Archive for Health and Nutrition

Healthy Easter Treats for Kids

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post. While we appreciate our guest writer’s submissions, this does not constitute endorsement or agreement to the opinions expressed in the articles featured.

by Kelly Wilson

Easter baskets are a favorite tradition among kids of all ages. Although fun and festive for this time of year, our children can easily be overwhelmed with the amount of sugary treats inside those baskets.

Healthy Easter treats provide wholesome alternatives to traditional chocolate bunnies, and will help keep your holiday fun and delicious while keeping your kids healthy.

Go Organic

Organic treats provide healthy and delicious Easter products to use to fill a child’s basket. Many of these products use raw sugar, an alternative to high-fructose corn syrup, as well as avoiding harmful chemicals found in processed food.

There are many kinds of organic products, but I have a few personal favorites that I use as healthy Easter treats for my kids. Annie’s Homegrown items, like crackers and fruit snacks, are already bunny-shaped and perfect for Easter baskets. Peter Rabbit Organics also fits nicely into an Easter theme. Yummy Earth and Heavenly Organics provide all-natural, candy-specific alternatives as well.

Small Servings

If you choose to buy candy for your children’s Easter Baskets, smaller is better. Provide one miniature chocolate bunny instead of a large one, or a single-serve package of jelly beans instead of a huge bag of them. This will keep the temptation at bay to eat more and more sugar throughout the Easter holiday.

To cut down on refined sugar, consider providing homemade goodies instead of buying them at the grocery store. Many store-bought treats – like marshmallows, granola bars, cookies, and Rice Krispy treats – can also be made at home. When you make them yourself, you control the kinds of amounts of ingredients.

Although you may limit sugar, remember to help your kids monitor their intake as well as their activity after. “Even if your children eat a limited amount of candy, make sure they brush well immediately after eating them,” says Dr. Brett L. Johnson, DMD, a <a href=”http://www.oregoncitydentistry.com”>dentist in Oregon City</a>, Oregon. “This will keep plaque from forming on the surfaces of teeth and causing tooth decay.”

The Reason for the Season

The items that fill an Easter basket don’t need to be entirely food-related. Although the focus of Easter commercially centers around bunnies, chicks and candy, the reason for celebrating this holiday has an important spiritual element for many of us. When it comes to celebrating Easter with children, balance the bunnies and chicks with Easter-themed items like books, bookmarks, stickers, erasers, and pencils that remind them of what this holiday is all about.

As a more meaningful exercise, fill eggs with symbols of the Easter season that are meaningful to you and your family. Once your children open the eggs, discuss their significance in your lives, creating memories that will last.

Kelly Wilson is a busy mom and freelance writer. For more information about how to take care of your child’s teeth, visit Dr. Brett L. Johnson, DMD, a <a href=”http://www.oregoncitydentistry.com”>dentist in Oregon City</a>, Oregon.


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Yoplait Yogurt & National Nutrition Month

By posting this information I am being given a chance to win a prize provided by Yoplait through MyBlogSpark.

As we have previously mentioned, this month is is National Nutrition Month and there’s no better time than us to determine to commit to more wholesome snacking options. Getting enough calcium is very important and I try to get a portion of my calcium by eating yogurt as much as I can. I really enjoy Yoplait Yogurt when we buy it. It has great taste and is actually the brand I used to get my husband to start eating yogurt. His favorite is orange cream or creamsicle. We also like keylime, banana/strawberry and blueberry.

To give Yoplait a hand in expanding its community on Facebook, and to keep up with all the exciting news and offers they have, be sure to “Like” Yoplait on Facebook today.

Explore the many nourishing options that Yoplait has to offer – with varieties like Yoplait Light, Yoplait Original, Yoplait Fiber One, Yoplait Kids and Yoplait Delight Parfaits. Each product offers different benefits, and loads of variety, to make eating well a no-brainer. Here are five great ways to ‘get your snack on’ with Yoplait this March!

