Packing Your Kids a Healthy Lunch

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mFyk_3tRAScq6n_LMw5b7FHHXkzVyocWy0onWb7uratlRIde_8cxTgwA67q6g6RAys2D0x_Q-LIwq4ycprQhHLMLpuWJbtC2d8qEfy3y4h9_GpKP3aDmp4aYiiPDHLYdBYSKbVfEybUo/s1600/packing+healthy+lunches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mFyk_3tRAScq6n_LMw5b7FHHXkzVyocWy0onWb7uratlRIde_8cxTgwA67q6g6RAys2D0x_Q-LIwq4ycprQhHLMLpuWJbtC2d8qEfy3y4h9_GpKP3aDmp4aYiiPDHLYdBYSKbVfEybUo/s640/packing+healthy+lunches.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether you are packing your children’s lunches for a fun day at the beach, a play date with their friends, or school, adding healthy choices in their lunchbox is important! You want to make sure they are growing strong and healthy. A healthy lunch can be a challenge to prepare. Kids are susceptible to pressures from their peers and the media when it comes to food options. Overcoming these influences is difficult, but it can be done! Here’s how!</span></span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-82357cdf-2834-5400-e80f-de63f1e061b6" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a Conversation</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first step in creating a healthy lunch is having a conversation with your children about healthy food! Help them understand what “healthy” means and how healthy choices will be good for their bodies and brains! Kids want to grow, and they want to be strong and smart. Tell them about the healthy aspects of certain vegetables, fruits, nuts, and proteins. The more they know, the more they will be interested in the food they consume. </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Decide what kinds of foods you would reasonably be able to pack in a healthy lunch. Make a list. With the list of foods that you have created, ask your children to pick their favorites! Involving your children in the preparation will make them more excited about the process! Then, you can pack nutritious lunch options based on their healthy preferences.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Know the Basics</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is important that your children eat well-rounded meals. What constitutes a healthy lunch? There are many ways to get proper nutrition, but the basics come down to protein, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. Putting the basics into each healthy lunch will give your children a nutrient dense diet, helping them grow strong!</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that you have a general idea of what to pack, it’s time to pack it right! A healthy lunch is only healthy if it is properly stored and maintained. To create a portable lunch, you’ll need ice packs, a lunch box, a stainless steel thermos, and air-tight microwave safe containers.  To involve your children even more in this process bring, them along when you go shopping for these essentials. Let them pick the color thermos they like, the shape of the ice packs, and the design of the lunch box! Just make sure the lunch box is well-insulated and roomy enough to store the containers and the thermos.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fun Food Ideas</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To keep things interesting for your kids, here are some fun food ideas for healthy lunches. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kids tend to love finger food! Try making your own healthy version of pre-packaged lunch snacks. Pack whole grain crackers, fresh deli meats, and slices of your child’s favorite cheese. Then, they get to put all the food together as if it is their own creation!</span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another great finger food option is a pinwheel wrap. Take your whole grain wrap and put in the ingredients that your kids desire. Tightly wrap and then place toothpicks through the wrap about an inch apart. Cut between the toothpicks and you will have bite-sized pieces that have all the colors of the ingredients! It is a pretty finger food that your kids will love, too.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can also try using long kebab sticks for a variety of lunch options. You can make fruit kebabs, meat and cheese kebabs, or vegetable kebabs. It is a simple way to add variety to your kids’ healthy lunch.</span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With these ideas in mind, planning and packing a healthy lunch for your kids is easy and fun. You may even want to pack your own healthy lunch! If you are looking to pursue a healthier lifestyle and improve the lives of your family, please </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! I can help you get on track with food, fitness, and a healthier approach to living!</span></span>

clean lunch ideas, eating healthy, family, fitness, health, healthy choices, healthy family, kids, Kids Health, lunch, tips to eat clean

Packing Your Kids a Healthy Lunch

Whether you are packing your children’s lunches for a fun day at the beach, a play date with their friends, or school, adding healthy c...

