healthy eating Archives

August 6, 2020 by Christina Elston

It’s probably been a while since you actually sent your kids off (as in out of the house) to school. All signs indicate that it could be a while longer until you do, but any school day, even a day of distance learning, should start with the right breakfast fuel.

In 2015, Catherine McCord realized that wasn’t happening at her house. That’s a surprise, since she is the mom behind Weelicious, a website devoted to simple and healthy recipes for the whole family. Her son, the oldest of her three kids, was experiencing unexplained headaches, nausea and fatigue. McCord eventually identified breakfast as the culprit. The family was eating a super-healthy diet the rest of the day, but in the morning, she was letting the kids have the pancakes, waffles and toast they requested.

She realized that these foods weren’t giving her son what he needed to start his day. Smoothies became the family’s new breakfast, her son’s health problems disappeared and McCord wrote “The Smoothie Project,” a cookbook with almost 100 smoothie recipes to fuel healthy eating.

“The idea is that all the smoothies have fruit and vegetable and protein, and that they’re keeping you full and energized,” says McCord. “Having a smoothie a day means you’re replacing a meal that might not be as good for you.”

To get your family in the smoothie-a-day habit, McCord’s book proposes a 28-day plan: Have a smoothie for one meal a day for 28 days and you’ll notice a difference in your body, she says. “Then you have two paths. You can have mac and cheese or chocolate ice cream later in the day and feel less guilty because you know you had a good meal already, or you can feel so good that you want to keep the feeling going, and you’ll make better choices,” says McCord.

The book has smoothies to suit every flavor preference, including coffee- and chocolate-based smoothies, tropical, berry heavy and seasonal options. There are also chapters to help simplify smoothie making, a bit about blenders, nutritional information and a thorough guide to the types of “super boost” ingredients you’ll find in the supplement aisle at Gelson’s. “There’s something for everyone, depending on your flavor preference and what you’re trying to get done in your body,” says McCord.

Through the online community McCord built using #smoothieproject, she has heard how smoothies have helped parents with picky eaters, parents trying to minimize their kids’ processed-food intake, people trying to lose weight and even senior citizens. One Potato, McCord’s family meal-subscription service, recently added smoothie kits to its menu of options.

Want a taste of what it’s all about? All you need is a blender (a high-powered one, if possible, and McCord suggests borrowing a friend’s rather than buying one if you’re just getting started).

A great gateway is this Blueberry Cherry Lemon smoothie, which McCord says is an “antioxidant bomb” with tons of nutrition and flavor.

Blueberry Cherry Lemon Smoothie from ‘The Smoothie Project’

Serves one

¾ cup (111 grams) frozen blueberries

¼ cup (38 grams) frozen cherries, pitted

¼ lemon (with peel and pith), seeds removed

2 tablespoons coconut yogurt

1⁄8 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

1 tablespoon honey or blue agave

¾ cup (180 milliliters) almond milk or milk of choice

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

July 2, 2019 by Christina Elston

Faced with a toddler who was a picky eater, Glenda Galvan-Garcia resorted to something that has worked for many parents: sneaking vegetables into his food by disguising them among the other ingredients. It worked for a while, until Isaac was about 3. Taking a bite of the macaroni and cheese into which Galvan-Garcia had mixed pureed garbanzo beans, he turned to her and said, “Mom, you made sneaky mac and cheese!”

“I was busted, and for years after that, he didn’t really trust my cooking because he thought I was going to sneak something in there,” she says. Isaac, now 8, has recovered some of his trust but is still a little picky. However, he loves this mac and cheese recipe in which Galvan-Garcia promises the squash is undetectable.

Galvan-Garcia is executive chef and co-creator of Granville, with locations in Glendale, Burbank, Studio City and West Hollywood (opening soon in Pasadena). The dish is based on the local chain’s popular Uptown Mac & Cheese. “I wanted to create a dish that didn’t require a roux, that could be done while you’re away at work and that has extra vegetables,” she says. “It’s approachable for the novice in the kitchen, it’s upscale enough for the foodie and it’s delicious enough for the picky eater.”

That’s partly because the recipe requires no fussy browning of flour and butter, but instead comes together with a blender. You can put everything into the slow cooker in the morning, then just puree the sauce, boil the pasta and veggies and add your protein when you’re ready to eat. You could also simmer the sauce ingredients in a pot on the stovetop until the squash is fork tender.

