And yeah, I buy chicken from the farm, and it’s much cheaper than at the store. I know, the prices are shocking sometimes. That’s why sometimes we just have to pick and choose. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t always afford the organic versions.

Making homemade bread is a great place to start, and it’s definitely not going to break the bank. Every little change helps.

I remember the first sandwiches I made on homemade bread. My kids took one taste and BEGGED me never to buy store bought bread again. SERIOUSLY. And it was my pickiest eater who first made that request.

Homemade stuff is almost ALWAYS better tasting. They love my homemade granola bars. They had a hard time letting go of cereal, but I go out of myway to make stuff they like instead. My pickiest (my middle child) loves pancakes, so I found a soaked version that uses whole wheat pastry flour (that’s a lot lighter than regular whole wheat, plus, soaking makes it taste lighter too) and she loves them. I make a double batch and freeze the leftovers to make for her on school days.

Your kids like chicken nuggets? Make them at home. SO yummy.

When I made popcorn with coconut oil in the stovetop maker, the kids got so excited and proclaimed that the house smelled like the movie theater. Microwave popcorn has never been requested since.

Same thing with ice cream. They used to ask for Dairy Queen. Now they beg us to make it at home.

I see that your kids are older, so I know that it would be harder, but honestly, my 9-year-old was the one who was on board first because I explained to him what I was doing and why. He’s actually my biggest supporter now.

Also, I would take it slowly. And there may be areas that you just give in. Cereal may be one of those. It depends on your kids and what their favorites are.

And at their ages, they are having more freedom. So let them have their favorite junk sometimes. When we’re at the pool, I let my kids get a junky ice cream bar. Whatever. I try not to make it the forbidden fruit, you know?

Anyway, I realize that every family is different, and this would be harder for some than others. And for moms that work outside the home, all I can say is to pick and choose the parts that are most important to you. I realize that making everything from scratch would be impossible.

Oh, one more thing. Try to get them helping you make the stuff. They’re old enough to really be helpful. giving them ownership over parts of it might encourage a better attitude.

I dunno, I admit, I had it easy when it came to convincing my kids and husband. For that, I’m immeasurably grateful.