Mindful Kitchen: Teaching Kids Life Skills, Gratitude and Reducing Food Waste

What if your kitchen could be more than a place to cook? In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Licensed Therapist and Mom Coach Vanessa De Jesus Guzman speaks with Janet, founder of My Mindful Kitchen and creator of the MMK Method.

Janet brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality, education, and sustainability - and she believes the kitchen is where parenting, connection, and mindfulness come alive. Together, we explore how everyday food routines can teach kids gratitude, life skills, and eco-friendly habits, while also reducing food waste at home.

This isn’t about picture-perfect meals. It’s about creating moments of learning, laughter, and connection around the table. Whether you’re looking to involve your kids in cooking, reduce your grocery waste, or simply bring more presence to mealtimes, this episode offers practical strategies you can use right away.



EPISODE DESCRIPTION
Why the kitchen is the perfect place to teach kids life skills and values
Practical ways to reduce food waste and save money at home
How mindful eating builds gratitude and family connection
Creative ways to involve kids in shopping, cooking, and meal planning
What the Mindful Kitchen Method is and how it can help your family


TUNE IN TO LEARN
✔ How to transform mealtimes into mindful, meaningful family moments
✔ Easy strategies to reduce food waste in your kitchen
✔ Fun and simple ways to get kids engaged with food
✔ Why gratitude and curiosity matter at the dinner table



FREEBIE
https://www.mymindfulkitchen.com/ebook-becoming-a-mindful-foodie



FIND JANET
https://www.mymindfulkitchen.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mmkmethod/
https://www.instagram.com/mmkmethod/


TAKEAWAY MESSAGE
Your kitchen can be more than a place to make meals — it can be a space for connection, gratitude, and teaching kids lessons that last a lifetime.


120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


1:1 PRIVATE COACHING FOR MOMS
https://www.amigamoms.com/coaching


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.