Coconut is full of Good News

By Kid Kritics | March 23, 2012

Pure Coconut Water is "nature's great re-hydrater" – its full of sodium, potassium, phosphorous and magnesium making it an excellent placement for energy and sports drinks. Plus it has just enough sugar to make it taste yummy and as well as refreshing. Tropical countries have been serving it to their very young, growing children, and adults for years. It even has been used for electrolytes (minerals) and hydration replacement for the sick, especially those with stomach bugs.

Coconut Oil is also a winner. It's medium chain fats are smaller and thus more easily digested, immediately used by the liver to produce energy avoiding spikes and fat storage. And, it contains important anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Thus, not all saturated fats are the same. This is one you want to include in your food mix. The other good news is that is has a high heat tolerance making it the preferred oil for cooking.

As with any produce, organic is better. We are currently researching the brands we would recommend. Be sure to avoid coconut waters that are "sweetened" and have added flavors. Buy it straight and serve on ice. Delish!

Thanks to our team member, Carolina Jintac, MS,RD,LD, for this in depth interview about coconut products. To hear all her good news: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familyfoodexperts/2012/03/23/coconut-craze–how-good-is-it-for-you.

You will be so glad you did!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

No time like the present. Enter to Win a Case of Gluten-Free Organic Brownie Mix by Simply Organic. Makes yummy Birthday and Holiday treats for those with or without wheat allergies! www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes

Better Food Choices Radio, Budget-saver, Cooking, Drinks, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Fat, Food News, Fruit, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Organic, Organic and Natural, Party Food, Performance Food, Podcast, Produce, Radio Interviews, Shopping, Supermarkets, Wheat-Free, beverages, children, contest, dads, family, food, iTunes, immune system, kids, moms, parents, prize, sweepstakes, viruses, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Coconut Oil. Performance Food of the Week

By Kid Kritics | March 18, 2012

Coconut Oil is a naturally occurring saturated fat that is full of benefits. Surprised? Not all saturated fats are bad – this one is super good for you. It is made up of medium -chain fatty acids that are easily digested and converted by the liver into energy. Fifty percent of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid which the body converts to anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Bottom line benefits:" improves heart health, boosts thyroid, increased metabolism, promotes lean body weight and weight loss, supports your immune system." It should be your first and only pick for cooking oil as it is the "only oil stable enough to withstand heat." If you have any more questions, go to Dr. Mercola's sight for more details – he points out coconut oil's tropical wonders that have been used for thousands of years. It is the only oil he uses when cooking. Now it is the only one I use, too! Add it to your food staple list.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Cooking, Dinner, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Food News, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kids & Teens, Medical Info, Natural, Nutrition, Performance Food, Shopping, Supermarkets, Weight management, Wheat-Free, children, dads, family, food, immune system, kids, moms, parents, viruses | Leave a comment

Happy Valentine’s Day – Love your immune system

By Kid Kritics | February 14, 2012

Everywhere I turn, someone is sick. Loving your immune system is key to fighting bugs. Today is Valentine's Day – Chocolate Day for many. May I please encourage you to celebrate with immune system defenders, dark chocolate. The higher percentage of cocoa in a chocolate, the higher it lands on the ORAC scale, your antioxidant guide. Antioxidants fight bad "bugs", free-radicals, living in your body. You want an army of them defending your family and you at all times. 60% dark chocolate has about 7 times more than blueberries. 75% dark chocolate has about 11 times that of blueberries. That's high. And, they are lower in sugar on which viruses and bacteria thrive.

Groom your family away from milk chocolate and start offering them 60% dark chocolate. The Kid Kritics Approved Bissinger's 60% Dark Chocolate 100 Calorie Bar. I have given other kids chocolates in the 70 to 80% range and was surprised at their positive reactions. Consequently, we will be taste testing more healthy chocolates. Will let you know what works. In the meantime, please set the example and turn your kids on to chocolate that loves their immune systems!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Would you like me to call you next Monday and say, "You Won a Case of Enchilada Sauce Mix by Simply Organic"? If so, please enter this Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes by going to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes. Enter more than once to up your odds!