The ingredients are flexible. Galvan-Garcia says the smoked Gruyere works well with bacon or other meat, but might overwhelm a vegetarian version of the recipe, so it’s OK to use plain Swiss cheese if you prefer. You can use any shape of pasta you like, even egg noodles. And you can add any cooked vegetable your child likes (at Granville, they add peas peas and asparagus). If you like a cheesy, crumbly topping, add some shredded cheese and bread crumbs and pop the dish into the oven.

You can also get your kids into the act, something Galvan-Garcia encourages. “You look at some generations and they’re just kind of lost in the kitchen,” she says. “Even though people appreciate food, they don’t necessarily know how to prepare it.” Start teaching your next generation with a little sneaky mac and cheese.

SLOW COOKER BUTTERNUT MAC AND CHEESE

granville's mac and cheese — PHOTOS COURTESY GRANVILLE

Serves 4-6

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup Gruyere cheese (applewood smoked, if desired)

12-ounce can evaporated milk

½ cup whole milk

4 ounces cream cheese, cubed (1½ cups)

8 ounces diced butternut squash

¼ cup unsalted butter (preferably grass-fed)

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Pinch of black pepper

Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

12 ounces dried cellentani pasta (corkscrew shape, 3¾ cups)

3 cups broccoli florets or asparagus

Grilled chicken, cooked bacon crumbles, ham, sausage or lobster (optional)

Place one cup mozzarella cheese and the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, evaporated and whole milk, cream cheese, squash, butter, salt, pepper and nutmeg in a slow cooker. Mix well.

Cook on low for two hours, setting the cooker to switch to “keep warm” mode until you want to continue with the recipe. Test the squash and make sure that it is fork tender. (The sauce will be a bit curdled.) Transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until the sauce is smooth. If there are any firm bits stuck to the bottom of the cooker, discard them.

Bring a large stock pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and boil until al dente. If using broccoli, add it during the last two to three minutes of cook time. If using asparagus, add it during the last 30 seconds. Drain the pasta and vegetables and place in a serving dish.

Pour half of the warm cheese sauce over the pasta and vegetables. Sprinkle with the second cup of mozzarella cheese. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta. Gently stir to coat pasta with sauce.

Originally published in L.A. Parent. For more family recipes from award-winning chefs, visit LA Parent/Recipes

February 12, 2019 by Liorah Goldsmith

Although breakfast is the most important meal of the day, many of us resort to sugar-laden cereal bars or fast food on busy weekday mornings. Feeding your family a nutritious breakfast is crucial though for creating happy and focused minds throughout busy school and work days. These healthy and delicious breakfast meal prep recipes make eating on the go a breeze for the entire family.

Honey-Sweetened Blueberry Muffins

Most store-bought muffins contain loads of added sugar and processed ingredients. These healthier blueberry muffins make for an easy and satisfying grab-and-go breakfast in the morning. Just prepare a big batch on Sunday, freeze some and keep them for the whole week.

Recipe here

Freezer Breakfast Burritos With Sausage, Eggs, and Salsa Verde

Breakfast burritos are portable, yummy and perfect for meal prepping. Simply make as many burritos as your family will need for the week, customizing ingredients to your liking, and pop them in the freezer. Reheat in the microwave or skillet the morning you need them, and you have a delicious and filling breakfast for the whole family.

Recipe here

Spinach Muffins for Toddlers

When sending your little one to preschool, you want to be sure they’re getting a healthy breakfast they will also enjoy. These easy muffins can be stored in an airtight container for a few days, or they can be frozen and saved for later. Mild in flavor and full of nutrition, these spinach muffins are perfect for busy mornings.

Recipe here

Breakfast Banana Pops

Although these pops last all week long, don’t be surprised if your kids are tempted to devour them all in one day. This healthy breakfast is delicious, completely mess free and can easily be prepared in advance. What’s not to love?

Recipe here

Healthy Egg Muffin Cups

Eggs are a great start to any morning, but most families save them for the weekend. With these though, nutritious and delicious eggs can become a staple family breakfast all week long. Baking eggs into freezable breakfast cups is a perfect way to add veggies to your children’s diets, and they provide the energy they need to get them through busy school mornings.

