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Other Ocean Voices >>Helping Busy Families Make Healthy Seafood Choices
We asked Aviva for advice on how to get kids to eat healthfully, what types of seafood are good for kids and recipes that make life enjoyable. Q&AHow did you get involved in helping families eat more meals together while keeping the food healthy and interesting? I became involved with families accessing healthy meals from my own experience. I always had an interest in health, and after I had my first child, I became very conscious of what I was feeding my family. But I found the task of cooking healthy meals daunting. Where were the easy, healthy recipes? Ten years ago, when my first child was born, I had a hard time finding the right resources, so I started experimenting with cooking healthily and quickly. I started collecting recipes, testing them with my own family and exchanging recipes with friends. Then a friend and I started working on a cookbook that was intended to be accessible for the whole family. My friend was a vegetarian who ate fish, and it was through her that I started learning about healthy seafood. From this experience and the good feedback we got, I decided to create a career out of it. I realized that many people were feeling stressed not only to cook but also to find the right foods.
Why is choosing the right seafood important, particularly for children? Seafood is a great source of lean protein and other nutrients for children and adults. However, it is important to avoid fish that are full of contaminants because they affect the health and brain development of children. It is important to remember that children are more vulnerable to seafood contaminants than are adults. Also, choosing the right seafood is important for me personally and for my work because I do not want to play a role in depleting endangered fish and seafood. So I create recipes that are healthy for people and the ocean. How do you get your children to eat healthy food? Involve your kids in the cooking process. Kids are way more likely to eat something they have helped to make. Watch what happens when you put the kids in charge for one night! They will surprise you with what they will do and try. They will take pride and ownership in their food and the work they do—this means a lot to kids! Also, do a lot of recipes that are simple and easy but still interesting. Kids do not have wide palate range, but taste buds expand with time, exposure and age. This is why it is so important for kids to sit down at dinner with the family and try new things. If parents make an effort to enjoy a family meal once a day, kids will be more likely to be positive eaters. Lastly, I also teach my kids about nutrition. I tell them which foods are good for them and why. Kids are interested in that. If a child doesn’t like something once, don’t make a big deal about it because I have found it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. What types of seafood do you suggest to families with young children? Wild salmon and tilapia are great choices for all kids. Mahi-mahi and catfish can also be good choices for older children. Some shrimp, those that are sustainable, are also a decent choice. Are there types of seafood that you intentionally stay away from when cooking for your family? As much as I like tuna and swordfish, I almost never serve them to my family because of the high levels of mercury and toxins. At what point did you combine your interest in food and environmentally safe seafood choices? For me, working with food and recommending recipes to families is an opportunity to do something positive for nutrition and the environment. Everything we eat comes from somewhere. What we choose to buy affects the world we live in and our own health. If you don’t know what to cook or where to start, let me help you! Check out www.thescramble.com. What do you see as your role in ocean conservation as both a mother and an author? I hope that I can play a small part in helping parents and children learn about what seafood is safe to eat and safe for our oceans. I am in a fortunate spot where I am able to introduce people to fish that are good for them, educate customers and help parents feed the family through affordable, simple recipes. What resources would you recommend for mothers and families who are seeking seafood that is safe for children to eat?
What would you suggest consumers and parents do to be proactive about conservation regarding seafood and the ocean? Learn as much as possible about what you are eating, and then translate what you learn to the plate and the dinner table. It is important to be aware of what we eat. I often teach my children about environmental awareness. For example, I teach my kids about turning off lights, not using more than we need, carpooling—my kids are really into it. Kids are born activists. I also include my children in the process of donating to non-profits who are trying to do something about this problem. What are your favorite family seafood dinners? Two of my favorites are my new Salmon Salad Sandwiches and Tilapia Topped with Warm Cherry Tomatoes. For more healthy and delicious seafood recipes, check out KidSafe Seafood's Recipes page. Salmon Salad Sandwiches This is a quick and healthy no-cook meal, these sandwiches are also fun to eat on a busy night. We topped them with sliced tomatoes and tortilla chips for extra crunch! Serve them with celery sticks dipped in peanut butter.
In the measuring cup used to measure the mayonnaise, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, honey and lemon juice. In a medium bowl, mix the salmon, celery and dressing ingredients. Put a scoop of the salmon salad in each bun and eat them cold. Tilapia Topped with Warm Cherry Tomatoes This dish takes about 10 minutes start to finish, but you would never know it from the beautiful presentation and delicious flavor. Tilapia is a great fish to use for weeknights, because it is inexpensive, earth friendly, and cooks quickly. Our kids also like its mild taste. Serve it with a loaf of whole grain bread and a Cucumber Salad.
In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the fish and season it with salt and pepper. Sauté the tilapia, turning it once, until it turns white throughout and flakes easily, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the fish to a dish or platter. In the same skillet (without cleaning it) sauté the tomatoes, parsley, and olives for several minutes until the tomatoes are softened. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Pour the sauce over the fish, top it with the Parmesan cheese (optional), and serve it immediately. top >Other Ocean Voices >> |
Aviva Goldfarb understands the importance of families eating together, and as a mother of two she knows how hectic family life can get. This is why Goldfarb creates dishes that can be prepared in thirty minutes or less and weekly menus that only require one grocery run each week. 
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