Sesame Seeds. Performance Food of the Week

By Kid Kritics | April 1, 2012

Sesame_seed_cumin_seed_fennel_seed_peanuts

This delicate nutty flavored herb is chock-a-block full of nutrients. Sesame seeds feed your brain, bones, ears, hair, heart, lungs, mouth/teeth, muscles, nails, nerves, and nose. Their good brain supporting fats help to lower LDL and increase HDL levels. Along with their quality amino acid proteins, they also supply you with B complex vitamins (niacin, folic acid, thaimin, pyridoxine and riboflavin). They contain a very rich source of minerals: calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper.

And, boy are they good to eat! Hummus is made with Tahini, a sesame seed paste. They often are sprinkled on baked goods such as bagels. We love to add them to salads, including egg and tuna. Certainly they enhance all salads, egg dishes and many fruit desserts. Adding them to entrees before serving is a great way to add nutritional power to every meal. Sesame seeds are a brilliant way to stoke your kids with so many of the nutrients they need while growing. We buy them in bulk and keep them in jars for handy use. Try this, too!

    … for the health of your family,
ellen

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Brain, Breakfast, Cooking, Dinner, EFAs, Eating Healthy, Essential Fatty Acids, Family Food Experts, Fat, Food News, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Herbs, Kids & Teens, Lunch, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Performance Food, Protein, Shopping, Supermarkets, Vitamins, Wheat-Free, children, dads, family, food, kids, moms, parents, www.KidKritics.com   |   Leave a comment

Coconut is full of Good News

By Kid Kritics | March 23, 2012

coconut-milk-benefits

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


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Grocery List. Good Cheese Alternatives

By Kid Kritics | February 7, 2012

Lisanatti,almrice chnksshreds

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.

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Dr. Heather Manley’s Healthy Heart Food List

By Kid Kritics | February 3, 2012

heart

Since you heart is pumping hard to push blood through about 60,000 miles of blood vessels  a day, wouldn't it be a good idea to feed this muscle its needed fuel?  Dr. Heather shares what she feeds her family of four so all stay healthy and function at their best.  Good fats (Omega-3s) were tops on her list.  Putting flax seed oil with heart healthy blueberries and other fruit into smoothies is a daily event for breakfast or snacks.  Avocados in salads or Guacamole are frequently consumed by her family.  Grass-fed beef and eggs are commonly found on their plates for dinner and other meals.  One of her young daughter's was making scrambled eggs with spinach and cheese for her breakfast while we were on the air.  It's not that hard!

To hear all of Dr. Manley's Heart Health interview, please go to the www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com archived shows, or, www.iTunes.com, Podcast, Better Food Choices and click on the Feb. 3rd, 2012 show. PLEASE, avoid having any heart disease statistics in your family.  Listen to Dr. Heather Manley.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Chocolate lovers, enter to Win a Case of Chocolate Walnut Cookies, Sugar Free, by Joseph's Lite Cookies.  This is a great opportunity for those diagnosed as pre-Diabetic or Diabetic, or for those who want to avoid either diagnosis.  Joseph made them especially for you.  Go to www. KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today.  Enter more than once to up your winning odds.

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Teenage boys now swear by “Real Food.”

By Kid Kritics | January 27, 2012

junk-food-vs-healthy-food-1

They went from Junk Food to Real Food and now swear by it. One boy was 16 and always "starving."  The other was an overweight college kid.  And they have a dad with Type 2 diabetes.  Mom thought she was feeding her family good food but after a dinner with me, she realized Jello and other processed foods she was serving were counter-nourishing her family. Her turnaround story is brilliant. A first bit of advice is, "You can't tell them. You must show them."  If you want to be inspired and learn how overnight everyone of them voluntarily bought into her changes, listen to Vickie Peaire tell her story.  Go to www. BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com (date: Jan 27, 2012) and listen or find it on iTunes, Podcast, Better Food Choices.  You will be SO glad your did!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Save money and Win a Case of Classic Macaroni and Cheese by Annie's Homegrown.  Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes before Sunday night.

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New School Lunch Nutrition Requirements Announced

By Kid Kritics | January 25, 2012

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.

A penny for your thoughts!

… 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!

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Nut Butter Buying Tips

By Kid Kritics | January 20, 2012

Artisanaproducts  Yes, they are as good as they look! 

How to Choose Nut Butters:

ADDRESS ALLERGENS by reading for peanut butter ingredients or exposure during processing.  This helps those with and without PB allergies. 

ORGANIC or NATURAL: Certified Organic means fields, plants/trees and processing meet strict organic standards… as good as it gets.  Natural may or may not mean void of unhealthy ingredients.  Know your source.

READ INGREDIENTS: one or two ingredients is enough for good nut butters. Avoid added stabilizers, sweeteners and oils. 

RAW or ROASTED: Raw means no heat application which alters nutrients such as essential fatty acids – essential for your body's cellular production.  Roasted uses heat for this adjusted flavor.  The less the better which is why Lightly Roasted is a good choice.

NUT VARIETIES: Almond, Cashew, Walnut, Pecan, Macadamia and even Coconut are alternatives to Peanut Butter. Those taste tested by the Kid Kritics were big hits!

This and so much more was shared by today's radio guest, Co-Founder and President of the Artisana brand, Santiago Cuenca-Romero.  Listen to all he had to say, www.iTunes, Podcast, "Better Food Choices." Very interesting guy!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Be the one who Wins the Case of Chocolate Energy Bites by Greens+.  Enter by going to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.  They are perfect for kids… just ask the Kid Kritics.

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Which do you think is healthier, Butter or Margarine?

By Kid Kritics | August 31, 2011

Is butter healthier than margarine? Don't feel alone if you are not sure.  Some think butter is healthier because it is more natural. Some say margarine is better for you since it has less fat. The problem with margarine is how the fats used are processed.  We don't recommend any.  Butter, used in moderation, especially that sourced from healthier fed dairy cows, is our choice.  Healthy fats such as the premier kind, olive oil, is wonderful and better for cooking.  Flaxseed oil is good one but turns rancid easily so keep it refrigerated, sealed, and do not use it for cooking. Good fats are your friends.  Enjoy them.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

 - Idea for this blog came from "Good, bad, ugly fats. But do consumers know which are which?"  www.nutrainingredients-usa.com.

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Start Eating for your Baby BEFORE you are Pregnant!

By Kid Kritics | August 26, 2011

Prepare your womb with good eating habits before you are pregnant.  When you test positive for pregnancy you are already at least 2 weeks along.  So stop with the smoking, drinking and drugs well before you conceive to give your baby his or her best odds. Also, Dr. Keri Batiskov  says no raw fish or meat (sushi), deli meats, fast foods, unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses, artificial additives, fake sugars, fish with mercury, sodas… AND YES to fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, good fats, eggs,dairy and WATER!  "Eat from the earth."  Definitely take supplements per your doctor's recommendations, especially folic acid, and hold off on herbal supplements during your pregnancy.  Take the time to listen to more from Dr. Batiskov, go to www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com or iTunes ("Better Food Choices".

… for the health of your family,|
ellen

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Do You Know the difference between Hamburger and Ground Beef?

By Kid Kritics | August 24, 2011

  GROUND BEEF

Hamburger has about 30% added fat.  Ground Beef does not.  I agree with Kimberly Stewart (Eating Between the Lines).  I would rather pay for a pound of ground beef meat than a pound of hamburger with all its added fat that cooks out.  Would you?

… for the health of families,
ellen

New Sweepstakes prize: Bunny Graham Friends by Annie's Homegrown.  To win a case, enter by going to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes!   

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