  1. Start spring off right with Yoplait Light’s Two Week Tune Up Plan – Replace breakfast and lunch with a cup of your favorite flavor of Yoplait Light, a whole grain and a piece of fruit and you could lose 5 pounds in two weeks. Go to Yoplait.com for full diet details.
  2. Get more calcium with Yoplait Original style yogurt – Now with two times the calcium of the leading yogurt (50 percent of the Recommended Daily Value) in one convenient 6-ounce cup*, Yoplait Original style yogurt is committed to women’s health, offering a product that has even more of the calcium women need for strong, healthy bodies. Grab a free cup while supplies last during the Million Cup Giveaway on Yoplait on Facebook!
  3. Try the newest flavor from Yoplait Fiber One – Yoplait Fiber One’s new Blueberry flavor yogurt is packed with filling fiber, calcium, vitamins A and D, real fruit and the great taste of blueberries. With only 50 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat, this deliciously creamy yogurt won’t break your calorie bank.
  4. Stress less over snack time with Yoplait Kids yogurt – With a wholesome and fun snack like Yoplait Kids yogurt in the fridge, you can feel good about what your children are eating at snack time. Yoplait Kids provides an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, and has 25% less sugar than the leading kids’ yogurt**. With yummy flavors, and favorite friends like Dora and Lightning McQueen on the packages, Yoplait Kids is a hit with moms and children alike.
  5. End the day with a Delight Parfait from Yoplait – Even with two luscious layers providing a double shot of rich and creamy yogurt, these 100 calorie indulgences from Yoplait contain only 1.5 grams of fat per serving. Now available in two new flavors, Chocolate Éclair and Cherry Cheesecake, you can enjoy a dessert that’s 100 percent guilt-free.

*Leading yogurt has less than 25% Daily Value calcium per 6 oz.

**Yoplait kids has 9 grams of sugar per 3oz. the leading kids’ yogurt has 13 grams of sugar per 3oz.

“Like” Yoplait on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and great opportunities to save on your favorite products from Yoplait yogurt.

***Just so you know: Coupon offers for Yoplait yogurt are not valid in all states.

  • Remember, Yoplait provided me with this information, and you can visit Yoplait on Facebook to become a fan

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    Interview with Dietician Katherine Brooking

    March is National Nutrition Month (don’t you just love the image above? I do!) and last week I had the privilege of interviewing Katherine Brooking, a registered dietician, who has appeared on national morning shows including the TODAY show, Live with Regis & Kelly, The Early Show on CBS, and Good Morning America Health. You can access her full bio here:

    Interview

    Moms are busy, what kinds of tips can you offer to help us take care of ourselves while taking care of our families?

    Yes, we moms tend to put ourselves last, but we need to put ourselves first because our health is critical to our family’s well-being.

    Double meals. Doubling them does not take that much more effort and will give you a meal for another day.

    Buy frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Cut up fresh veggies while on the phone or the night before so they are readily available the next day without much thought or effort.

    Munch on veggies while talking on the phone.

    Carry healthy snacks in your purse. Apples, pears, bananas, baby carrots will all transport easily, if you are a mom on the run.

    Get enough calcium/vitamin D. Did you know that 1/2 of all women over 50 will break a bone. Bone health is very important. Yoplait is still offering their Free cup giveaway of 1 Yoplait Original, which contains 2x calcium of other brands. This is an easy way to get the DRA of calcium our bodies need. They are also easy to carry and take with you.

    Maintain an healthy weight. Do something active every day.

    http://www.appforhealth.com/about-us/katherine-brooking

    What are some nutritional myths we may believe?

    There are so much weird info about sugar out there. Be mindful of added sugar in products because added sugar has no nutritional value. For example: A diabetic may not be able to eat a ripe banana because it has its highest sugar content at that stage. However, they may be able to eat a banana has lower sugar content when it is less ripe, plus it has potassium and vitamin C that everyone needs. It will depend on how they are maintaining their sugar levels. (if this question seems a bit “off” it is because I kind of interrupted with a blurb about how my mil, a diabetic, could not eat bananas or at least a whole one)

    Carbohydrates. There is a lot of confusion surrounding carbohydrates even though we are out of the Atkins fad diet. Carbohydrates are important in a healthy diet. The USDA is now recommending more whole grains, but choose wisely. Things like barley, quinoa, oats rather than cakes and cookies.

    Don’t eat after 7-8pm. So often TV watching triggers eating or a stressful day or you may just be a night time eater. If you eat after 7 o’clock, again make wise choices. It is the quality and quantity of food that matters. Choose low caloric foods and know that the body treats calories the same no matter what time of day it is.

    What can we do to teach our children to eat a healthy balanced diet?

