07 May Inside the Fridge welcomes Food Allergy Mom Kerry Wise

Kerry Wise is the wife of social media strategist Justin Wise and mom of two energetic, creative kids: Finn (4 1/2) and Evie (2).  When Finn was diagnosed with food allergies, the Wise family did a major overhaul of the way they ate and haven’t looked back. Kerry’s blog focuses on her life as a busy mom trying to feed her family healthy, organic, whole foods. She loves CrossFit, hot tea, Cape Cod, and the Boston Red Sox. Follow Kerry here on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and My Wise Mom Blog. 

Where do you shop for food?

Every Wednesday is 10% off Health Market and organics at our local grocery store, Hy-Vee. I buy as much there as possible and supplement at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.

 

Do you love food shopping or dread it?

As long as my kids are well behaved, I love it! I love seeing what new products are out, especially when it’s a good option for our family. And I think it’s important to include the kids in the process. They can choose between 2 vegetables, select a new whole wheat noodle, point to an item of interest so we can talk about whether it is a good or poor choice.

 

What is the single most important thing on your mind when you are shopping for food?

Health. Food is fuel!

 

 

 

How often do you shop?

Once a week.

 

How many do you shop for? Ages?  

My husband and I and our 2 kids: Finn (4 1/2) and Evie (2).

 

What is your weekly food budget?

We aim for a bill less than $125 every week. I do buy our meat from local farmers who sell grass-fed meat. I usually place a $100 order every month.

 

How many times a week do you eat out? (based on 21 meals/week)

Zero. We maybe go out to eat once or twice a month. In addition to Finn’s allergies, most restaurant food is simply not healthy, using GMO oils and cheap, unhealthy ingredients. When we go out, we stick with 2 or 3 places. When we venture outside of that bubble, it never fails we leave with stomach aches.

 

 

 

 

How do you plan your weekly meals? Create a spreadsheet of fly by the seat of your pants?  

I use this adorable meal planner from 733blog to write out our meals for each day and then the groceries we will need to fill that list. There are, of course, always the “staples” like almond milk, eggs, bread, and fruit.

 

What is the most coveted food in the fridge right now for each member of the household? Why?

Strawberries for Finn, orange juice for Evie, kale for Justin and I. Organic strawberries are pretty pricey, so it’s a real treat when Finn has them! Evie has just started liking a splash of orange juice in her water with breakfast. I’m pretty sure her brother encouraged that! Justin and I love kale chips, kale in smoothies, kale salads, etc. When it’s in the fridge, it’s a mad rush to eat it before the other gets to it 🙂

 

Do you believe in leftovers? As a busy mom, ABSOLUTELY!!  My husband and kids, on the other hand, will give you the exact opposite answer!

 

What brands do you swear by? Why?

I love anything from Enjoy Life or Nature’s Path. I believe in their mission as much as I enjoy their food.

 

How have your cooking/shopping habits changed over the last 10 years?

Ten years ago I could have had sugar-based cereal for dinner and been completely at peace. I would microwave everything and anything and cared only about convenience. Today, I cringe at the thought of microwaving things, don’t walk down the cereal aisle and make 95% of our meals from scratch. I know look at ingredients, not nutrition labels. The fewer ingredients the better, and let’s make sure we can pronounce everything we’re eating!

 

What was the last meal you cooked from scratch?

Chicken and Rice casserole with homemade dairy-free Cream of Chicken soup. I also made my daughter’s birthday cupcakes from scratch.  

 

 

 

 

 What words of wisdom or advice do you have for other folks who are doing their best every day to fill the fridge?

Keep moving forward! It’s a process and a beautiful one. No one 100% cleans up their kitchen overnight. It’s a process of learning and experimenting and not giving up. We’ve been on this road for 3+ years and I learn things everyday. We are all a work in progress!

 

What are you working on these days that you’d like to tell us about?

We just moved into a wonderful new home at the end of March. There are raised garden beds in the back that I’m incredibly excited to plant. The garden at our former house had been amazing thanks to some fantastic composted soil. I’m ready to take on this new challenge and can already taste my homemade salsa!

 

Thank you Kerry!

 

If you would like to be featured on Inside the Fridge, please contact Robinsbite intern, Jaime – jaime@robinplotkin.com