Gluten Free: So Many New Choices!

By Kid Kritics | April 23, 2013

Have you noticed how the gluten-free food section in your grocery store has expanded over the last couple of years? That is primarily due to an increased demand for them. A gluten-free diet is medically prescribed to people with celiac disease; 1 in 100 Americans suffer with the diagnosis. But those are not the only ones demanding a larger variety of tasty gluten free products.

Many people have found that although they do not have celiac disease they greatly benefit from eating less or no gluten which is primarily found in wheat, barley and rye. They noticed their skin is healthier, they experience less gastrointestinal distress such as bloating, and some even claim better mental health. Even with increased focus by the science community on studying the digestive tract, no conclusive research warrants warning everyone to avoid gluten, though some trials suggest this is a good idea. Many people dealing with various digestive related issues have voluntarily adopted a low gluten or gluten free diet.

Mothers, determined to alleviate some of those same symptoms for their children, have invested time and money to find products and recipes that are gluten free, ones their children will like. We have searched and found several family-friendly gluten free brands and products Kid Kritics have approved. These include Crunchmaster Cheddar Cheezy Crisps and Grammy Crisps which make great snack alternatives to wheat-filled versions. Lisanatti Foods, Pamela’s Products and Barbara’s Bakery also have several gluten-free products that have been awarded the kids’ seal of approval. To make your life really easy, we have posted many gluten free recipes on our website! For our full list of Kid Kritics Approved Gluten free products simply click on this link: Gluten Free Grocery List. It is wise, so please do discuss gluten free conditions with your doctor and/or dietitian to make sure low or no gluten foods are right for your family and you!

… for the health of your family,

Carolina

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

By Kid Kritics | January 6, 2013

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

Get the Most for your Food Money. This List Is for You.

By Kid Kritics | November 25, 2012

We wanted to make a list of foods that give you "the most bang for your buck" food money well spent on

nutrient-rich foods. Those listed below are recommended staples for your kitchen. The cost of food keeps rising. Use this list to manage your budget.

Fresh produce is more cost efficient that you think. Its fiber is filling. Produce is nutrient dense with nature's

vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. Raw produce is best. Try to expand your salad contents past the traditional

lettuce, carrots, and tomatoes. Add raw nuts, seeds, grated cheese, dark leafy lettuces (baby spinach!), dried

berries, and apple chunks. Change the combination from day to day. Use organic when possible.

Enjoy the fruits of nature! … for the health of your family, ellen

Healthy Cost Efficient Foods

Mouth

Total

FOOD

Blood

Bones

Brain

Ears

Eyes

Hair

Heart

Joints

Lungs

Teeth

Muscles

Nails

Nerves

Nose

Skin

Points

Banana

Beef, Ground, lean

Black Beans

Blueberries (frozen)

Broccoli

Carrots

Cheese, Mozzarella

Eggs*

Fish, Tongol Tuna

Garlic

Oats

Olive Oil

Onions

Parsley

Peanut Butter*

Pineapple

Rice, Brown

Sweet Potatoes

Tomatoes

Turkey

Watermelon

Yogurt, plain

* Except for those with allergies

www.KidKritics.com, Family Food Experts Kitchen Radio, 561-417-3645

Store’s FREE Cookie Giveway to hook kids and you

By Kid Kritics | September 9, 2012

I had an interesting talk with a dad this morning. He has an adorable 3 year old. One day they were in a grocery store and someone asked if she wanted a cookie. It was the free cookie for your kids attraction. Before this happened, he said, they used to have fun going to the store to shop for food. Now, she associates grocery shopping with a cookie – she wants to go there for the cookie. "Let's go to the store so I can get a cookie."

Has anyone stopped to think what message is being programmed into young children with this cookie bait? Grocery shopping is now about free cookies. Come and get a free cookie. Come to our store because we have free cookies for kids. It it no longer about being together and choosing good foods for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. Here, I'll give you this sugar filled cookie if you are sit quietly in the cart – really? Are you using this behavior gratification for behavior modification? Cookies rule.

How many of you have been sucked into this lure? How many of you choose the store you shop in because they give a free cookie to your kids? How many of you say no thank you to the store and no to your kids? How many of you say, let's go pick out an apple instead? Please, think twice about how you are brain training your children.

By the way, usually, these cookies are made with totally unhealthy, nutrient-empty, sugar-laden harmful ingredients. You think it is free. One day, you will be paying for this cookie habit. Or, you can outsmart these stores and say no, or, stay away.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Choose to have a Smart Active Brain or Fructose

By Kid Kritics | September 2, 2012

Research continues to point out how the sweetener Fructose negatively impacts your brain… as well as your children's. Please read this report by Dr. Mercola,

September 2, 2012 – Issue 2206

Too Much Sugar Makes You Stupid!

