Spring Cleaning: Your Pantry!

By Kid Kritics | April 14, 2013

It's that time of year! Time when we are inspired to clean our houses and our lives of any unwanted clutter and stress. Perfect time to also clean out your pantry and stock up with new and better foods for you.

Start off looking at your canned goods, keep only what you can't live without. Then try to switch out for buying fresh or when needed and available packaged in glass. Canned goods can come in handy on a last minute pinch, but their BPA dangers, added salt, and other artificial ingredients are not ideal for everyday consumption.

Next look at your pasta, rice, cake batter and baking flours. Make sure you have at least 80% as whole grains. Switch out white rice for brown rice. Explore other grains such as quinoa, barley, Freekeh and bulgur. The basics are also very important, look at all your "best by dates" on all your products, including herbs and spices and throw out anything expired. On average we throw away $1 for every $4 of purchased food, we must break this trend with meal planning and avoiding stocking up due to sales when you are unsure you will use it in time.

The snack section of your pantry is just as important. Look through it and see what can you substitute with more nutritious options. Try to get rid of anything with lab-made food dyes, added preservatives, excessive sugar or salt and "empty calories" type snacks which don’t provide any nutritious value and may increase underlying stress. Look at our grocery list for great ideas on snacks and more! Our Kid Kritics Approved Brands have plenty of options to make stocking your pantry an easy task.

As we defrost from winter into spring we can start looking forward to Summer! Time to look and feel our best. Having the right foods at home to fuel your body is crucial to a successful "Spring time cleaning" of your health.

… for the health of your family,

Carolina

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Artificial Ingredients, Artificial Sweeteners, Bad Fats, Chemicals, Cooking, Dyes, Eating Healthy, Food Labels, Food Manufacturers, Food Safety, Kid Kritics Approved, Non-GMO food, Nutrition, Organic and Natural, Shopping, Snacks, Sugar, Supermarkets, Whole Grains, children, sugar-free   |   Leave a comment

A parable of the wise and foolish builders by VeggieTales

By Kid Kritics | April 2, 2013

My kids are very active and rarely sit in front of the TV these days, but when they do we make sure it is to watch educational shows with good messages! They love Veggie Tales, so when we received their new adventure “The Little House that Stood” they were jumping with excitement. They weren’t disappointed. Larry Boy and Bob delivered another hilarious performance! “The Little House that Stood” tells the story of the Three Little Pigs arriving into Cabbageville and preparing to build their houses. They met with three builders, but only one of them, Bob had a plan with solid ground.  In this adventurous parable, kids see what happens when they follow God’s blueprints, they can stand strong even through the storms! Building their houses and lives on a strong foundation makes all the difference.

But that’s not all. The DVD has a second fun story about the plight of Humpty Dumpty, and a featured Silly Song by Larry the Cucumber, “Happy Tooth Day!” The kids gave it thumbs up plus five stars! They’ve watched it over and over. Veggie Tales never fails to entertain while teaching valuable messages. What is there not to love when Vegetables are the Heroes?

… for the health of your family,

Carolina

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New products coming soon to join our Kid Kritics Approved List!

By Kid Kritics | March 27, 2013

A couple of weeks ago I went for the first time to Natural Food Expo West and it was AMAZING! Imagine one gigantic 3 floors the size of football fields conference hall filled with over 2,500 booths featuring brands dedicated to making the best all natural foods. They were presenting all their new products to try it and learn about it. Needless to say I ate well! We met up with some of our Kid Kritics Approved Brands to find out what new products they are coming out with that we can taste test and potentially award Kid Kritics Approved Seals.

It was easy to spot all the new trends! Popcorn was everywhere, flavored from sweet, salty all the way to spicy. Hemp hearts, oils and seeds as well as chia seeds are being added to several products to make it easier to integrate into our diets. Gluten free products are in full swing! It is no longer a huge challenge to go on a gluten-free diet, with so many brands and products dedicating full lines to the gluten free market you can eat pancakes, cakes, cookies, pasta, tortilla and even pizza. I also enjoyed the variety of new drinks incorporating teas, coconut water, natural juices without the addition of any sweetener at all! Letting the taste of the fruit, vegetable and natural ingredients be the star. We found many products that we are super excited to taste test and bring them to you to try! So stay tuned to our Facebook page, twitter and webpage as we announce products we award Kid Kritics Approved Seal.

… for the health of your family,

Carolina

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Breakfast, Calories, Chemicals, Cooking, Drinks, Eating Healthy, Food Labels, Food Manufacturers, Food News, Fruit Juices, GMO food, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health Food Stores, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Non-GMO food, Nutrition, Organic, Organic and Natural, Snacks, Uncategorized, children, family, food   |   Leave a comment

We are here for you!

By Kid Kritics | March 1, 2013

I recently read an article reporting the dangers of eating soy. I became extremely overwhelmed as a parent! How do we know what to feed our family when advice and warnings are issued daily against different types of food? Recommendations seem to change constantly when it comes to sugar, fat, vitamins, minerals, and so much more – now soy.  It is confusing and frustrating even for me as a registered dietitian. I am often conflicted on how to handle the new health information so I can’t imagine how tough it would be to decipher without nutrition training.

My advice is to approach it like you do most things in life. Build a relationship with experts you trust and have similar ideas, morals and beliefs. To this day when I am not sure what to wear for an important event, I call my mother! After all, for me she is my “fashion expert” and I trust her. Just filter out all the over dramatic news and hidden agenda advices and go straight to the source you can trust.