Family Fitness Ideas To Try Together

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfvedpW03qno4qkyzvKR4ITdpSE13bL1OUErp5SRrWVRUCyyBXWaWg-KP41pySiqwPenfEIWvX5j029ZQdXWY_9xkzgodo3yfxEmPSwmQuEl3YEWLoRh8-_d3aVN5UYXWaa61KsV_4LhR/s1600/FamilyFitness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Soccer ball on grass for family fitness routine" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfvedpW03qno4qkyzvKR4ITdpSE13bL1OUErp5SRrWVRUCyyBXWaWg-KP41pySiqwPenfEIWvX5j029ZQdXWY_9xkzgodo3yfxEmPSwmQuEl3YEWLoRh8-_d3aVN5UYXWaa61KsV_4LhR/s1600/FamilyFitness.jpg" title="" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Family fitness routines are a great way to have fun with the whole family while you stay fit and active! If you struggle to fit a workout into your busy routine, finding ways to be active while you spend time with your family can make it that much easier! While family fitness may not mean pumping iron at the gym, it can provide plenty of opportunities to get out and be active together. It can also help your children develop a healthy knowledge and appreciation of fitness that will benefit them for a lifetime! If you want some ideas for family fitness routines, I have a few to help get you started!</span></span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-9e1335c0-408b-a93e-744a-f9cc383da5fc" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cycling.</b></span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If your kids love to bike around the neighborhood, why not make it a family fitness activity? Hop on your bike and tag along with your older children. For little ones who are just getting started, you can go for a run, as they pedal along. You’ll be able to get in a run, but still be able to give them some help if they need it. If you have especially little ones, you can purchase a trailer to attach to your bike. They can sit and enjoy the outdoors while mom and dad get a workout!</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Hiking and Camping.</b></span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For families that love the great outdoors, a camping trip is full of family fitness opportunities. You can spend your days hiking, fishing, canoeing, and swimming together and then spend your evenings relaxing by the campfire. If you’re not able to get away for a few days, or simply aren’t the outdoorsy type, try making a day trip to a local park instead. You can still enjoy some fun outdoor activities, but then come home and relax in your comfy bed!</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Team Sports.</b></span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Organized sports are another fun way to enjoy some family fitness. Play kickball, soccer, or football in small teams in your backyard or at a local park. Don’t be afraid to be flexible about the rules. The goal is to be active and have fun while you do it. If you’re short on players, recruit a few other children from the neighborhood.</span></span></div> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Try a few of these family fitness ideas this summer, and you'll find that fitting in a daily workout will be so much easier...and more fun! One of the most important things I’ve learned is that finding a fitness routine you truly enjoy makes it that much easier to stick with it. If you are looking for some guidance on how to start your fitness journey, </span><a href="http://www.afitnurse.com/p/schedule-appointment-to-chat-with-me.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contact me</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> today! I can help you find a fitness and nutrition plan that will help you reach your goals.</span></span>

exercise and fitness, family, fitness, fun workout, health and fitness, healthier life, healthy family, Kids Health, motherhood

Family Fitness Ideas To Try Together

Family fitness routines are a great way to have fun with the whole family while you stay fit and active! If you struggle to fit a workout...