The rats fed fructose syrup showed significant impairment in their cognitive abilities—they struggled to remember their way out of the maze. They were slower, and their brains showed a decline in synaptic activity. Their brain cells had trouble signaling each other, disrupting the rats' ability to think clearly and recall the route they'd learned six weeks earlier.

Additionally, the fructose-fed rats showed signs of resistance to insulin, a hormone that controls your blood sugar and synaptic function in your brain.

Because insulin is able to pass through your blood-brain barrier, it can trigger neurological processes that are important for learning and memory. Consuming large amounts of fructose may block insulin's ability to regulate how your brain cells store and use sugar for the energy needed to fuel thoughts and emotions. The average American consumes roughly 47 pounds of cane sugar and 35 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture².

Researchers concluded that a high fructose diet harms your brain, as well as the rest of your body. But there is even more to this story.

A second group of rats was given omega-3 fatty acids in the form of flaxseed oil and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), in addition to the high fructose diet. After six weeks, this group of rats was able to navigate the maze better and faster than the rats in the non-DHA group.

The researchers concluded that DHA is protective against fructose's harmful effects on the brain. DHA is essential for synaptic function—it helps your brain cells transmit signals to one another, which is the mechanism that makes learning and memory possible. Your body can't produce enough DHA, so it must be supplemented through your diet.

YOUR CHOICE IS either to cut out all sweeteners, artificial included, use a little cane sugar for occasional treats, and take DHA supplements – fish oils! OR, go down the road of destruction, ignore conclusive research, eat lots of sweet junk food, including "candy cereals" and be stupid.

I think you are smart enough to follow choice one.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Recipe. Egg Salad Kids Love!

By Kid Kritics | June 18, 2012

Trick to making egg salad… chop everything finely, especially the hard boiled eggs. Make it a bit mushy. We spread it between two rice crackers. The kids couldn't get enough! "More, seconds, PLEASEEEEEE…. I like it a lot… Yes, I loved it – it is a crunchy delight… It was Egg-squisite!" The added taste touch of Parmesan cheese steps this up to the rank of a favorite food. What a great way to get you kids to eat eggs, the perfect brain food! CLICK HERE for RECIPE

Invite your kids to help you make it. Bet half is gone before you serve it.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Lemons. Performance Food of the Week

By Kid Kritics | April 23, 2012

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

Asparagus: Performance Food of the Week

By Kid Kritics | April 8, 2012

Asparagus are full of nutrients that feed your brain, blood, bones, heart, lungs, mouth/teeth, muscles, and skin! For 2000 years they have been valued for their medicinal and epicurean offerings. Their rich collection of phyto-nutrients that include Vitamin C, manganese, selenium, glutathione, B vitamins, inulin and fiber make them excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant providing food. Look for thin firm stalks and steam or grill them. Serve with lemon and butter, or a with a little cheese on top. Dip them in a salad dressing. Introduce them to kids a spear head at a time.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Grocery List. Cashew Nut Butter

By Kid Kritics | April 3, 2012

“I like the cashew flavor and really love the way it feels on my tongue.” (Kid Kritics quote). Cashew butter offers a delicious alternative to other nut and seed butters. It happens to be powered with minerals: zinc, selenium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium. Plus you can count on it to supply you with protein, antioxidants and phyto-chemicals. Bottom line: it feeds your brain, nerves, heart, hair, nails, skin, bones and immune system. This is another food where a little goes a long way. Since it keeps well in the refrigerator, you use a little at a time, over time. When your kids needs a nutrient-packed snack, use cashew butter as a dip for carrots, celery and apple slices.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

WIn a whole case of Greek-Style LowFat Plain Yogurt by Cabot of Vermont. Think of all the smoothies, dips, sauces, fruit yogurts you will be able to make with it. Don’t forget it freezes will – put some in ice cube trays for future frozen yogurt summer treats. To enter, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes . Enter more than once to up your odds.

Sesame Seeds. Performance Food of the Week

By Kid Kritics | April 1, 2012

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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KID KRITICS APPROVED

Identifying healthier foods that your familiy deserves,

and your kids will love

Gluten Free: So Many New Choices!

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

Choose to have a Smart Active Brain or Fructose

Too Much Sugar Makes You Stupid!

Recipe. Egg Salad Kids Love!

Lemons. Performance Food of the Week

Asparagus: Performance Food of the Week

Grocery List. Cashew Nut Butter

Sesame Seeds. Performance Food of the Week

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