Antioxidants, Budget-saver, Calories, Carbohydrates, Chocolate, Cooking, Disease, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Food News, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Medical Info, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Organic and Natural, Party Food, Performance Food, Produce, Protein, Shopping, Snacks, Sugar, Supermarkets, Sweets, Vitamins, children, colds, contest, coughs, dads, family, flu, food, immune system, kids, moms, parents, prize, sweepstakes, viruses, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Recipe. Falafel Chips Crusted Chicken Strips

By Kid Kritics | January 10, 2012

Thank you Nutrition Babes, Lauren Harris-Pincus,MS,RD & Kathleen Siegel, RD,CDN, for this recipe. It is so easy, extra nutritious and delicious! Using the what I call "meal in a chip" gluten-free organic Falafel Chips to coat the chicken takes the flavors and nutrient value to a whole new level. The Original Falafel Chips were used by The Nutrition Babes. For those who love the taste of hot, the Spicy Falafel Chips are recommended. All you do is crush the chips, press on the chicken until coated, then lightly cover with olive oil spray and bake. For details, please go to www.KidKritics.com as it is featured on the home page. Jump on this Kid Kritics Approved recipe idea.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Win both a Children's Book and a Case of Supplements! Battle with the Bugs by Dr. Heather Manley, and, Yummi Bears Organic Immunity Shield by Hero Nutritionals are this week's sweepstakes prizes. The theme, keep your kids from catching colds and the flu this winter. Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes and enter today.

Brain, Budget-saver, Carbohydrates, Cooking, Dinner, EFAs, Eating Healthy, Essential Fatty Acids, Family Food Experts, Fast and Easy, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Organic and Natural, Performance Food, Protein, Recipes, Shopping, Supermarkets, Vitamins, Wheat-Free, children, colds, contest, coughs, family, flu, food, immune system, kids, meat, moms, parents, prize, recipe, sweepstakes, viruses, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Would you like to WIN a Book for your children?

By Kid Kritics | January 10, 2012

We have an additional sweepstakes prize, a book from the Human Body Detective. Battle with the Bugs was written by Dr. Heather Manley for boys and girls ages 6-10. Experience has taught her that kids are more likely to take better care of themselves when they have an understanding of how their body works. The cool thing is she has made this learning process a fun captivating adventure. So, if you want to win this book, go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes as it is included with the case of Yummi Bears Organic Immunity Shield. This prize is about keeping your children well this winter!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Budget-saver, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Grocery List, Health, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Medical Info, Shopping, bacteria, children, colds, contest, coughs, dads, family, flu, food, immune system, kids, moms, parents, prize, supplements, sweepstakes, viruses, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Lamb. Performance Food of the Week

By Kid Kritics | January 9, 2012

Lamb, our family favorite, is loaded with nutrients that feed your Brain, Blood, Bones, Hair, Heart, Lungs, Mouth/Teeth, Muscles, Nails, Nerves, Nose and Skin! Why is it that so many people don't eat lamb? The key is to rub this meat with lemon before cooking to lighten the flavor. We coat roasts and chops with garlic, rosemary and sea salt mixed with some olive oil. Oh my, super delicious, really! Roast leg of lamb, lamb chops, ground lamb or lamb stew are on our weekly menu. Ground lamb is the most cost efficient buy. Make meatballs or burgers (grilled!) or cook and mix it in with mashed potatoes and other veggies – Shephard's Pie. Small lamb chunks in stew helps your budget as a little goes a long way – great winter meal. Try it!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Is this your week to Win a Case of Yummi Bears Organic Immunity Shield by Hero Nutritionals. Can you imagine having this winter supply to help prevent your kids from missing school – help avoid colds and flu in your home? To enter, please go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today.

Brain, Budget-saver, Carbohydrates, Cooking, Dinner, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Food News, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Menus, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Performance Food, Protein, Recipes, Shopping, Supermarkets, Vegetables, Vitamins, Wheat-Free, children, colds, contest, dads, family, flu, food, immune system, kids, meat, moms, parents, prize, recipe, sweepstakes, viruses, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Dr. Bob Sears says, “Most illnesses should not keep your kids out of school.”

By Kid Kritics | November 4, 2011

You heard right. Fevers are the exception. Minor illnesses with them feeling well enough are acceptable school attendance days. Having all kids keep their washed hands to themselves and using the "Dracula Cough" method (cough into your elbow) is advised. I remember feeling so guilty sending my sniffling daughter to school when I had to be in an office. If I had only known Dr. Sears then. His recommendation has to provide relief for working moms! Dr. Bob Sears had a lot more to share about prevention with us on today's interview. To hear him, go to www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com, or, www.iTunes.com – Podcast – Better Food Choices. It will be worth your time.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Win a Case of Tomato Basil Spaghetti Sauce by Simply Organic. "It's the BEST I have ever had in my whole life!" (Kid Kritic). Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes and enter today.