Teaching Children About Health Is Vital

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFBXrAJzSk_fHIUmb8Rj-eO4l15iMDqWu6PkAKM_DTSsomC5VskPEsn7HcSNinvOaK2UbdZmERL_Cp2aKxRIoJw7YLwh857XnU4kLHO1pZLeZk5c00WIi4_thbh3jutkaO4787dsm2jki/s1600/Teaching_Children_Health.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Child's hands holding blueberries after parent made teaching children about health a priority. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFBXrAJzSk_fHIUmb8Rj-eO4l15iMDqWu6PkAKM_DTSsomC5VskPEsn7HcSNinvOaK2UbdZmERL_Cp2aKxRIoJw7YLwh857XnU4kLHO1pZLeZk5c00WIi4_thbh3jutkaO4787dsm2jki/s1600/Teaching_Children_Health.png" title="Teaching children." /></a></div> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a Beachbody coach and a mother, I believe that teaching children about health is vital. And I’m not saying forcing them into healthful eating. I'm talking about teaching children WHY it’s important to eat healthily and regularly exercise. It does take a little extra time and effort, but the outcome provides a promising outlook for a healthy future.</span><br /> <div> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Benefits Of Teaching Children About Health</span><br /><br /><b>Enforces Healthy Habits</b></span><br /> <div> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>Teaching children about health from the beginning helps enforce healthy habits as they grow up. If they start eating a side salad at dinner every night, it will become routine for them. Hopefully, those healthy habits will continue for the rest of their lives.<br /><b><br />Produces Healthy Preferences</b><br /><br />When children eat healthfully in their youth, they often prefer the taste of whole foods over the taste of processed foods. Plus, their bodies will typically feel the toll of processed foods when they do eat them, so they will continue to recognize the value of getting proper nutrition, daily. Teaching children to eat healthy food every day can help them favor it in the future.<br /><br /><br /><b>Generates Curiosity</b><br /><br />If children start learning why they eat healthily and exercise daily, they’ll start to wonder why they would do anything else. Teaching children the reasoning behind healthy decisions can help get their minds thinking about why they do what they do. That encourages healthy, thought-out decisions. <br /><br /><br /><b>Prevents Unhealthy Futures</b><br /><br />If children are eating healthy and getting enough exercise from the beginning, there shouldn’t be a need to spend time and energy on correcting habits. Establishing healthy lifestyles can prevent things like obesity and obesity-related diseases. It can also eliminate the need for extreme health changes, which can be difficult. Because of this, teaching children about the importance of health can have a profound influence on their future.<br /><br /><br /><b>Inspires Action</b><br /><br />Teaching children the importance of health and exercise means you will be keeping them active. Being active gives children all the great benefits of exercise and fresh air. Plus, when they are running around outside, they aren’t fostering sight and posture issues by sitting and staring at a screen.<br /><br /><br />Do you agree that teaching children about health is essential? I hope so! Becoming a Beachbody coach is a great way to establish a healthy lifestyle and learn about how to incorporate health into your life, your family members' lives, and your friends' lives. <a href="https://alyssaschomaker.wufoo.com/forms/royal-republic-coach-apprenticeship-information/">Click here</a> to learn more about becoming a Beachbody coach.</span></div> </div>

Alyssa schomaker, beachbody. beachbody coach, children, eating health, health, healthy foods, Healthy recipes, kids, Kids Health, motherhood, Recipes, teach health

Teaching Children About Health Is Vital

As a Beachbody coach and a mother, I believe that teaching children about health is vital. And I’m not saying forcing them into healthful ...