Recipe here

Healthy 2-Ingredient Breakfast Cookies

This recipe is so simple and healthy; you’re whole family will fall in love with them. Only two ingredients, allergen-friendly, and extremely customizable, these breakfast cookies will leave your kids satisfied and ready for the day. These are perfect for meal prepping for school days as they are sure to make your kids excited to get up in the mornings.

Recipe here

Strawberry Breakfast Bites

When food is fun, nutritious, and delicious, what more could you ask for? These strawberry breakfast bites are super easy to make, great for kids of any age, and they are even nut free. Perfectly portable, these strawberry breakfast bites are great for busy weekday mornings.

Recipe here

January 28, 2019 by Liorah Goldsmith

When I was a kid, I would ravage through my fridge after school to find the perfect snack. After-school hunger is an extremely common feeling amongst children, so it’s crucial to find snacks that will satisfy your child as well as provide ample nutrition to help them conquer their homework. Here at NAPPA, we’ve compiled a list of brain-boosting foods along with great recipes that will satisfy the cravings and tastebuds of your whole family.

Avocados

Avocados are incredible for boosting brainpower because of their healthy monounsaturated fats. Our brains are made up of nearly 60% fat, so eating fat is extremely important for normal brain function. Avocados can increase blood flow in the brain, which helps improve learning and memory. Aside from all their health benefits, the creamy texture and mild flavor of avocados make them irresistible treats.

Recipes:
Lady Bugs on a Stick
Avocado Mango Fruit Roll-Ups

Nuts

Nuts are small, but they’re mighty when it comes to brain health. Walnuts contain high amounts of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that has been linked to improved cognitive performance, and almonds and hazelnuts contain concentrated amounts of vitamin e, an essential vitamin that can improve memory. Including these tasty brain-boosting foods in your child’s after-school snack might help make their homework go a little more smoothly.

Recipes:
Honey-Sweetened Almond Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Walnut Date Energy Balls

Blueberries

Blueberries are more than just tasty treats. They contain elements called flavonoids that have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Most importantly, they greatly benefit the brain by helping to counter inflammation and increase attention in kids. Delicious and nutritious, these nutrient powerhouses are perfect for incorporating into your child’s next after-school snack.

Recipes:
Frozen Yogurt-Covered Blueberries
Blueberry Crunch Bars

Salmon

Salmon, like a lot of fish, is an incredible brain food. Aiding in sleep and cognitive performance, it’s no wonder salmon is considered one of the best brain foods out there. Incorporating salmon into your kids’ after school snacks can be easy, delicious, and extremely beneficial for their brain health!

Recipes:
Parmesan Fish Sticks
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are versatile, delicious, and great for your child’s brain! Containing brain-protecting nutrients called carotenoids, tomatoes help with long-term brain health. One of its carotenoids, lycopene, regulates genes that promote inflammation, and it helps promote brain growth. All this goodness packed into one savory fruit, tomatoes are perfect additions to any after-school treat.

Recipes:
Bell Pepper Pizzas
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Eggs

Protein and choline rich, eggs are great for keeping your child’s brain health in check. Choline can help increase memory and communication between brain cells, so eating eggs can help your child concentrate and perform better in school. Eggs can be eaten in many ways, so you are sure to find an after-school egg recipe your child will love.

Recipes:
Kid-Friendly Deviled Eggs
Egg Wraps

Green Vegetables

With cancer-fighting properties, heart-healthy nutrients, and memory and concentration improving vitamins, green vegetables are crucial for increased brainpower in kids. Leafy greens such as spinach and even herbs such as rosemary boast health effects for the entire body, as increased brain health is just one of the many benefits of eating green vegetables.

Recipes:
Broccoli Tots
Kid-Friendly Kale Chips

July 31, 2018 by

What should I make for dinner? That’s a question all of us moms ask. Every night, sometimes. That’s why we were really excited for Aurora Satler’s The Ultimate New Mom’s Cookbook, a recent NAPPA winner. Helping parents gain knowledge about prenatal nutrition while creating delicious and nutritious recipes for babies, kids and adults are just a few of the reasons we love this cookbook. With help from certified nutritionist Allison Childress, Satler was able to create both an informative and creative book of recipes. We recently chatted with Satler about the challenges of being a new mom and the simplicities of creating delicious meals for her family.

