Eating well is an essential part of maintaining good health, especially for military families who often face the added stress of relocation and busy schedules. Family spoke with Shelby Thorpe, wife of Staff Sergeant Trenton Thorpe, currently stationed at Joint Base Charleston, about how her family prioritizes healthy eating. Thorpe believes that healthy eating is crucial not just for physical well-being, but also for maintaining a strong, resilient family. With three children— Layla (11), Lucy (9), and Maxwell (5)—Thorpe shares how she balances nutritious meals with the demands of family life and offers practical tips for busy military families looking to prioritize their health.
Why is healthy eating important to you?
For me, healthy eating is vital because I truly believe that food is medicine. The food we consume can either help or hurt our health. In the colder months when sunlight is limited and vitamin D levels can drop, what we eat becomes even more important. Nutrition plays a key role in boosting our immune system and overall health, which is especially crucial for staying strong and well throughout the year.
What's the best way to establish healthy eating habits with children?
The best way to establish healthy eating habits with children is to start early. From a young age, I introduced a variety of healthy foods to my kids. If you want your children to eat healthily, the first step is simple—don’t buy unhealthy foods. If they’re not in the house, no one will eat them. It’s also important to teach them why a food is healthy and how it helps their body. My kids understand what’s good for them, and they’re able to make healthy choices when we’re out at restaurants. Living by the example you set is crucial—they will follow your lead.
How do you make healthy eating a priority with a busy schedule?
Making time for healthy eating can be tough, but my number one tip is using an Instant Pot. It’s a lifesaver when I need to prepare meals in advance. I also set aside one day each week to prep meals or make freezer-friendly dishes. This way, I always have something nutritious ready to go, even on busy days. As a military spouse, I often find myself handling things solo, which makes it even more essential to provide my family with healthy, nourishing food. We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our loved ones.
I truly believe in eating whole, fresh foods, especially those sourced locally. Buying directly from farmers ensures the food is fresh and often more nutritious. I also advocate for purchasing a whole cow or half cow, which can be more cost-effective in the long run. I’m also a big fan of raw milk for its higher levels of vitamins and minerals. Lastly, I encourage everyone to start a sourdough starter—it’s simple and beneficial for your health. For more tips, visit my blog or Instagram at @shelbyelizabeth_asforourhouse.
Some of my top nutritious meals
LASAGNA SOUP
1 onion peeled and chopped
sweet Italian sausage seasonings
24 oz can of tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
lasagna noodles
Let the noodles cook and when noodles are soft add 1 cup of ricotta cheese
BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN BAKE
1 onion peeled and chopped
2-3 chicken breast cooked and chopped up
2 cups of broccoli
(1) 8 oz cream cheese
seasonings
sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
Throw everything into dish and place it in oven at 400° for 30 minutes. Cook and add some bacon on top for more flavor.
SOURDOUGH PIZZA
(If you are wondering how to bake sourdough or how to make your own starter check out my blog at Asforourhouse.com)
1/2 cup of sourdough starter
1 1/2 cup of flour
1/2 water
1/4 organic corn meal
spray with some avocado oil
seasonings
Add all your toppings and bake at 380° for roughly 15 minutes
SHEET PAN DINNERS
(These dinners you can do so much with and put anything on the sheet pan)
Tukey kielbasa, whole chicken spatchcocked, Italian sausage and any veggies you want. I usually do onion, peppers, or roasted potatoes.
Drizzle olive oil on there, some salt and pepper, and you have a great meal!
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