Better Food Choices Radio, Budget-saver, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Grocery List, Health, Kid Kritics Approved, Kids & Teens, Medical Info, Nutrition, Podcast, Radio Interviews, children, colds, contest, coughs, dads, family, flu, iTunes, immune system, kids, moms, parents, prize, sweepstakes, viruses, www.KidKritics.com | Leave a comment

Did You Know, you touch your face about 15 times an hour?

By Kid Kritics | September 14, 2011

More specifically, on average, we touch our eyes, nose and lips 15 times an hour*. I will confess that sometimes I probably exceed that by about 5 times, especially if you add ears and hair to this list. Now that you know this, pay attention to how many times you spread germs this way. Kids do this too. No wonder we get colds and flues. Start observing and try to curb this habit. My eyes, nose and lips are safe when I am gardening, swimming, and washing dishes, not when I am typing. I need to change my ways… how about you?

… for the health of your family,
ellen

HELP YOUR FOOD BUDGET. Enter to win a case of Multigrain Oat Organic Bread by Rudi's Organic. Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes. Enter more than once to up your odds!

*Source: "An Ounce of Prevention", Prevention Magazine, 10/2011, p. 144.

Budget-saver, Disease, Family Food Experts, Health, Healthy, Kids & Teens, Organic, children, colds, contest, coughs, dads, family, flu, kids, moms, prize, sweepstakes, viruses, www.KidKritics.com | Leave a comment

Did You Know: Average Americans eats 2 Tons of Sugar during in their lifetime.

By Kid Kritics | August 17, 2011

That's 1/3 a pound of sugar daily. No wonder about 75% of Americans are overweight.* Yes, sugar turns to fat when not used. Bet your family and friends are not active enough to burn up this many sugar calories. Fat is not the only health issue presented by sugar. Free radicals, viruses and bacteria feed on it causing all kinds of health problems. Don't be average. Please take heed. Give you kids great odds at school this year. Serve and consume less sugar.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Source: "This Substance Foods Your Metabolism – and Tricks Your Body into Gaining Pounds," Dr. Mercola, July 26, 2011.

Breakfast, Calories, Cooking, Dinner, Disease, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Fat, Food News, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Junk Food, Kids & Teens, Lunch, Natural, Obesity, Party Food, Shopping, Snacks, Sugar, Sweets, bacteria, children, dads, family, food, kids, moms, parents, viruses | Leave a comment

Healthy Kid Survey by YMCA… time to take action!

By Kid Kritics | April 13, 2011

"Most kids don’t come close to getting enough exercise daily and don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables: 62% of 1,630 parents with children ages 5 to 10 say their kids eat junk food one to four days a week. Only 14% of parents say their kids eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day.These results shed light on the reasons for the childhood obesity epidemic. About a third of children in the USA are overweight, which puts them at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and other health problems."*

We know you care. That's why we have the Kid Kritics program so you can serve you family healthier foods they will like! Lean on it to up your kid's
consumption of fruits and vegetables and to down their odds of being overweight and sick. By the way, hundreds of YMCA children are Kid Kritics!

Come see us at the Boca Raton, FL. YMCA "Healthy Kids Day" event this Saturday! Or, find one in your neighborhood and have some fun with your kids!

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

* Hellmich, Nanci, "Survey: Kids Lack Exercise, Healthful Foods", USA Today, www.usatoday.com/health, 4/13/11.

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KID KRITICS APPROVED

Identifying healthier foods that your familiy deserves,

and your kids will love

Coconut is full of Good News

Coconut Oil. Performance Food of the Week

Happy Valentine’s Day – Love your immune system

Recipe. Falafel Chips Crusted Chicken Strips

Would you like to WIN a Book for your children?

Lamb. Performance Food of the Week

Dr. Bob Sears says, “Most illnesses should not keep your kids out of school.”

Did You Know, you touch your face about 15 times an hour?

Did You Know: Average Americans eats 2 Tons of Sugar during in their lifetime.

Healthy Kid Survey by YMCA… time to take action!

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