Get a first look inside Satler’s new book with these two incredible recipes: Click HERE

Aurora Satler and her family

What was your biggest inspiration for writing this cookbook?

There is so much information to be absorbed as a first time parent. When I had my son, I found it a little daunting to suddenly have to be up-to-date on all the best baby gear, sleep techniques, developmental milestones, not to mention nutrition. I wanted to create one book for new parents to answer all their food questions, offer great recipes that work for the whole family and keep all the key information so that it was readable at a glance. I also wanted the book to be enjoyable and reminiscent of the spirit of childhood. That’s why all the colors are bright and cheerful and the copy brief and humorous whenever I could manage. Parenting is a challenge – this book should be a helpful and fun resource.

If new parents don’t enjoy cooking but want to feed their children home cooked meals, what advice would you give to inspire them to cook?

Aurora with her daughter and husband

You really don’t have to cook every meal and it shouldn’t be a chore. A family meal is the way to go and dinner is usually the best one to strive for in our moving society. I actually set the portions of my meals so that cooking dinner also provides enough leftovers for lunch the next day. You need to maximize your time as a parent so aim for meals that go further to feed the family.

Parents with multiple children can have trouble satisfying everyone’s tastes. What are some of your best tips for cooking for the whole family?

Everyone has different tastes but I’ve learned to separate a lot of meals into their component parts. This works well for different ages and different kids. My son prefers to be fed and my baby daughter wants to do it all herself. She’s more adventurous for different textures, ingredients and flavors. My son likes to watch what everyone is eating and decide what he will try and what he maybe wants to look at but not eat immediately.

For example: if I make chicken enchiladas, I can serve my husband and myself the full enchiladas. For my daughter I can pick out some of the cooked chicken and rice and avocado as finger food. For my son, I ask if he wants to eat the enchilada or if he wants a burrito bowl where I would serve him the rice and chicken with mashed up avocado that he can easily eat with a spoon. Even if my son is in a picky mood, all the cooked components are things I can offer him for his dinner. I also always give him one meal component he loves so he wants to sit down to eat, even if it is just dried cranberries or a special yogurt cup. He sees that one thing he loves at his place and will start eating. At that point, I know I can entice him to eat a more complete meal.

When did you realize you had a passion for cooking?

Aurora and her kids at the supermarket

My family has always loved food. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest where my Grandma grew the best raspberries and sugar snap peas and my parents took me crabbing and clamming as soon as I could toddle along. We ate the freshest meals: grilled salmon that my uncle had caught on the beach, pies my grandmother baked with her own apples and all the millions of meals my mom created to expand my tastes into other nationalities and flavors.

Once children start attending school, meals on the go become staples for many households. How do you meal prep to make sure your children are eating nutritious and delicious food when mealtime is away from home?

For kids eating away from home, I think it is really important to make meals accessible. Meals on the go and meals at school should be easy to eat and not messy. Finger foods or simple food to spear are perfect and there are so many nutritious options. I also try to pack more meals that are good cold or served room temperature since not all schools have the ability to rewarm food. That doesn’t mean food has to be bland. You can pack smoothies, you can pack pasta salads with veggies, fun dips, etc. Just give it a trial run at home and make sure you’re packing in an easy to use container. Kid bento boxes are a good choice.

Growing up, what were some of your favorite family recipes or traditions?

I love food holidays. Thanksgiving will always be a favorite for me and even when my son was born a week before the holiday, I mapped out my meal to lay out an entire spread to host my family after his birth. Okay- not expecting anyone else to do that but that made me feel happy that year. Communal meals give so much more than nourishment, they bring happiness and a sense of family and togetherness. We always had family picnics and birthdays and holidays growing up. I want that for my kids. I want them to be able to have not only a full plate but a full circle of support as they go through life’s ups and downs. Food at its best brings people together.

Aurora and her husband

As a busy parent with a passion for your family and your career, you probably know that despite your love to cook, life can sometimes get in the way. What tips do you have for situations where parents don’t have the time to cook?

Keep a stocked pantry and freezer. Every parent runs into busy stretches. I often roast trays of vegetables and freeze the extras. A good toaster oven is perfect for warming small portions. In a stocked pantry, you can keep gnocchi, fresh pasta, beans, rice and so many components of fast and family friendly meals. Stocking a pantry is also great before you go on a family trip. That way when you return you always have something to eat with minimal effort and no grocery trip.

