Schools and Education

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 commitment Rudi’s Bakery has made to Gluten-Free safety is exceptional. “It’s in the DNA of this company,” said Doug Radi. Their facility is shut down for a day for an extensive cleaning process. The facility and equipment used is segregated, covered and sterilized between bread making runs. Never do the gluten free products interact with wheat products. But there’s more. Their standard is no more than 10 parts per million. Every batch is tested during and after, internally and externally. Since the release of their first gluten-free breads in July, four to five hundred tests have been done and all have met this requirement. This is a company with integrity. You can feel safe eating both their gluten-free and organic breads. Keep in touch through www.Facebook/RudisBakery. Doug wants to hear from you! (To listen to more go to iTunes.)

RECIPE: Lightly butter one side of each ot two slices of Cinnamon Raisin bread. Spread PB & J on the one other side. Combine into a sandwich. Place on grill and cook until ends are lightly browned and crisp. This is a favorite of Doug’s three kids. Enjoy!

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Do you want to be added to a great group of moms and dads who have entered Pamela’s Annual Recipe Contest and win? Do you want Pamela to make, test and taste your creation and find it to be at least one of her favorites?  Go to www.PamelasProducts.com and enter before the end of August.  While there, check out all the recipes, including last year’s winner.  You will find yourself salivating.  The prizes are great so go for it!

Pamela has succeeded with her goal of making wheat/gluten free products taste better than ones made with wheat. We can assure you that because her baked and baking products are delicious, they are for everyone.   The Kid Kritics were crazy in love with her Banana Bread recipe as well as other cookies and brownies. Look for their pictures and quotes on www.KidKritics.com.  Put this brand on your shopping list!

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Falafel Chips (original) are chips that eat like a meal.  Reason: they are made from a combination of 20 vegetables, herbs and spices! That means they are loaded with nutrients. Plus these chips are really low in sodium, high in fiber and protein.  Gluten-Free,  USDA Organic, No added sugar and they are absolutely crunchy delicious, just ask the Kid Kritics. Find them in Whole Foods, other health stores and soon in Costco and Trader Joe’s!  (for more information go to www.flamousbrands.com)

Please know we are not paid to write these praises.  We say what we think – that’s it.  Finally a chip you can enjoy without guilt. So go buy some.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Stunning Stats about Kids reported by the Wall Street Journal (Chester E. Finn, Jr., “The Case for Saturday School”, Mar. 20-21, p. W1) 

1.  ”The typical young American, upon turning 18, will have spent just 9% of his or her hours on this planet under the school roof (and that assumes full-day kindergarten and perfect attendance) versus 91% spent elsewhere.”

2. “American youngsters now devote an astounding 7.5 hours per day to ‘using entertainment media’ (including TV, internet, cellphones and videogames). That translates to about 53 hours a week – verus 30 hours in school.”

What does this have to do with food?  How about food for thought? From what and whom are kids learning?  Moms and dads, it is time to notice how much time is truly dedicated to a solid education and what is being fed into the brains, the minds, of your kids.  Only 9% of time in school?  Where are they the rest of the day?  TV, internet, cellphones and videogames need to represent a very small percentage of how kids spend their time.  What happened to books, board and card games, playing outdoors, and interacting with friends  in-person for social, physical and intelligent non-passive development?  It is no wonder obesity is an issue – kids aren’t moving much for at least 7.5 hours a day – just the tip of this iceberg. 

Until your kids have grown up and are on their own, they are your responsibility.  We know you care so please, help improve these statistics. Start by saying “No” to entertainment media influences. 

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally