Archive for October, 2010

Aisle 2: Look for Lean Ground Meat and Poultry, Ignore “Natural”Claims. Lean is the key word in this department. Read the label carefully because it’s natural to assume that ground turkey is lower in fat than hamburger, but this isn’t always the case. The key wording here is lean and white; packages labeled as such are markedly leaner than other brands.

Ground beef and hamburger are not nutritionally identical. Ground beef is usually leaner than hamburger because the latter can contain as much as 30% fat. Ground sirloin, ground round and lean ground beef will have the least saturated fat. In the meat aisle, natural means very little.

According to USDA, natural is about how the meat was processed not how the animals were raised. Instead look for poultry that is antibiotic free and red meats raised without hormones. Hormones are not allowed in the poultry or egg industry, so labels that say “hormone free” are a useless ploy to get you to buy their brand over another.

TIP: Always place meats, poultry and seafood in plastic bags to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria to other foods in your cart.

Thank you Kimberly Stewart for this Food News.  We did take out Kimberly’s reference to pork as we feel this “unclean” meat should be avoided.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

It's fall, harvest time for pecans!  They nourish your muscles, hair, brain, and ears (hearing).  Raw ones are best.  They taste great alone but also compliment salads, soup (grind them in water and stir this in for a rich creamy flavor), meats when ground up to replace bread crumbs, trail mixes - there are lots of way to enjoy pecans.  Of course pecan pie is an amazing treat!  (watch the sugar…)  Put pecans on your grocery list and keep them in the freezer until ready for use.  (prevents the oils from turning rancid.)

… for the health of families,
ellen and sally

Please fill in this blank: “It’s easier to ____________________ than figure out what to feed my kids every day.”  Answer in a comment or email your response to ellen@KidKritics.com.  We will chose one and send the “author” a signed copy of our new book after it is finished and hot off the press!  We look forward to hearing from you… more than one fill-in is encouraged!

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

It is getting close to the holidays when treats are served at parties.  Brownies are a favorite.  So if you are going to make some, choose gluten-free by Pamela’s.  This is a better choice whether you have wheat sensitivities or not.  Pamela’s new single serve package makes it so easy to mix and bake them in a microwave or traditional oven.  Kid Kritics had a great time making them.  Yes, they awarded this product their Kid Kritics Approved Seal. 

Reserve brownies for special occasions.  Remember, a little is just enough.  This is a “keep one in your cupboard product”  and you’ll be prepared when you get the call to bake some for a school fund-raiser.

…  for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

SWEET POTATOES  fuel your heart, eyes, skin, brain, ears, lungs and skin.  It is one of nature’s best nutrient combinations for both growing and adult minds and bodies.  Bake it, grill it, or puree it for soup. Add cinnamon and even a little cayenne.  For a hint of green, add parsley flakes.  If you have fresh basil, chop it finely and blend it in with some butter.  (NO Marshmellows, please.)  Enjoy sweet potatoes year round.

…  for the health of families,
ellen and sally