When you need or want to enjoy good-tasting cheese alternatives, you’ll be glad to know there are many good ones to choose. Be it almond, rice or soy-based, Lisanatti makes them so delicious that the Kid Kritics awarded their products their Seal of Approval.  That’s should speak loudly to you!  Lisanatti vegetarian cheese alternatives look, taste and melt like regular cheese.  The melting part is really important when making recipes such as grilled cheese.

Their almond, rice and soy cheeses come as mozzarella, cheddar, as sticks, in chunks or shredded.  They use organic and non-GMO ingredients. No trans or saturated fats.  Gluten and cholesterol free. Low in sodium and good sources of calcium and protein.  Have I given you enough reasons to try some?  Once you start, you’ll be come a loyal fan.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Don’t forget to enter to Win a whole Case of  Wild Blueberry Juice by Wyman’s of Maine, PLUS, the children’s book, A Heart Pumping Adventure, by Dr. Heather Manley.  Feed and read about your heart!  Please go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today.

Black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese (soy in this case) and tortillas… little olive oil and you have an inexpensive, nutritious, delicious meal for your kids. Will they like it?  “Yes,” says Janice, the mother of two, who created this recipe.  We agree. The flavors cook together for yummy bites.  Whole grain tortillas were used in this photo’s version.  We encourage you to try them – great source of fiber and tummy filler.  There are gluten-free tortillas for those want them. You don’t need a Quesadilla maker for this recipe, and, if you have one, great!  (I don’t… yet).  For recipe details, please go to www.KidKritics.com. It is featured on the homepage. Ask you kids to help you make some of these Quesadillas and watch your family gobble them up!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Heart Healthy Week spills into our sweepstakes.  Win a whole case of Wild Blueberry Juice by Wyman’s of  Maine,  PLUS,  a children’s book, A Heart Pumping Adventure by Dr. Heather Manley.  This is  a win/win opportunity so please enter at www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!

Paprika, your secret weapon,  feeds your Brain, Blood, Bones, Eyes, Lungs, Nerves, Nose and Skin! Paprika is usually made from finely ground red bell peppers. This paprika is pretty tasteless with a possibility of a sweet touch.  Yet, it is filled with nutrients, especially Vitamin C, and antioxidants.  We say, paprika is a sneaky way to add vegetables to your meals. “Every little bit counts.”  I propose that you keep a jar on the table at all times.  Then invite your kids to gently decorate their foods such as pasta, eggs, chicken, turkey, mac and cheese, rice, just about anything cooked your put on their plate.  If you are up to it, take photos of their creations and send them to me – would be fun to post some!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Bet you rarely or never eat beets.  Am I right or wrong? Here’s why you should – they feed your Blood, Heart, Lungs, Mouth/Teeth, Muscles, Nerves and Skin. The easiest way to favorably prepare and serve them is to shred them raw.  Those little slivers add fabulous color to salads and sandwiches.  Yet, the taste is very mild since you they are reduced to little strands.  Roasted and grilled beets can be delicious.  Again, the key is to serve them in small slices.  My latest favorite salad is one with small chunks of purple and golden beets accompanied by greens, bits of walnuts, goat cheese and here’s the drum-roll, roasted garlic bud. Please, open your mind to bringing beets into your monthly menus for flavor and nutrient variety.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Serve these “Top Super Foods for Super Immunity” to your family to prevent them from getting sick: Kale/collards, mustard greens, Arugula/watercress, Green lettuce/cabbage, Broccoli/brussels sprouts, Carrots/tomatoes, Onions/garlic, Mushrooms, Pomegranates, Berries (all types), Seeds (flax, chia, sesame, sunflower).  Thank you Joel Fuhrman, MD., from his new book  Super Immunity.

Now you are probably thinking there is no way my family will eat some of these, especially those at the top of this list.  It’s time to open your mind to buying kale and collards, rinse and chop them finely, then stir fry some with olive oil, onions, garlic and sea salt. Add it few squirts of lemon juice if you like.  The way you get around the texture issue is to slice these greens into little bits. Then serve just a little at first, maybe a tablespoon size.  Stir some into a rice dish  or casserole.  Be inventive and know your effort has a big healthy payoff.   Please don’t shy away from brussels sprouts.  They are best when bought still on their stem.  Slice them in half or quarters and again stir fry them as recommended for kale.

I suspect the rest of this list is not so foreign to you.  Do not overlook the delicious fun offered by Pomegranates.  Quarter them, then have your kids remove the white flesh and pull out the yummy little red “berries.”  They can eat them right away or you could save some for salads.