Tips and Tricks For Making Homemade Baby Food

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPrafvLUGQpEke5m_qP5mCdF_7M91bn7n0gwbmqoaV6ZuIf5VBYkcdyPPGXRdgW9BMRJE9QC4wq3EANrfj7jNb-1v_NcCPEVgE6jLoO3awcoLoeOZ8jgrT47KLnAh6J8yVwyAYkvPhT4R/s1600/homeade_baby_food.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jar full from making homemade baby food. " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPrafvLUGQpEke5m_qP5mCdF_7M91bn7n0gwbmqoaV6ZuIf5VBYkcdyPPGXRdgW9BMRJE9QC4wq3EANrfj7jNb-1v_NcCPEVgE6jLoO3awcoLoeOZ8jgrT47KLnAh6J8yVwyAYkvPhT4R/s1600/homeade_baby_food.png" title="jar of homemade baby food" /></a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">Introduce your babies to eating clean right away by making homemade baby food! This is an awesome way to start your kids off on a healthy foot right away. If you have older kids, they can help with making homemade baby food and learn about the health benefits of each ingredient.</span></div> <b id="docs-internal-guid-b06ed009-a355-7f58-184b-b1214728dc36" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Benefits of Making Homemade Baby Food</span></span></h4> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">I love being able to see all the ingredients that go into my food and my baby’s food. That’s why making homemade baby food is a great option! All the ingredients are fresh and have no preservatives or added sugars, making it the most nutritious option for babies. </span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Allergies are less likely and easy to pinpoint in babies when they eat homemade baby food, since you know exactly what went into each meal. It takes a little extra time to start making homemade baby food, but I highly encourage it! You can usually start incorporating baby food into the diet when your baby is around six months old, but make sure to check in with your pediatrician first.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Precautions for Making Homemade Baby Food</span></span></h4> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Be sure to use the highest degree of cleanliness when making homemade baby food; you don’t want any bacteria making it’s way into the food or getting your baby sick. </span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Remember, all kids have different taste preferences, so they won’t always like everything - it’s not your fault! Pay attention to if the child has any allergy-like symptoms so you can narrow down which ingredient your baby might be allergic to.</span></span></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Always consult your pediatrician before trying any new foods with your infant to make sure they are safe and will have nutritious value to your growing baby.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Making Homemade Baby Food</span></span></h4> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">When you start incorporating foods into your baby’s diet, try using just one ingredient to start off with. Avocados, bananas and sweet potatoes are great options for first-time food eaters because they are delicious, nutritious and easy to digest.</span></span></div> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">For avocados, de-pit and scrape out the soft part of the avocado. Then, simply mash until smooth. </span></span></div> </li> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">For bananas, peel the banana and then puree in a blender or food processor. Make sure it is a ripe banana so it is nice and soft when pureed.</span></span></div> </li> </ul> <ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">For sweet potatoes, wash and poke holes in the sweet potato with a fork and then wrap in tin foil. Cook in an oven at 400 degrees until soft, about 30 minutes. Puree with blender or food processor.</span></span></div> </li> </ul> <b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></b> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">You can also add formula or breast milk to any of these if the consistency doesn’t seem smooth or soft enough for your baby to eat. </span></span></div> <br /> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 4pt; margin-top: 4pt;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #444444;">Making homemade baby food is such a fabulous way to get into the clean eating habit. I recommend talking to your pediatrician about it before you begin. Your pediatrician should be able to direct you to some great resources with recipes and the best ingredients to try!</span></span></div> <div> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>

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Tips and Tricks For Making Homemade Baby Food

Introduce your babies to eating clean right away by making homemade baby food! This is an awesome way to start your kids off on a healthy...

