Organic

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

This week’s Performance Food is  GREEN BEANS.  They provide nutrients for healthy muscles, nerves, joints, lungs, eyes, hair, blood and brain.  Look for thin fresh picked while in season.  Go for the organic when and where possible.  While lightly steaming them in one pan, saute garlic and almond slivers in butter or olive oil in another. Combine them when done, sprinkle with a little sea salt and serve.  A slight squeeze of lemon adds a nice touch.  Kids like them with a light crunch so try not to over cook them.    Enjoy the fruits of summer!

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Alice Bast simplified how to easily feed kids gluten-free foods that taste good!  Serve naturally gluten-free foods: fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, nuts/seeds, herbs …  just stay away from wheat, barley, rye.  Buy Gluten-Free products from brands such as Rudi’s Organic Bakery, Blue Diamond, Bell & Evans, Pamela’s, and the Grainless Baker.  For good list, go to www.centralceliac.org.  Alice also emphasized the importance of making sure what you serve is nutritious. 

ALICE’S RECIPE:  “Apple Paradise”:  Put sliced apples in a baking pan. Sprinkle a little brown sugar and butter on top.  Bake until apples are tender.  Serve with cheese.  Yum!  You could also make Sweet Potatoes Paradise by putting butter and rosemary on top and bake until tender.  (Sweet potatoes don’t  need sugar.) 

“Make it fun”, says Alice.  She is so right.  Have a good attitude about nutritious food and your kids will too.

… for the health of families,
ellen and sally

Be sure to check out Healthy Recipe Mom Crystal’s Chicken and Shrimp Pasta made with the low gluten protein sourced organic white spelt spaghetti. It is loaded with a great mix of poultry, seafood, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and herbs.  “The children, ages 7 and 4, loved it because I added their favorite vegetables and shrimp, another family favorite.”   10 minutes to prepare, 15 minutes to cook and viola, you have a nutrient-packed delicious dinner.  Try it!

(Sign up to be a Healthy Recipe Mom too and receive free Kid Kritics Approved food. www.KidKritics.com)

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

When choosing produce from a farmer’s market or store, check for ripeness by smelling it.  You should be able to smell the essence of the fruit or vegetable. If not, it is not ready for your family to eat.  You could take it home and try ripening in window sills. According to Ellie Bottomley, all those who are tapping melons are simply making music! 

…  for the health of your family,
ellen and sally