Bottom line,  Dr. Joel Fuhrman has given you the secret to avoiding sick days.  Use it!   (By the way, you will save money by eating fresh produce over processed foods.)

… for the health or your family,
ellen

Chocolate Energy Bites (Greens+) are loaded with Superfoods and kids love them.  Enter to Win a Case.  Please go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!

Thank heavens it's grapefruit season! Devour their sections and drink their juices to fuel your Brain, Blood, Bones, Ears, Eyes, Hair, Lungs, Mouth/Teeth, Nails, Nerves and Nose (sense of smell)!  One of the most important tools in my kitchen is the knife you use to slice away the natural sections after you cut a grapefruit in half.  This makes it easy to consume the fruit's flesh and drink the juices. Or just slice into sections as shown in this picture.  I just love to bite into them, have the juices squirt around in my mouth and witness my taste buds having a sweet and sour party!  Sections in fruit and vegetables salads are delicious.  For some, juicing is preferred.  Ruby red grapefruits are my favorites. Maybe this is because we were served them when I was growing up. Please introduce them to your children.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

From fat to thin, from sick to healthy, from True Body Age of 67 back to 42 in 3 years! It took Celeste only  21 days to shed her illnesses including IBS. All by eating “real food”, raw fruits and vegetables. This is common sense simple, saves money and time.  Both Celeste and her husband have maintained their youthful weight and health for 5 years.  They are the testimonial you need to believe you can so this.  And, the food is delicious.  Listen to the podcast of this interview to learn more on www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com, Or you can go to iTunes, Podcast, Better Food Choices and listen. Their book, filled with recipes, is a must read for anyone who wants to become Wonderfully Well.

… for the health of your family.
ellen … Yes, I pulled out my juicer and plugged it in – back to juicing in my house!

Time to enter to Win a Case or Yummi Bears Immunity Shield by Hero Nutritionals, AND, a clever children’s book, Battle with the Bugs, by Dr. Heather Manley.  Keep your kids healthy all winter with this combo prize. Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!  (Prize changes on Monday.)

Delicata Squash

Catherine is from Kentucky.  Her family's traditional holiday menu is southern in nature: Baked Ham (brown sugar & pineapple glaze), Homemade Biscuits, Mac and Cheese (made with choice cheese by her husband), Roasted Brussels Sprouts (olive oil, lemon juice, toasted almonds, Parmesan cheese), Delicata Squash (baked with bell peppers, carrots, onions and slightly sweetened with maple syrup), Salad (baby arugula, blood orange sections, shaved fennel, pomegranate seeds, toasted almonds, vinaigrette dressing), and her family's "secret" recipe for Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Tart – oh my goodness!  By the way, her young kids love the Brussels sprouts and squash recipes.  It is time to start offering your kids a variety of vegetables.  Purchased fresh and made well is your key. Look for these and more recipes on Catherine's  website, www.weelicious.com.  To listen to Catherine's interview, please go to www.iTunes.com, then Podcast, then Better Food Choices – it is worth every minute of your time!

… for the health of your family,
ellen
 

Want to fill your pantry with some healthier munchies for holiday entertaining?  Enter to win a Case of EatSmart Naturals Whole Grain White Cheddar Cheese Curls by Snyder's of Hanover. Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.  Enter more than once to up your odds

Pamela is not only a great chef, she is a ton of fun. Meet the founder of Pamela's Products on Friday's radio/podcast show. Noon EST, www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com. She's going to share her favorite gluten free holiday recipes with us. Whether you have a wheat issue or not, you will want to make her creations. To quote the Kid Kritics, "They make your taste buds dance!"

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Don't forget to enter to Win a Case of Fresh Frozen Wild Blueberries by Wyman's of Maine.  How cool would it be to have enough for your yummy winter immune building smoothies?  Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!

It frosts me when ads give you misinformation in order to sell, sell, sell.  Be smarter than they think you are.  Follow your gut instinct rather than be misled.  The most recent ad that makes my hair stand on end is about sugar and high fructose corn syrup.  What research has shown is that processed corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, impacts the body differently than plain sugar cane. The results are linked to diseases.  They lead you to believe this is not so – its okay to eat high fructose corn syrup.  Not.  One thing they do say that is right is "Sugar is sugar."  True.  However, the sugar's origin and how it is processed impacts the molecular structures which determines the impact it has on your body when you eat it. We say stay away from high fructose corn syrup and when you need a sweetener, use sugar cane. Also, please less is better. 

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Fresh frozen Wild Blueberries by Wyman's of Maine!  Win a whole case.  Fill your freezer with this potent antioxidant to keep your family well all winter!  Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today.  Enter more than once to up your odds.