This Mom Installed a Salad Bar in Her Kitchen for Her 9 Kids' Healthy Eating

The mother of nine aimed to provide her children with a healthier diet, so she decided to have a professional salad station fitted into her kitchen.

"I tend to be quite extravagant," Melanie Cade, 37, from Alabama, shares. GudangMovies21 .

Cade and her spouse have nine kids together: Anita, who is 19 years old; TJ, aged 17; Nathaniel, 14; twins Mason and Madison, both 12; Zachary, 8; Jacob, 5; Noah-James, 4; and Charity, just 10 months old.

About two years back, the pair purchased a $1,300 salad station from a restaurant equipment retailer, aiming for their kids to enjoy healthier meals and gain more independence when cooking at home. This once simple buy has turned into one of the household’s favorite features; Cade posts clips showcasing not only the salad setup but also various strategies she employs to manage life in a big family across different platforms online.

A recent video In which Cade demonstrates how she replenishes her salad bar, has garnered over 5 million views on Instagram.

I maintain a strict household," explains Cade, who teaches her children at home. "Although my kids enjoy cookies and chips, I noticed an unhealthy reliance on pre-packaged snacks during the pandemic since they were easily accessible.

Cade remarks, "I noticed my children picking up poor habits that were convenient and simple for both them and me."

The refrigerated salad bar holds seasonal vegetables and healthy fats, like shredded cheese, hard boiled eggs and sliced turkey or chicken.

At the base of the refrigerated salad bar, you can find bagels, cream cheese, whole fruits, juice boxes, and salad dressings stored.

Cade allocates $100 each week for fresh fruits and veggies as well as premium cuts of meat, mentioning that this approach is more economical. She also notes that owning a deli slicer contributes to these savings.

The mom suggests that the key is making food visually appealing.

I've discovered that children dine based on visual appeal, so presenting food attractively elicits a 'Wow' response from my kids," explains Cade. "They notice the vibrant hues and different textures as well as the assortment available.

Cade mentions that the salad bar helps her children learn to estimate their portion sizes on their own. serve themselves , realizing that if anybody needs more food, "We can always return for additional servings."

Cade's kitchen doesn't just shine because of its salad bar; she also has a slush machine for making frozen beverages during family film evenings.

Cade acknowledges that her setup might not be feasible for every family, yet she maintains that it’s more achievable than most people imagine. Her salad bar started In her refrigerator's produce drawer, where each ingredient is stored in separate containers.

My entire mission is to assist others in recognizing...their potential," states Cade. "That's all I aspire to achieve.

This piece was initially released on GudangMovies21