    Many children have a relunctancy to eat new foods. Be a role model. Our example is important. They are more than likely to to follow our example. Therefore, if we are eating right, they will most likely eat well too.

    Contrary to popular belief, we do not have to serve 3-4 meals. As parents, we control the shopping, we choose the foods our families eat. Not in an ogre way; we don’t have to be short order cooks.


    Eat together.

    Be patient while introducing new foods. It takes 15-20x of exposure to a new food for it to grow on a child/person. This is not in a force way but a gentle way. Give options to pickier eaters, at least a couple of times in case one fails. This also gives a child the option to choose.

    Be persistent.

    Talk to children about healthy eating, not just about the food choices. Relate to them that if they want to be healthy and strong then eating healthy foods will help them grow, help them run faster. Children relate better to that official health terminology.(Not that we are advocating you eliminate health terminology from your vocabulary but often quick words of encouragement are more readily accepted.)

    What does “Eat Right With Color” mean and what is the easiest way to do this?

    It means a variety. Different colors offer different nutritional value. Seasonality is important too, if possible. Frozen veggies can play a huge role in this. Availability affects eating seasonally. Research shows there are more health benefits to eating more fruits and veggies.

    Finally, what kinds of things can you suggest we do to celebrate National Nutrition Month to make it fun for our families?

    Of course it will depend upon the ages of your children, but here are a couple to get you started:

    ~ Visit a local farm, it’s fun, shows children where our food comes from and shows support for local food.
    ~ Start a strawberry patch. Grow your own food.

    Thank you, Katherine, for sharing your expertise.

    Free Cup of Yoplait Original

    Remember, you can still get a free cup of Yoplait Original yogurt as part of the “Million Cup Giveaway” by going to www.facebook.com/yoplait or the direct link is http://www.facebook.com/Yoplait?sk=app_168462209855664

    Feel free to visit Katherine’s website too at


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    How to Peel a Boiled Potato Without a Peeler or Knife!

    I got this video in an email this morning and was very skeptical.  Thinking to myself, there’s no way you can peel a boiled potato without a peeler or knife.  Then I watched it. 

    YouTube – Dawn Wells Potato Peeling Video

    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7375897927147969009#

    How cool is that!  I’m trying this the next time I make potato salad.  It’s a great tip!  If you’ve done this, does it really work?   I wonder if she did that on Gilligan’s Island?


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    Review ~ Spiffies Wipes

    Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

    Spiffies Tooth Wipes Natural Grape Flavor

    I am pleased to review Spiffies Wipes. This innovative product has been a hit in our household! This product is an alternative to teeth brushing in young children. The wipe is a convenient square that is then wrapped around the finger. This, the finger with the wipe is used to brush the teeth. I have used these wipes on both my 2 year old and my 4 year old. The 2 year old prefers to use a regular toothbrush but will tolerate using the wipes. I think she likes the control of being able to brush her teeth on her own with the toothbrush, where I brush her teeth wit h the wipes. However, my 4 year old LOVES the wipes. He allows me to brush/wipe his teeth without any fuss.

    The wipes come in various flavors. We were given grape and apple to try. Both flavors were well received by my children http://www.spiffies.com/default.aspen without and “ick” factor. The only drawback to the product is once the wipe comes off your finger it leaves a sticky residue on your finger/hand. But it comes off easily after a quick hand washing with soap!

    This product contains Xylitol, which is a natural food substance, which gently fights cavity-causing bacteria. I believe this is a great product for children who are reluctant to brush, as well as a supplement for children who like to brush…you cannot go wrong with extra dental hygiene! This product can be found at most Drug Stores or at http://www.spiffies.com/default.asp


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    Review ~ Eardoc

    Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

    This is an interesting product. We have used this a few times and in each instance my children have said that their ear pain has diminished using the product. I have not had any ear pain myself so I can only rely on the honesty of my children.

    The product boasts the ability to relive ear pain immediately (which we did experience). It also states that it can be an alternative to ear tube surgery. This is a wonderful asset to the product because we went through this surgical process with my youngest and I wish there was a product like this out there when we were going through the process of ear infections.

