Sheesh

When I am nowhere near a computer there is no end to the blog ideas I can come up with. As I'm out on a run or driving in the car I come up with some great stuff. Then a couple minutes come for me to sit down at the computer and its like "chirp chirp, chirp chirp" . . . nada. So that brings me to my title of Sheesh!
Anyway, last week I read an article in our local paper about how lifestyle choices are costing the U.S. big dollars in that health care costs comprise $2 trillion of our national debt. Most of these costs are spent on preventable conditions such as Diabetes. This $2 trillion works out to $7000 per capita and the writer of the article (side note here- her name is Diane Welker and I had the privilege of meeting her at a baby shower for a mutual friend and she is really lovely and very knowledgeable about nutrition) says "If you are shoveling microwave and fast food dinners into your children's mouths, you owe me $7,000."
Now, I make a pretty concerted effort to make well-rounded, healthful meals that we sit down to eat as a family. But I always feel like there is more I could be doing. I know that promoting healthy eating now will stay with my kids through their whole lives. So, I want to just put it out there for all you moms who read to share just one idea of tip that you use to help your family eat more healthfully. Please - do share!
One more thing - I had a request from my friend Tricia to share my whole wheat chocolate chip pancakes recipe - and I'm delighted to do so.

1 large egg
1 cup whole wheat flour (or 1/2 cup whole wheat and 1/2 cup all-purpose)
3/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp packed brown sugar
2 Tbsps vegetable oil
3 tsps baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (this is totally a guess - I just dump in until I'm satisfied)
Note: I also add flax seed and wheat germ to give these an extra healthy boost - the more of this stuff I add the more chocolate chips I feel entitled to dump in@

DIRECTIONS - Note: I use my KitchenAid mixer to make these - SO fluffy!
Beat egg in medium bowl until fluffy. Beat in milk and oil.
In a separate bowl sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add all at once to mixer and mix at low speed until combined. Add chocolate chips.
Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat or to 375 degrees. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup batter hot griddle.
Cook pancake until puffed and dry around edges.
Turn and cook other side until golden brown.