I also think meal prep is important for all families. In my book I try to offer examples of things that take the same amount of time to cook so that if you have an oven going you can make 2-3 easy dishes in the same amount of time. It is about maximizing the results and minimizing the time.

Families sometimes follow gluten free, vegetarian, or vegan lifestyles. How can parents effectively create nutritionally complete meals for their families using these lifestyles as guidelines?

I offer a lot of these options in the book. I find most families who follow these lifestyles get creative themselves and the food industry is responding well to meet these various nutritional needs. One category of food that I feel meets most of these needs however are curries. Using rice as the base and creating a broth rich in coconut milk and stock, you can add in nut butters for protein and a myriad of vegetables. The best is that they are also one pot meals that taste better over time and are perfectly adaptable for families. The coconut milk is also a real hit with a lot of kids and you can spice according to your family’s preferences.

New parents often suffer from a lack of sleep and exhaustion. What gave you motivation to keep cooking when you were in these situations?

I don’t sleep. It’s a laugh but I always tell my friends if you ever see me come out with a book on sleep techniques that I’ve gone off the deep end and not to buy it. My kids eat great but I’ll be the last to advise on sleep. I cook because it makes me feel better, it gives me energy and good food begets sleep (even if you can’t enjoy it yourself). When you have kids you see that everything is cyclical–a good meal often results in a good nap which then can lead to a good meal and so on. When something falls off–you have to work from all angles to get back to a better schedule. When you eat well, you feel better and your body can perform more optimally. You also just feel better when you eat well and are eating more nutritious food. As a little hack, I make my lunches the night in advance. That way even if breakfast is a moving target, I’ve set myself up for a great meal in the middle of the day to keep me going.

As your children grow older, what steps do you want to take to inspire them to eat healthfully and even learn to cook by joining you in the kitchen?

Aurora’s two children

My son grocery shops with me and I answer all his questions (he’s 3 so he asks a LOT of questions). I also let him pick off my plate even if I know he won’t eat something. I encourage him to try new foods and he has a complete toy set to cook with me from his own knife, cutting board, as well as fruits and vegetables he can cut in half with his play knife (these are blunt toys).

When there’s something he can help with that is safe I always let him: mixing batter, spinning salad, pushing the buttons on the blender to mix a smoothie. He’s been the inspiration for this cookbook and when I told him about this award he told me “It’s my award mommy, not yours”… he might be a little competitive.

What advice would you give to parents whose children are picky eaters?

Keep trying. Most kids aren’t picky 100% of the time and will go in phases where they are more experimental. Even if they don’t finish something nutritious, have them try it. Have them try it frequently. Don’t try to make it into a battle but also let them see you eating a full and varied diet as well.

What are your most valuable takeaways from working with a nutritionist on your book?

Allison was incredible to work with and such an asset for the book. We both are moms and both work with food but see a plate in a different way. I see flavors and ingredients I want to share with my kids and she sees nutrition building blocks to raise a healthy family. She was exceptional as well because she also has a background in prenatal nutrition which is a key component of this book.

The Ultimate New Mom’s Cookbook Cover

April 20, 2018 by

Meet Michele Liddle, founder of The Perfect Granola and NAPPA 2018 Winner

Before launching the Perfect Granola, what was keeping you busy?

While creating The Perfect Granola I worked fulltime as a Business Development Manager for an Electric Motor Shop traveling during the day to accounts in the Erie PA, Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY areas. I had 2 small daughters ages 2 and 5 while developing the company (they are now 3 and 7) and volunteered at our local food pantry. I am a very active adult and workout at least 4-5 days per week, so I had a lot on my plate, but knew I could do more to help the hungry children and families in our community and if I planned it right, I could help alleviate the poverty that fuels our hunger issue.

What inspired you to start Perfect Granola?

While volunteering at our local food pantry, I would watch mothers select their weekly bounty for their families and it broke my heart to see that they could not afford to buy organic and healthy foods at the typical grocery store. There were very little gluten-free and NON-GMO options, so I brainstormed how I could help. The Perfect Granola began as a dream; I envisioned a company where I could share the profits and food with the hungry and create opportunities to employ those in need so they can break the poverty cycle that fuels our hunger issue.

Tell us a little about you as a child. Did you think about having a business of your own as a kid?