Improving your child's health through Real Food

<h2 class="single-entry-title"> How to Make a Difference in Your Child’s Health with Real Food</h2> <div class="linebreak"> </div> <div class="entry-content"> <div style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;"> </div> I love this article from Articulture Society about improving your children's health by consuming real food! I am a pediatric nurse who is certified in school nursing so this article really hit home with me!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.mypicshares.com/picdump.php?id=1187&sid=eda18180f95595e24df076fcd8c21ea6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.mypicshares.com" border="0" height="320" src="http://www.mypicshares.com/picdump.php?id=1187&sid=eda18180f95595e24df076fcd8c21ea6" width="400" /></a></div> Do you spend time reinforcing good health habits with your child? There are a variety of messages sent to children from many sources about health. Many of these messages contain false information, so it is important to help your child understand the reasons why.<br /> Food manufacturers, for example, label foods they sell as “healthy”, “natural“, “trans fat free”, “whole grains” or “low-fat“. Do these claims make foods healthy? Although the pressure to buy these products is always there, it’s important to realize that our children’s health begins with us. If we don’t go beyond store bought foods and educate ourselves about what will keep our children healthy during the formative, developmental years, it will have negative effects for the rest of their lives.<br /> <br /> With that said, it’s critical for children to receive healthy, proteins, and cholesterol for brain, heart, and other body organ system health and development. So it’s up to us, the parents, to be willing to go outside of what conventional wisdom recommends for nutrition, as most conventional ideas about what is believed and taught is actually harmful for children’s health.<br /> Making smart choices for your child’s diet really can make an enormous difference in their ability to learn and develop, ward off illness and disease, maintain energy and focus, stay physically active and keep moods balanced out.<br /> Be interested and interactive with your child about healthy choices for health and life. Here are some suggestions:<br /> <ul> <li><strong>Just like grownups, children need real foods with full fats and proteins for good health.</strong> Foods with fat are replete with essential nutrients our bodies need to maintain various functions. If you aren’t eating these foods already, consider the following: raw milk, grass-fed meats and poultry, eggs from pasture-raised hens, organic fruits and vegetables, raw, sprouted nuts and seeds, whole, sprouted and soaked grains, rice, and legumes. Foods that have been processed (changed or altered somehow) with preservatives, chemicals, pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics, high-heat, or are low-fat or non-fat are all foods we should avoid consuming. Real, traditional, whole foods from nature provide the correct balance of nutrients and other essential components (like essential fatty acids, antioxidants, co-factors, and enzymes necessary for absorption, correct digestion, and good health).</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>If you are on a budget, don’t despair. You can still make some healthy changes without overspending.</strong> Removing processed foods and replacing with real foods are the main idea. Try making nutritious broths from scratch with bones, water, salt, celery, carrots, and onions. You can add a little meat to it for more sustenance and this can make several meals. Include plenty of vegetables, some sprouted bread with plenty of butter, and you will have a nutritious, economic meal.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Help your child to understand the connection between a healthy immune system and a healthy diet, which keeps you from becoming sick.</strong> When children eat healthy foods and have energy, focus, and feel good, they will be more motivated to make healthy choices as they grow older.</li> </ul> <ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52bKF5LgTF8TZcxvHG0PTwQvc0PGLQ2iJBksJ8k8BDnSBs-hKAlzxiFPewtaMF61nS-K3kYiy3lHauKzQ_usOHhc8DY7qER9RD8CNVv4H9AKkwl7YWzAOM13gW4PPsHUgVDgjGfHB65ob/s1600/thCARAALG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52bKF5LgTF8TZcxvHG0PTwQvc0PGLQ2iJBksJ8k8BDnSBs-hKAlzxiFPewtaMF61nS-K3kYiy3lHauKzQ_usOHhc8DY7qER9RD8CNVv4H9AKkwl7YWzAOM13gW4PPsHUgVDgjGfHB65ob/s1600/thCARAALG1.jpg" /></a> <li><strong>Provide a good variety of healthy cooked and raw foods.</strong> Also consider fermented, raw foods that are nutrient-rich such as yogurt and kefir. Fermented foods are naturally rich in friendly bacteria and have a profoundly positive effect on both the immune and digestive systems.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Avoid as much as possible, refined sugars and processed foods. </strong> Beware of processed foods that are believed to be healthy such as pasteurized dairy, low-fat foods, cereals, crackers, tortillas, pastas, food bars, and store-bought breads (those that are not from soaked, sprouted, or fermented grains). </li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Spend time in the kitchen with your child, helping them to learn how to make healthy, delicious foods to serve in your home.</strong> Let your child experiment and become exposed to the process of making healthy foods.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>If traditional, whole foods are new to you, start some research about where to shop in your local area as well as on the Internet.</strong> Learn about traditional foods for a good foundation for your child’s health. </li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Shop for food with your child.