We hope you will find that we are here for you as your Family Food Experts! Kid Kritics Approved are a part of this dedicated group who works diligently to make sure all the advice we give has your family’s best interest at heart. The Kid Kritics Approved seal is there to help you when you shop (Grocery List link), and our recipes (Recipes link) are available to facilitate your menu planning. We also have our newsletter that we share two to three times monthly with a lunchbox menu, recipes and other nutrition tips. Our blog posts offer a little insight into my own experiences as a mother and nutrition expert. Our Pinterest Page is great for finding recipes by specific categories as well.

I invite you all to sign up for our newsletter today! (Click here to sign up) You will receive a free Breakfast Recipe e-Book with a collection of Kid Kritics approved recipes including many of our Kid Kritics Approved products. You can reach me on our Facebook page whenever you are looking for advice on something you heard, read, or about a specific topic you are interested in. I am here for you!

… for the health of your family,

Carolina

(In case you are wondering, yep, that’s my picture)

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Cooking, Diets, Disease, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Food Labels, Food Manufacturers, Food News, Food Safety, GMO food, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Junk Food, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Non-GMO food, Nutrition, Organic and Natural, Recipes, Snacks, Sodas, Uncategorized, children, family, food, kids, moms, parents, www.KidKritics.com   |   Leave a comment

What Kid Kritics Approved Seal means to Moms

By Kid Kritics | January 28, 2013

We asked moms what the Kid Kritics Approved seal means to them.  Here is a sample representing hundreds of their responses:

Means I can relax and not have to do the research myself
QUALITY!
Brands that have been tested and are honest with consumers
Healthy choices for kids
Healthy and nutritious food
It means that the product is safe and healthy for my children. :)
It means there's a great chance that kids will like the product.
I know that my kids will love the products!!
Nutrition that kids will enjoy!
Good stuff kids will actually eat!
It's a healthier choice to select from.
It means I can feel good about giving that food to my children to eat.
Healthy and edible!
I know when ever its kid approved, it's good food.
My kids will love it!

You too can relax and know when you choose a Kid Kritics Approved healthier product and recipe, odds are you kids will be asking for seconds, just like the Kid Kritics do!

Try this week's Kid Kritics Approved product and recipe found on the home page:. KidKritics.com. 

… for the health of families,
ellen

 

 

 

 

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Zach, 6th grader, has sworn off sugar for a year!

By Kid Kritics | January 14, 2013

Zach has not had a bite of sugar for over 6 months. Tim Tebow's biography inspired him to give sugar up for a year.  When Zach asked his parents if they would give him $100 if he swore off sugar for 12 months, they agreed.  Zach says the hardest part has been his peer pressure (6th grade…!) and Halloween.  His answer to how he handles it is, "It's not worth it."  He also knows how sugar can interfere with his goals, and , he has plans for that $100! Now he says he doesn't miss is at all. We'll see if he is singing this same tune in another 6 or 7 months.

Zachary is my grandson and I am so proud of him.  We had no sugar anything over the holidays. Instead we made beef jerky with his family's new dehydrator and Zach ate lots of his favorite nuts, cashews. Our meals and snacks were made from fresh foods; many recipes were his requests.  Thanks to Zachary we all had no sugar treats to resist.  Santa, included.  He was given a plate of hummus and carrots instead of cookies!

I'll give you a 12 month report.  Until then, maybe one of your kids would take on this No Sugar for  Year challenge.  Let me know if he or she does, please!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Facebook.com/Kid Kritics Approved
Family Food Experts

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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

 

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Holiday Meal Makeovers

By Kid Kritics | December 17, 2012

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!

By Kid Kritics | December 9, 2012

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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Carbohydrates, Cooking, Eating Healthy, Nutrition, Party Food, Podcast, Protein, Radio Interviews, Recipes, Snacks, Spices, Uncategorized, W4WN radio, children, dads, family, food, kids, moms, parents, recipe, www.KidKritics.com   |   Leave a comment

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   x x   x x x x x x       x x 10
Beef, Ground, lean x   x     x x       x   x     6
Black Beans x   x                       x 2
Blueberries (frozen) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 15
Broccoli x x x x x x x     x   x x   x 11
Carrots     x x x x x x x x   x   x x 11
Cheese, Mozzarella x x x     x       x x x x   x 9
Eggs* x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 15
Fish, Tongol Tuna x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 15
Garlic x   x     x x   x   x x x   x 9
Oats     x       x       x x x   x 6
Olive Oil x x x x x x x x   x x x x x x 14
Onions x   x x x   x x x x x x x   x 12
Parsley x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 15
Peanut Butter* x   x     x x   x   x x x   x 9
Pineapple   x x x x         x   x x x   8
Rice, Brown     x x   x   x     x   x     6
Sweet Potatoes     x x x   x   x       x   x 7
Tomatoes     x x x x x   x x x   x     9
Turkey     x x   x x x x x   x x x x 12
Watermelon x   x       x x             x 5
Yogurt, plain x x x     x       x x x x   x 9
                                 
* Except for those with allergies www.KidKritics.com, Family Food Experts Kitchen Radio,  561-417-3645      
                               
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
   
 
 
 
           
                                   
                             
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
     

 

 

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