Welcome to Ask Clare, our advice column. Have a question, dilemma, or quandary? Send it to Clare in an email or on her Facebook page.
—–
Clare,
I started something new recently. One day a week I am cutting meat out of my diet entirely. I really want to stick with it but I feel like I need to get some inspiration for meals I can create at home. Any recommendation on veg-friendly spots in the valley? – Meatless Mondays
Meatless Mondays,
Good for you – I guess. A new vegetarian-friendly spot just opened up in Palm Desert this week, Wildest Greens. Whole Foods has lots of options for meat eaters and veggies alike. The old favorites (Native Foods, Nature’s Cafe) are in Palm Springs, as is the gem Chef Tanya’s. She opened about a year ago and does dinner takeout every Wednesday. Making dishes that include meat substitutes may be more of a chemistry experiment than you’re ready for. There are lots of dishes from around the world that are vegetarian or have veggie options. – Clare
—–
Clare,
My husband made a comment about our daughter being overweight. She is eight and a bit chubby. I am a full-bodied woman, something my husband has never complained about. He wants to put my daughter on a diet and get her to the gym. I do not want to give her a complex or body image issues but do want her to be healthy. How can we strike a balance?
– Big momma
Big momma,
Raising girls is hard for any number of reasons – but this one takes the cake (metaphorically, of course). Try eating healthier as a family that way it doesn’t seem like a punishment for your daughter. Also, then your husband gets a taste of his own medicine. Getting your little girl in physical activities is great but the gym isn’t for everyone, especially kids. Pick something she is interested in. – Clare
—–
Clare,
My wife is not the best cook. She really tries but I end up doing almost all of the cooking. When I suggest we eat out (which I do just a few times a week), she says she’d rather eat in. This means more work for me and sometimes I don’t feel like it. If I let her cook, I am disappointed and sneaking into the pantry for snacks. – Hungry husband
Hungry husband,
Set one or two times a week to dine out or get something delivered (Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Postmates) from a place within your budget. Schedule some cooking classes to take with your wife. There are also a ton of options for food kits that they mail with step-by-step recipes – they are almost impossible to mess up. Cooking together may not leave such a bad taste in your mouth. – Clare
Have something to add, do it in the comments below…