</strong> Let your child be involved in going to the health food store, farmer’s market, or local farm where you buy food. The more your child becomes connected to where food comes from, the more active and interested he or she will be in eating healthy.</li> </ul> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyPPo7P0xhVDKOmX-RxlhRy-CQC9jn2RrJtoj46TSq3E7lZnl0iLMtHx2QMinXdO2o2UzvJsn-bUcF2utnjYN8uMgpQfj57ijPy6qE_Moi38XCYSJEgFFvb9L3oNyl9z7usUNeLKE-2hH/s1600/kidsexerciser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyPPo7P0xhVDKOmX-RxlhRy-CQC9jn2RrJtoj46TSq3E7lZnl0iLMtHx2QMinXdO2o2UzvJsn-bUcF2utnjYN8uMgpQfj57ijPy6qE_Moi38XCYSJEgFFvb9L3oNyl9z7usUNeLKE-2hH/s1600/kidsexerciser.jpg" /></a></div> <ul> <li><strong>Vegetables are important, but they should be properly prepared and served with healthy fats.</strong> Serving vegetables with butter, olive oil, or animal fats like lard and tallow is very important to ensure absorption of the nutrients in these foods. Animal fats contain fat-soluble vitamins which help with digestion of vegetables and fruits. Another great way to serve vegetables is by culturing and fermenting them. Here’s a great article about <a href="http://bodyecology.com/articles/cveggies.php">how to make your own cultured vegetables at home</a> from Donna Gates (Body Ecology). Cultured vegetables not only provide more nutrients than raw or cooked vegetables, but also contain beneficial bacteria known as probiotics which support your child’s immune and digestive system.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Breakfast is the most important meal of the day since the body has been in a fasting state for many hours.</strong> It can be an especially challenging time to get in enough nutrients. Fats and proteins are important, but also consider vegetables as a possible component of breakfast. Be willing to think differently about breakfasts and consider preparing items like eggs from pasture-raised hens with no-nitrate bacon or sausage from naturally raised beef or pork. You can incorporate all types of vegetables as well as leftover meats into omelettes such as broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, squash, and zucchini. </li> </ul> <ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUakH4Vat2LJa5Kc7ph9P7JvmvE1BkOVMbLTiTv4m2bNWe-qbC1omYZVL0gWGRAyxtqG1bbLvRwJqxRtT81xjVVPgQr6Yek6jHSE5QRRhzEBYy5ZUhl0qz6PgKzK0yoUNozZ0hmWiqvaQ/s1600/Obesity-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUakH4Vat2LJa5Kc7ph9P7JvmvE1BkOVMbLTiTv4m2bNWe-qbC1omYZVL0gWGRAyxtqG1bbLvRwJqxRtT81xjVVPgQr6Yek6jHSE5QRRhzEBYy5ZUhl0qz6PgKzK0yoUNozZ0hmWiqvaQ/s320/Obesity-3.jpg" width="305" /></a> <li><strong>Plant a garden with your child, whether it be a community garden, a school garden, or a garden in your own backyard.</strong><br />Teach your child about the importance of sustainable and organic foods and why organics are superior to the conventionally-grown variety.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Model good eating habits with your children by eating the same kinds of foods with them when you are together.</strong> Even though your child will show some rebellion about some things, he or she really will be affected by your habits, and try to emulate the things you do.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Become an activist in your community and encourage your child to follow along.</strong> Children learn by example and if your actions show that you care about healthy food, your children will grow to care about it as well.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Communicate to your child that although eating healthy is important, it’s what a person does 90 percent of the time that counts.</strong> Occasionally there will be situations where eating healthy is simply not possible – due to outings or visits with other important people in your life who may not follow your philosophy. Be reasonable about these instances, as your child will only have access to food provided to him or her by the responsible adult, or possibly older children.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>In instances where your child will be away from home, such as school lunch or on other outings, consider sending healthy foods in a sack to encourage good eating habits while he or she is not in your care. </strong></li> </ul> <ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4hsl2l0rCGs8eXb3lHfUMyu4lfChThJRY0YfhkGl8zU3OWhGlRGVammS11MYscUmYfuHPF8zHogf54GA7kSXvQldGwjiefz_so78u9wUMMvciOeIOWGxVL5RukilHAW7Ec738cZ9vmpo/s1600/145100419215741211_nL0Pq6bt_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4hsl2l0rCGs8eXb3lHfUMyu4lfChThJRY0YfhkGl8zU3OWhGlRGVammS11MYscUmYfuHPF8zHogf54GA7kSXvQldGwjiefz_so78u9wUMMvciOeIOWGxVL5RukilHAW7Ec738cZ9vmpo/s320/145100419215741211_nL0Pq6bt_c.jpg" width="235" /></a> <li><strong>When you are planning to make changes in your child’s diet from processed to traditional foods, it may be most effective to integrate changes gradually.</strong> You can replace some items right away that are unhealthy with healthy choices you know your child will like. The more you expose your child to the healthier choices, the more he or she will come to expect eating those foods and enjoy them.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Don’t become discouraged if your child resists change.</strong> Be willing to rotate by offering different choices and provide encouragement and perhaps a reward like a fun outing or a break from school work or chores now and then as incentives to try new foods. If your child isn’t eating something you believe he or she should be, take a break from the food and return to it in a few weeks or a month. Above all, keep trying!</li> </ul> </div>

Kids Health

Improving your child's health through Real Food

How to Make a Difference in Your Child’s Health with Real Food I love this article from Articulture Society about improving your chil...