Look at what I brought home with me!

DSC_1670

A RECIPE to die for!  I call it the Pineapple Mint Refresher. Why, because one sip of this ice cold drink and you'll feel the fresh mint rush.  During a really hot summer in Jerusalem, we walked into the Aroma cafe where coffee is their specialty.  Since I have never like the taste of coffee, not even mocha, my eyes searched for an alternative and spotted a green drink.  It turned out to be a combination of lemon juice with mint and ice cubes pulverized in a blender.  Think they may have added some honey as a sweetener.  It was out of this world delicious!  For the rest of the days we were there, I order a glass full.  When I returned home in the states, I decided that since I wasn't sure of the exact lemon recipe, I would make my own using 100% pineapple juice.  It was sensational! Ever since, I have made one everyday for my afternoon pick-me-up. 

The key that makes this cooling drink a stand out is the use of a blender to grind fresh mint leaves in a 100% fruit juice along with some ice cubes.  My proportions are 1 cup of 100% pineapple juice (not from a can), 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves and a handful of ice cubes.  That's it! CLICK HERE for RECIPE details

For this photo, I realized I had run out of pineapple juice so I pulverized fresh pineapple with water.  Then added the mint leaves and ice.  The more mint leaves you use, the greener it is… here the green has yet to settle.  The more mint leaves your use, the fresher the uplifting taste! 

Now I will admit that after I took this photo, I noticed I had a couple of strawberries and blueberries in the fridge.  So, I threw them into the blender and now I have a purple/pink mint drink.  There is hardly a fresh fruit that can't be enhanced by fresh mint.  Try it!

Where do you buy fresh mint?  You can find it in a grocery store in packets or as a plant.  Since it grows like a weed, I recommend buying a plant of two, put them into larger pots either directly into the ground or on your balcony.  Now this drink becomes really inexpensive.

By the way, refreshing has a double meaning here.  Mint and pineapple are both full of nutrients, antioxidants and even anti-inflammatory properties. Serve it to you whole family this summer.  Once you have made this – just takes minutes – I'll best you also will be hooked – that's a good thing!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Read More....

Lemons. Performance Food of the Week

Lemon

Lean on lemons to prevent disease, defeat free-radicals, cleanse your digestive tract, help lower blood pressure, increase your HDL (good cholesterol), while feeding your brain, blood, bones, ears, eyes, hair, lungs, mouth/teeth, nails, and skin.  All that and more in one lovely lemon.  Put thin slices in water, daily.  Use lemons to marinate fish and chicken. Squeeze some in baking recipes, over other fruit and vegetables such as asparagus, beans, peas, sweet potatoes and carrots.  Use it in salad dressings.  Add lemon juice to as many possibilities available to add flavor while caring for your body.  And, don't forget to drip some on a bite or sting to remove the poison and pain!  Always have a lemon or two in your kitchen.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Read More....

Save Money. Stop buying Soda.

I watch people putting cases and huge bottles of soda in their carts and wonder what they are thinking.  They are spending their hard earned money on carbonated dyed sugar water, described by some as Liquid Candy.  They are kidding themselves when they are buying diet which is worse.  Both are empty of nutrients and full of disease related ingredients.  Not only are you paying for the actual soda, you will be soon paying for soda induced doctor  and pharmaceutical bills in the near and far future.  This is an addictive acting expensive habit. Buy water or water filters instead.  Stop throwing your money down the soda drain.  Can you afford to do this?

… for the health of families,
ellen

Wouldn't you love to have a case of Tomato Basil Spaghetti Sauce by Simply Organic in your pantry for holiday cooking?  Enter to win one this week.  Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today.

Read More....

Dad gives Picky Eater Tips!

