The Great Cholesterol Myth. Yes, you’ve been duped. Here’s the Truth.

Have you been told that saturated fat causes your bad cholesterol to rise?  What about eggs – do you think you they increase your LDL?  These are just two of the many cholesterol myths discovered by Dr. Jonny Bowden after extensive in-depth research.  If you are the least bit concerned about the good and bad cholesterol counts of your loved ones (kids too) and you, then this podcast is a must listen.  CLICK HERE: http://tinyurl.com/ah29gm7e.

One more thing.  Did you know that your brain requires cholesterol to function?  How about sugar, does it play a role in managing cholesterol?  Tune in to find out.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Host: Family Food Experts Kitchen on W4WN Radio
Founder: Family Food Experts and Kid Kritics Approved

 

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Secret Ingredients Revealed – Make Good Recipes Great!

Want to know what secret ingredient turn good recipes to great?  One of our best shows so far with Family Food Experts Kitchen co-host, Tracee (Real Food Moms) and Joe Coffey from Simply Organic (supplies best herbs, spices and seasonings in the market).  They shared how they use cayenne, garlic powder, cinnamon and more to give recipes that extra zip flavor profile to make it memorable!  It’s really a free cooking lesson!  Listen in: http://tinyurl.com/a5b7btk

… for the health of your family,
ellen (Host)
Kid Kritics Approved

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Holiday Meal Makeovers

Can you believe there is a recipes using butterscotch that is healthier so you enjoy some without feeling a heavy sugar guilt trip?  Apple Butternut Squares was shared by Liz Weiss, one of the Meal Makeover Moms. That's not all.  From garlic shrimp to meatloaf to veggie lasagna, both Liz and Kathy Siegel (Nutritiion Babes) made over lots of recipes you will want to serve your family and friends while entertaining, or just dining at home!  LISTEN  for more!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

P.S. In case you missed it, here's the recipe link for Apple Butternut Squares: http://mealmakeovermoms.com/recipes/snacks-smoothies/apple-butterscotch-cake 

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Super Easy Holiday Baking Ideas for You and Your Kids!

Let's start with Cinnamon Almonds: coat almonds with a mix of  whipped egg whites, cinnamon, vanilla, and a bit of sugar. Put in oven, (low heat) for hours – stir occasionally while they are roasting.  This is Amy Roskelly's (Super Healthy Kids) annual holiday favorite give away treat – the whole neighborhood looks forward to receiving them every December!  We're going to have the Kid Kritics taste test these.   Amy also makes Popcorn balls with melted Parmesan which serves as the glue. Her Date Pinwheels have become a kid favorite – yes dates!   This recipe is her way of replacing Fig Newton's – less sugar, more flavor, more fun! 

Amy shared many healthier holiday baking recipes with Stacey Antine, RD (HealthBarn USA) and me on our Family Food Experts Kitchen internet radio show last Wed.  Stacey had some great ones, too.  Wait until you hear about her new kid favorite, Spicy Pumpkin Doughnuts!  Here is the podcast link: http://tinyurl.com/a5b7btk.

I am making the Cinnamon Almond recipe today!   Listen to pick which ones you want to try.

… for the health of families,
ellen

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“Try one, two or three pot Gardening”, says Jesse Ziff Cool

container_garden  container-vegetable-gardening-radishes-1

Keep it simple.  Start with three, two or one pots, good organic soil, seeds and water.  That's it!  The soil is key to making gardening easy.  And, you must keep the soil moist.  No green thumbs required.  Jesse recommends that your first plants be lettuce, radishes, carrots, baby beets, potatoes… yes root vegetables as well. For herbs, first try thyme, rosemary, oregano, sage, basil, parsley and chives.  Don't expect your results to be perfect, just do it and keep trying.  Get you kids involved.  You'll find that when they grow it, they will eat it.  For more of our interview with food expert, chef, cookbook author and organic gardener, LISTEN HERE.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Wouldn't you like a stash of Creamy Almond Butter with Omega 3s by Once Again Nut Butter to fill your cupboard?  Enter to win a case. www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes

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15 Minute Healthy Recipes for Kids

Book,150 Healthiest 15 Minute Recipes on Earth

When talking with whole food chef and author, Jeannette Bessenger, we picked 5 healthy recipes for kids from her book 150 Healthiest 15 Minute Recipes on Earth. One is the "Cheater Fajiter."  Fajitas have to be altered to meet the 15 minute deadline.  Another is the "Cocoa Oat Dreams" Hmmm good.  Find out more by listening to her interview on www.Better Food Choices Radio.  Click Here.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Win a whole case of Turkey Meat Balls by Shelton's Premium Poultry.  Enter: www. KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today.  Prize switches out on Sunday night.

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Eat GBOMBS says Dr. Joel Fuhrman

gbombs

GBOMBS are the essential foods you should eat for a strong immune system, says Dr. Joel Fuhrman.  Greens, Berries, Onions Mushrooms, Beans and Seeds.  Those who include these foods in their daily diet will be the ones with a disease fighting constitution.  (That include the cancer beast.)  Please, start serving your family GBOMBS daily now, young and old.  You be the smart ones and beat the odds. Here's how: Berries in smoothies, green mixed salads, saute onions and mushrooms with your entrees, include beans in your rice, chili, and other side dishes, snack on seeds.  Or, cook them all together as seen in this photo. There are so many ways to eat all of these foods.  Enjoy them and enjoy good health.  Turn your doctor a stranger seldom seen.

For more great information, listen to Dr. Fuhrman's interview: CLICK HERE

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Would you like to have a case of Turkey Meat Balls by Shelton's Poultry delivered to your door? Enter to win. www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes

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What you eat during the first 15 year determines your health profile

Dr.Fuhrman,DiseaseProof_160x105

No Kidding.  During today's podcast interview, Joel Fuhrman, M.D. explained why everything you eat/drink and digest during those years of rapid growth shapes the health of your DNA and so much more. And, he shared nutrient-packed fun recipes that work for his kids and their friends.  This is a passionate, helpful, and must listen to conversation. Please go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familyfoodexperts/2012/04/06/3-top-immune-building-vegetables-kids-will-eat (Sorry, our Click Here is not working) . Or, go to www.iTunes.com, Podcast, Better Food Choices, April 6, 2012 interview. Please listen,

… for the health of your family and you,
ellen

Enter to Win this week's Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes" a case of Greek-Style LowFat Plain Yogurt by Cabot Creamery Cooperative.  www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.

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Easter Brunch Menu – plan to make this one

Menu,EasterBrunch,SuperHealthyKids

Talk about a menu that gives you plenty of time to enjoy your guests, energizes everyone for a fun day with family and friends, has a Performance rating of 8 Food Groups and 8 Naturally Sourced Colors making it a powerhouse meal, and has a delicious something for everyone: Asparagus & Ham Frittata, Raspberry Almond Tart, Citrus Juice Bar! Please don't shy away from offering this to your kids.  The presentation of the cheese coated Frittata enriched with finely diced thin asparagus and ham (lean and organic if possible) is inviting with its tasty aroma.  This tart's crust is made with almond butter, filled with yogurt of your choice with a little orange juice, topped with fresh raspberries, then served cold.  Who can resist a juice bar with grapefruit, orange and blood orange juices (yellow, orange and red)?  Listen to how Natalie from the Super Healthy Kids website and blog created these recipes. Click HereEnjoy Your Brunch!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Couldn't you use a free case of Oat Blueberry Lemon Whenever Bars, gluten free (Pamela's Products), for breakfast, lunch and snacks?  Enter to win. www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!  (prizes change on Sunday night)


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Coconut is full of Good News

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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