I grew up in a normal household with a solid foundation. During my early 20’s I was a bartender to fund my culinary education and would host “misfit holidays” where everyone from the community who didn’t have a place to go for the holiday was welcome to my apartment to have a good meal and a sense of togetherness. This was really where my love of food and community started. I have always wanted to do something to make a difference in the world and after developing my professional career, I finally had the experience and confidence to start my own company where I could give back.

Why is giving back so important to you?

I have personally witnessed myself, and through friends and family, what it is like to have ends not meet. There were times that I could not afford groceries and still times where I want to provide better for my children. I also know that allergies to gluten, dairy, and soy do not discriminate against the poor; when those in need go to a shelter or to a food pantry, they are only allowed the food that is provided, and in some cases, this food makes them feel even worse. Furthermore, requirements like a degree and experience prohibit hard-working individuals living in poverty the opportunity to succeed and break the poverty cycle. Because these individuals are not given the same opportunities as others, this cycle continues and puts greater stress on these families and our economy as a whole. Companies need to do more to create a positive workplace and inclusion for ALL so that our communities can thrive.

What message do you want to give your daughters who have watched their mom start and grow this company?

I want to show my daughters that anything is possible. Sometimes people come up to me and say they don’t have the time to work out, or volunteer, or to start something great; my answer to them is that everyone has the time to do what is most important to them. It is important to me to show my girls that no matter what, EVERYONE should have the same opportunities for success and if the drive and passion is there, anything is possible.

What would you like to tell other moms who are thinking about launching a business?

DO IT! Nothing is stopping you. Don’t wait for the right time, do it now while the idea is fresh and exciting. If you have questions or need guidance, reach out for help. Nothing great is ever easy, so you need to work for it, but anything is possible with a dream and a clear vision.

How does family and work life look for you? Share a typical day with us.

Mornings are tough, hahahaha… Having 2 young daughters there are fights and battles, but once they are off to daycare and school, my workday begins. I am still the only fulltime employee working in the company, so I do all the accounting, sales, marketing, shipping, receiving, ordering, recipe creation, warehousing… you name it, I do it. When there is a sick kid, life goes on and I either work from my home office or take them with me to meetings. I am very active in my community and attend as many networking events and political events as possible and am very active in my PTSA for the girls’ school as well. Family comes first, and it always will, so I am a parent volunteer in the classroom, I surprise the girls for lunch on occasion, drive them to soccer, gymnastics, swimming, parties, dance recitals, and everything else that comes with parenthood. I am also an indoor cycling instructor, so in the evenings and early weekend mornings, I teach cycling classes. I live by my calendar and each minute of each day is booked, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s your mom mantra?

Get after it! ????

What’s your business mantra?

Get after it! ????

Best hashtag to describe you.

#gettinitdone #dreambig

What your favorite day off spot?

HAHAHAHAHA!!! Day off??? What’s that? ????

What’s the best part of owning your own business?

I can grow my company the way I want. Since I am making the decisions, everything we do is to better the community. Each and every decision is made with the long term success of both my company and my community. I love being able to make a difference while growing a successful company.

**What’s the best worst decision of your life?**

There are many. I have stumbled and failed so many times at both motherhood and business ownership, but these failures and “bad decisions” are what has defined my success. When I make a mistake, I am proud to say that I can confidently own it, learn from it, and move on. There will be many mistakes and failures in the future, but with each failure, comes a recovery like none other and that has been what has made me successful.

What are your favorite things to do with your family?

I love anything that makes my girls smile and laugh. If it’s a trip to the mall to ride the carousel, or a trip to the museum, or just curling up on the couch to watch a movie. Time spent together is the best time of my life.

What sets your heart on fire?

Making a difference. We have recently been able to hire students living in poverty and give them real work experience before graduation so, when they do graduate high school, they have the skills for a brighter future. This makes me so proud and makes all the blood, sweat, and tears of entrepreneurship worth it. I can make a difference, and that is the best feeling ever.

What would you tell your high school self?

Don’t be so wrapped up in what others think and live for today. I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in the fear of failure that it paralyzes us and prevents us from taking risks. Taking risks is when the best can happen and if you fail, fail fast so you can recover fast and move on. Failure is the best way to learn and the only way to succeed.

For more information on The Perfect Granola, click here.