Dad Timmons says he has picky eaters among his 5 children.  Here are his 3 tips to dealing with them. 1. Serve smaller portions on smaller plates. Prevents sense of overwhelm. 2. Feed them with a "healthy conscious", meaning, feed them fresh food.  It tastes better. Stay away from processed, especially canned foods. 3. Say, "that's it.!"  He used to take orders as if he was a restaurant and then the light bulb went on – no more.  What I serve is what you get or just drink water.  No, he is not worrying about his kids going hungry. When listening to Joseph talk about his picky eaters, it is clear he knows their issues.  One was, "My son will eat bright green cooked broccoli but not muddy green."  I say he's a smart boy – who want mushy broccoli?  Another was because one does not like eating the white of an egg, he scrambles it instead.  I loved the fact that this dad does not cook with salt. Instead he uses herbs and spices to flavor his food.  Oh, and one more thing.  Be sure to offer a nice food presentation instead of just piling it on the plate – much more inviting!  For more, listen to today's show on www.iTunes.com, podcasts, Better Food Choices.  It will be worth your time.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Who wouldn't like to have a case of Ranch Dressing Mix by Simply Organic?  A stash in your pantry for the holidays would be a great help! Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!

Read More....

Apple Juice. Yes or No?

Dr. Oz has moms wondering whether to feed their kids apple juice or not.  It is time to narrow down the truths so you can make good decisions.  First one: do not buy imported fresh or processed produce.  Those from Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand may be excepted due to their strict produce guidelines.  Most other countries, and especially China, have suspect produce practices.  This is where metals, such as arsenic are being found. Buy 100% U.S.A.  Secondly: Buy local and even better, organic.  Thirdly: Dilute all 100% juices when serving, or, skip them all together and feed your kids organic apples.  Sugar added juices should be a no.  Water, plain or with lemon juice is what kid really need.  Save safe fruit juices as a treat.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Read More....

Latest Kid Kritics Approved Recipe!

 

The Almond Cinnamon Granola Bar recipe sent to us by Healthy Recipe Mom, Deneen, is out of this world!  I will admit that I wasn't sure the kids would approve it since all you see is a cluster of shiny rolled oats, almond pieces, green pumpkin seeds and raisins. Well, they loved, loved, loved it – devouring every available remaining crumbs.  "Best bar I ever had… it had Pizazz… it tasted like Pizazz!"  The cinnamon and cinnamon agave syrup ingredients are what sells the kids on these nutrient-packed bars.  And, they are so easy to make!  Put this on your "Favorite" recipe list. 

… for the health of families,
ellen

Win a Case of Springlets bottled water for kids by Iceland Spring.  Little hands can hold this bottle and it is high in pH (8.88) making it super healthy and refreshing for your children.  Plus, there are really cool stickers inside this case.  Enter by going to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!

Read More....

Start Eating for your Baby BEFORE you are Pregnant!

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

Read More....

3 MUST DOs to lose weight & illnesses to feel Wonderfully Well!

Celeste Davis shared how she lost half her weight and all of her illnesses in weeks on today's  interview with her.  She said, to start yourself on this Wonderfully Well tract you must 1. Admit you need help. 2. Ask for help and see it when it comes.  3. Drink lots of water and eat lots of veggies.  This will get you moving.  To listen to Celeste's compelling personal story and learn more, please go to iTunes, Better Food Choices.  You will find this interview there.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Sweepstakes!  Enter to win a case of Veggie Chips and the DVD, The Princess and the Pop Star by Veggie Tales.  Simply go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.  Enter more than once to up your odds!

Read More....

WINNER! Renee from Wisconsin. Congratulations.

WINNER! Renee from Wisconsin won the case of single serve Pizza Veggie Stix and the Veggie Tales DVD.  She's beyond thrilled! So are her kids.

 

Be the next winner. Win a case of 6oz.bags of Hot Veggie Stix – yes, a lot of kids love these.  Be sure to have glasses of ice cold water near by when they munch on some.  Plus Veggie Tales is giving away another "The Princess and the Pop Star" DVD. To enter, go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Read More....

Perfromance Food: Watermelon even fuels your Heart!

Watermelon's sweet watery "meat" feeds your brain, blood, heart, and skin.  Because it is such a water-packed fruit, it really helps all parts of your body, except maybe your bones which are only about 23% water.  Remember, your whole body is made of about 75%  water so it needs hydrating, especially during the warm months.  We recommend that you have some watermelon cut up and available for a ready snack.  For fun, look for the ones with seeds so your kids can have fun outside spitting watermelon seeds - a summer tradition!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Read More....