Mobile Post: Spiky Caterpillar
Posted by Rachel on:
Posted by Rachel on:
Posted by Rachel on:
Posted by Rachel on:
Here is a quick list that may help those of us who suffer from a gastrointestinal tract problem like:
IBS, heartburn, diverticulosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD), gallstones, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and/or bloating.
1. a lack of fiber and whole foods
2. refined food and sugar
3. overeating
4. excess fatty/rich foods
5. chemicals, pesticides, environmental toxins
6. stress and emotional turmoil
It's important to be mindful of what we eat.
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The other day I saw a father give a baby a sip of soda. A baby! I try not to judge other parents and how they raise their children, but I couldn't but help feel that it was some form of child abuse. As the baby looked at her father he smiled back, reassuring her that this sugary drink is really good and tasty. The father then gave the baby a bottle of milk (which seems like the more appropriate thing to do), but the expression on the child's face was clearly disappointed and confused.
Yesterday, I read this interesting article on boingboing. A psychologist Walter Mischel left pre-schoolers alone in a room with a marshmallow as an experiment (see video below). He gave them a choice between eating one marshmallow right away, or resisting temptation (for a few minutes) to receive two marshmallows.
It turned out that 20% of the children who resisted would go on to get higher SAT scores, have more friends, and have fewer anger issues. The article was mainly about the possible links between pollution and crime (and marshmallows), but I am interested in this kind of 'self-control' as it relates to consuming less sugar. I know that I want to teach my children the benefits of having restraint - especially when it comes to sugar.
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It's difficult to remember what produce is free of pesticide residues, so here is a helpful list to take with you while shopping.
DIRTY DOZEN*
-Strawberries
-Peaches
-Apples
-Celery
-Sweet Bell Peppers
-Nectarines
-Cherries
-Lettuce
-Grapes
-Pears
-Spinach
-Potatoes
* Highest in pesticides
CLEAN 15**
-Onions
-Avocado
-Sweet Corn
-Pineapple
-Mango
-Asparagus
-Sweet peas
-Cabbage
-Kiwi
-Eggplant
-Papaya
-Watermelon
-Broccoli
-Tomato
-Sweet Potato
** Lowest in pesticides
Source: Collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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Posted by Rachel on:
Instead of flowers...how about chocolate covered strawberries with coconut?? It's cheaper, healthier, yummier and romantic!
1- Basket of Organic Strawberries (Mesa Produce)
1- 5.3oz bar of 'Green & Black's' Organic Dark Chocolate (Lazy Bastards, I mean Acres)
1/2- Cup of Organic Coconut Shavings (in the bin section at Lazy's)
Nutrition Facts:
Strawberries- Flavonoids, Vitamin C
72% Dark Chocolate- Antioxidants
Coconut- Amino Acids, Fiber, Iron, Manganese
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It's a rare sight to see just veggies, fruit and a deli package on the conveyor belt. There is hope after all!
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To make this tasty healthy snack, grab Trader Joe's frozen Wild Alaskan salmon patties. From frozen, heat in a pan with olive oil (and squeeze some fresh lemon). Then, just add whatever fixings you like on your bun and your done!
What I did:
-spinach, tomato
-cream cheese
-soft french bread (buns also from TJ's)
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I was recently over at my friends house and she was putting together a plate of food for her 1 year old. As you can see, this plate of food is not the typical 'kid' dish you see parents giving their children for dinner. The varity was amazing!
Avocado,Strawberry,Blueberry,Garbanzo Beans,Tomato,Plum,Shredded Beets,Zucchini,Nectarines
I know this may not be possible to make such a spread of food on a regularly basis, but if you could do this once a week, your child will have a well rounded diet full of healthful nutrients. It may just be easier to chop up some veggies and fruit, than to create a cooked meal.
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It might be a good idea to start squeezing some fresh organic oranges or juice some apples slices for your children. Read the link below to see why it would be safer and more nutritious.
It looks like the Environmental Law Foundation found small amount of lead in children's juice boxes. Find out which ones were not safe.
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/06/14/report-lead-in-popul.html
Here is a simple recipe you could use to replace your children's juice box.
Infused Juice
8oz of fresh water
1/2 cup berries or orange (can use, mango, grapefruit, lemon, lime)
1/2 teaspoon or less of agave sugar (optional)
-Smash the fruit into pieces to infuse the water. Let is sit for 5-10 mins or more and strain into a sippy cup or regular glass. (picture is not accurate-juice needs to be strained)
Personal tip: I always dilute my juice. I prefer to have less sugar and I save money since the juice lasts 10x as long!
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Posted by Rachel on:
Posted by Rachel on:
Here's a handy little chart you can take with you when you go grocery shopping. You can also give it to your kids and they can help you pick out produce.
Check out this site for a printable version: mypapercrane.com
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Posted by Rachel on:
I suggested to one of my friends that she try cutting milk from her diet, thinking that she might be lactose intolerant . She was having trouble with gas, bloating, digestion, and allergies - typical symptoms if sensitive to dairy products. Two weeks after giving it a go, her trouble happily stopped.
Of course, it's not always so simple, but it is true that over half of the adult population has difficulty digesting milk. As we age, our bodies lose the ability to produce the enzyme, lactase, which is needed to help break down the lactose (milk sugar) found in milk.
In the first part of the video below (Dr. Katherine Pollard) discusses how certain cultures developed (evolved) the enzyme that is needed to digest cow (and goat) milk. Her research has led her to believe that - depending on our genetic lineage - some of us have retained that ability. Those of us who aren't so lucky just have to be more selective about dairy products.
If you are a milk or dairy lover, I would recommend getting your dairy products at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods or Lazy Acres. They have a wide selection of organic brands. Or if you can't for whatever reason there are always alternatives; see below:
Yogurt and Kefir - the bacteria help digest the lactase enzyme in our bodies
Lactaid Milk - adds the lactase enzyme back in to milk
Lactase pills
Cheese - has only .5 grams of lactose ( in moderation it may be tolerated as a treat )
Soy Milk
Almond Milk
Rice Milk
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Posted by Rachel on:
Posted by Rachel on:
Nutrition tips, recipes, and sneaky pictures from the check-out lane. I'm watching you, Santa Barbara.
