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The government is setting new school lunch nutrition requirements:  Establish maximum calorie and sodium limits.  Serve a fruit and vegetable every day in larger portions.  Offer a minimum number of leafy green vegetables, red-orange vegetables, starchy vegetables and legumes each week.  After 2 years, all grains must be rich in whole grains such as brown rice.  Breads, buns, cereals and pastas must list whole grain as 1st ingredient. Milk must be either low-fat (1%) or fat-free.  Flavored milk must now be fat-free.  No trans- fats.

Cost – 11 cents more per lunch. Who is going to pay for this?  Government will give schools 6 cents more per lunch.  The additional 5 cents will have to come from states and local taxes it seems. What are you paying for each lunch at your children’s school?

We are pleased with these positive changes.  There are two possible problems to address.  One: the government has no money.  We are in serious debt.  Two: kids have to like these foods.  With the right cafeteria managers and chefs, this is possible.  To limit their other choices is critical.  Kids will eat healthier foods if they taste good.

Best possible school lunch – probably the one you make at home for your kids to take to school.  That is why we give you Lunch Box menus in our Family Food Newsletter.  Sign up to receive it twice a month. www.KidKritics.com.

… for the health of families,
ellen

Mac and Cheese – all natural, no artificial anything, no Trans Fats. Win a whole case by Annie’s Homegrown.  Add some carrots or peas and a few parsley and paprika flakes. Put some in thermos for school lunch.  Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!

The folks in Portland, Maine have encouraged their community to follow the 5-2-1-0 program: EVERYDAY eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, engage in 2 hours or less of screen time, exercise at least 1 hour, and, consume 0 sugary drinks. A recent survey showed a significant increased dedication to this behavior pattern.  More kids are sitting down and eating fruits and vegetables which means parents are serving them.  45% of kids are watching less screen entertainment.  Water is replacing sodas.  The trend is moving in a healthy direction.  This 5-2-1-0 number series seems to make it easier for parents and children to follow this guideline.  Do you agree?  If so, we encourage you to adopt it in your home.

… for the health of families,
ellen

Win a Whole Free Range Turkey (Shelton’s Poultry) for your family. Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes to enter.  Shelton’s birds “don’t do drugs.”  You can really taste the delicious difference!

French Toast Waffles by Sheila, a Healthier Recipe Mom, is a genius way to take the work out of making waffles. You simply mix eggs with milk, dip bread in it and cook it in a waffle maker.  Then top with butter and fruit.  For details go to www.KidKritics.com.  This is the Featured Recipe of the week so you will find it on the home page.  So fast, easy and a great way to get eggs into the mouths of children!

… for the health of families,
ellen

Wouldn’t you love to have a whole Free Range Turkey by Shelton’s Poultry delivered to your home? Make this a possibility by entering this week’s Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes.  Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today.

Kale is loaded with nutrients that feed your blood, bones, ears, eyes, hair, heart, lungs, muscles, nails, nerves, skin and teeth.  Most turn away from this curly coarse leafy green not having a clue that it can be so easy to cook for taste appeal.  All you do is cut away the center vein, chop it up finely and stir- fry in garlic sauteed in olive oil.  Spruce it up with a little sea salt and lemon juice.  Here's the key.  Serve just a small spoonful at first.  Never overwhelm new tasters with full servings. Add leftover little bits in casseroles, meat loafs, soups, and an omelette.  Cook up a bunch and freeze some for later use.  This is one inexpensive way to power up your family with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, detox and anti-cancer properties. Go buy some this week. You are going to be pleasantly surprised.

… for the health of your family,
ellen
 

This week enter to Win a Case of Puffin Puffs Fruit Medley Cereal by Barbara’s Bakery.  Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.  Enter more than one to up your winning odds.

… for the health of your family,
ellen