Another thing, we know that if we reduce our daily salt or sugar intake our bodies will adjust.  Then what we considered salty enough before will taste too salty.  But here's the thing, and the reason I wanted to write this post,  we know that the healthiest foods are those that are in their purest form,  without salt, sugar,  dyes,  preservatives, etc. added, the so called clean foods.  So shouldn't we do what we can to keep our children's taste buds' desire for clean foods? 

Having said all of that, (and before I'm overly judged)  I have to admit that I genuinely enjoy salty and sweet foods.  And of course, I'm not perfect so my kids also indulge every once in a while. But I want them to stay as food "pure" as possible for as long as can, so I try.

LQ Morning snack:  Vanilla Greek yogurt and blueberries

LQ Lunch: Roasted organic turkey, Colby Jack cheese cubes, avocado slices and almond, coconut, and dark chocolate trail mix

LQ Afternoon snack: Organic peanut butter and pretzels

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Almond, coconut, and dark chocolate trail mix

Ingredients:

1/4 cup semi sweet dark chocolate chips

3/4 cup coconut shavings (roughly chopped)

1/2 cup raw almonds (roughly chopped)

Methods:

Roughly chop the almonds and coconut shavings.  In the meantime heat the chocolate chips in the microwave for a minute.  Combine all the ingredients.  Enjoy!

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LA breakfast: blueberries and yogurt

LA lunch: Roasted organic turkey, Colby Jack cheese cubes, avocado slices and whole wheat pasta