Minerals

Three great items to put on your Lunch Box Grocery List are: 50% Reduced Fat Cheddar Minis (Cabot Creamery), Baby Carrots (organic) in Ranch Dressing (Earthbound Farm) and Veggie Sticks (EatSmart Naturals). Sources of dairy, vegetables and essential fatty acids (dressing). They are healthier choices, easy to pack, and kids love them. For more go to www.KidKritics.com.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

The recent salmonella recall for eggs probably has you questioning whether you should even eat the eggs in your refrigerator.  Once again it seems that one irresponsible chicken farmer has caused this situation; one bad apple spoils it for others.  Outraged?  Yes.  Please pay attention to this recall.  

The answer for safe eggs is to choose those laid by chickens that are well care for, not piled up in cages in a building.  Cage-free helps.  Organic is well regulated so its your best bet.  When it comes to cost, the nutrient value of one egg is so high that it is worth it. When you compare the price of a box of  sugar-filled, artificially colored and flavored, nutrient-empty cereal to a dozen of good eggs, it is easy to see where you should spend your money.  Buy the better eggs, make some French toast, and enjoy them.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Don’t throw away any more peels from your potatoes, oranges, lemons, limes, apples, carrots, and even kiwi.  No doubt you have heard that these color dense peels are filled with nutrients.  The skin of a fruit or vegetable is its first line of defense. Consequently, it is filled with immune building phyto-nutrients.  Prevention magazine (Sept. 2010) published ways to use peels that enhance meals, ones your family will probably like.  (Always wash your produce first.)  

Turn your brown, red or sweet potato skins into baked “potato crisps.” Grate or finely chop citrus skins and toss some into salads, steamed vegetables, sauteed dishes - be creative.  These add delicous zest.  If your kids refuse to eat apple skins, peel them and add some bits to a grilled sandwich with cheese.  Toss the rest into a salad. You can even grate or thinly peel vegetables and put them in ground meat dishes such as meatballs and burgers.  Every little bit helps.  No waste.  Lots of nutrients and flavor!   Value these peels, after all, you paid for them.

…  for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Buying a bigger bell pepper or tomato does not mean you are getting more nutrients.  Plants have a finite amount, regardless of size.  Smaller means a more concentrated source of nutrients.  So you will get as much for your money for a small bell pepper as for a larger one.  When vegetables and fruit are sold by weight, this is especially good budget saving information.

…  for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

PINEAPPLE not only nourishes your brain, nerves, ears, eyes, mouth/teeth, and nails,  it also helps manage inflammation.  Here is a food that tastes sweet and is good for you! Loaded with antioxidants and phyto-nutrients.  Buy it fresh all year round. Serve it in a smoothie, as a topping on pancakes or salad, on kabobs, or just as cool wedges or chunks in the summer…  so refreshing!

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally