We may call my mom Baba, but she doesn’t always live up to the title (seen here with my daughter). She doesn’t wear a babushka, isn’t a fan of gardening beyond some bedding plants and a few roses, and her own exercise regime means she will never criticize someone for being too skinny. But as a good Ukrainian girl herself she can lay claim to being a fantastic cook. As a kid I, of course, didn’t appreciate her skills. Nor the love she put into having a good meal on the table 6 nights out of 7. She worked full-time, did her fair share of chauffeuring three kids to competitive swimming, and volunteered with her church. Sure, we had our version of convenience foods, casseroles made with numerous tins of soup. But a few times a month she would be the kitchen, all of us settled with our housecleaning chores and homework. Before long the smells emanating from the kitchen would draw us out. Soups, fresh buns, donuts, and a great abundance of Ukrainian treats like pyrohy (pierogi) and holubtsi (cabbage rolls). As an adult, on my own and across the country, I daydreamed about hamburger soup and her banana bread . But it wasn’t until the craving for pyrohy hit, and hit hard, I realized how much I missed her and the food she fed us, her family. The search for pyrohy in the Maritimes was futile. Not a Ukrainian Baba to be found. Then Mom moved to the US for work. It wasn’t until we were living in the same city again that I dared ask her to show me her pyrohy. When I wanted pyrohy I called the only person who could really share with me. And in that recipe and our many afternoons together I discovered that being Ukrainian really is about family, about traditions, and still about Baba. Even if she hits the gym instead of the garden. Cheryl is a mom to two energetic and strong-willed little girls. It’s a good thing they already like her cooking. She blogs the family’s cooking and taste adventures at Backseat Gourmet. Related: Family Friday: Spring = Asparagus for Our New Guest Blogger Discuss: What Mom Dish Did You Hate Growing Up?

Janet asks: " What are some good foods to pack in my child’s lunch that will stimulate alertness and give them energy for the day?" Answer: Ever wonder why some children’s learning and behavior deteriorates after lunch? It's because some foods perk up the brain while others put it to sleep.­ A healthy lunch for school-age children contains a balance of complex carbohydrates, proteins and healthier fats. Heavy, high calorie, refined carbohydrate foods such as sugary granola bars, highly processed fruit snacks, chips, high fat muffins and cookies are likely to diminish your child's academic performance after lunch. Use this checklist to make a healthier lunch : • Choose lean proteins like turkey, chicken or bean based dips like hummus. • Include complex carbohydrates like whole grain bread, bagel, pita or crackers. Popcorn is also a whole grain and a fun snack for kids. Choose low fat popcorn with little added sodium. • Include at least one fruit and one vegetable serving. • Pack one serving of lower fat dairy products like light cheese strings or yogurt. • Include water to drink instead of sugary fruit juice or drinks. • Pack a fun treat like an oatmeal cookie or a milk pudding to round out the meal. Why not include your children in selecting the foods they want to find in their lunchboxes ? Taking your children grocery shopping allows them to have a say in what they eat. Having your younger children choose a fun lunchbox can also help them feel involved. Helpful lunchbox tips: Pack an ice pack to keep the lunch cold. Use a proper storage container to keep hot foods hot. Stay away from foods that are messy, get mushy, or have a strong smell. Make lunches the night before and store them in the fridge. Answer provided by Nadine Day, Registered Dietitian with President's Choice Product Development. Check out more better-for-you eating options in the 2010 Healthy Insider's Report® Do you have a question for our Dietitian? Ask below. DISCLAIMER: This information is for entertainment purposes only. The recommendations may not work for you, and should not take the place of the recommendations made by your own medical personnel. We are not responsible for the outcomes of any recommendations. Do not make any drastic changes to your diet without the supervision of your doctor/dietitian. For more information, please see a Registered Dietitian in your area. To find one, visit dietitians.ca. Ask a Dietitian appears every...