    How does the Eardoc work? “Ear doc treats an ear infection by naturally opening the clogged Eustachian tubes, therefore allowing drainage of accumulated fluids outside of the middle ear and relieving the associated ear pain.” ~ Eardoc website http://www.eardoc.info/

    Basically, the Eardoc works by vibration…a vibration goes through the Eardoc and when placed behind the ear the vibration helps open the ear tubes. The vibration can be large or small, as the Eardoc has a mechanism on the side to adjust the vibration. The vibration is slight and does not hurt, even at the highest setting.

    All in all, this is a unique product that actually works! I will continue using it and provide my children with a natural way of relieving ear pain!

    n!


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    Enhance Your Immune System with Echinacea

    Enhance Your Immune System with Echinacea

    The cold and flu season is upon us and the H1N1 Virus has once again made the news, you may be wondering what you can do to improve your immune system. After all, no one wants to get sick. The good news is that there are very simple and natural things you can do to start enhancing your immune system right now.

    The first and often most common step is to take Echinacea. In fact, according to a study reported on MayoClinic.com, a 2006 study found that the likelihood of experiencing a clinical cold was 55% higher with placebo than with Echinacea. Here’s how to use nature’s addition to your medicine cabinet.

    #1 Forms of Echinacea

    Echinacea is a relative of the common coneflower. Echinacea purpurea herb is considered to be the most potent Echinacea species. They’re actually quite pretty and can be grown in your home garden. However, eating the flower isn’t going to give you the immune-boosting effects you need. It is the root of this plant which is said to hold the powerful properties.

    You can take Echinacea in the form of:

    * Tea
    * Juice
    * Extracts
    * Capsule or powder, supplement form

    You may also find Echinacea as part of an immune booster supplement

    #2 Be aware of its limitations and side effects

    Not everyone can take Echinacea, however. Some people can be allergic and suffer side effects. This is particularly the case if you’re allergic to ragweed, marigolds and daisies, and chrysanthemums. These side effects and complications can include:

    * Rash
    * Asthma
    * Anaphylaxis
    * Gastrointestinal side effects

    #3 Make it part of a routine

    To take Echinacea, it’s best to make it part of a daily routine. If you feel a cold coming on and rush to drink Echinacea tea, chances are it’s too late. Instead, make sure the supplement is safe for use – speak with your doctor if you’re unsure, and then find a form that appeals to you. It may be that you absolutely love the tea or perhaps a simple supplemental capsule better meets your needs.

    Echinacea is an herb that is still being studied for its immune-boosting properties. In the struggle to stay healthy and cold free this winter, it may be the best natural weapon you have. Take precautions, plan ahead and stay healthy!


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    Health & Garden Tuesday: 12 Essentials to Great Health

    This past weekend was the last essential oils class, which was on Healing Oils of the Bible – 12 Essentials to Great Health. The class was extremely interesting and so much information to absorb! I should have been posting about each class as we had them, but didn’t think of that until now. I loved learning more about these oils that I have heard about all my life as I listened to the scriptures being taught or read about them in the Bible myself.

    Each of these oils were made by God. He made the plants that contained these oils on the third day of creation. They are there for our benefit, enjoyment and use. God is the creator of healing properties in the essential oils and Jesus is the Great Physician.

    The twelve healing oils of the Bible are:

    Sandalwood
    Cassia
    Cedarwood
    Cypress
    Galbanum
    Frankincense
    Hyssop
    Myrrh
    Myrtle
    Onycha
    Cistus
    Spikenard

    I wish I had more time to post specific information on each oil, but hope to do so in the future. As you can see from my intro, I started this post a few weeks ago and am just posting it now since the essential oils classes have been over for a while now.

    I also bought the book on these 12 essential oils in hopes understanding more about them. I believe far too much knowledge has not been passed down through the generations so we have lost the knowledge people had during the time of Moses or Jesus about the healing properties of plants etc. It will be fascinating to learn these things so our children can then pass it on to their own children and so on.

    Here’s to the 12 Essentials to Great Health!


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    Health & Garden Tuesday: CSA Course Scholarships

    A couple of weeks ago we got word that we received a $320 scholarship to a CSA Course at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in Wisconsin. A CSA, for those unfamiliar with the term is:

    Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

    Plus, we had an educational scholarship of $150 granted to us as well, making an $800 course much more affordable to say the least!

    I started last week and thoroughly enjoyed the first class.


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    Now, what do you think of ObamaCare?

    Dr. David Janda explains rationing and why Dr. Rob Steele must defeat Dingell:


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