The truth about School lunches

By Kid Kritics | August 19, 2012

There is an improved awareness in the school systems that healthier foods need to be on their menus. Chef Carlino, who serves school lunches, reminded me of the obstacles in front of decision makers. So before you go storming in and demand better food for your kids, take a look at what these obstacles are; then make your move.

1. Food DIstributor's make deals with food companies. Food companies are known to off load their over-runs or soon to be out of date products to school lunch
distributors for pennies on the dollar. This fits the school's food budget.

2. Contracts with food distributors and food companies are made for multiple years. In order to change the planned orders, these contracts have to be broken at
a price, or, they have to run their coarse.

3 Cafe managers and workers need to be educated about healthier products and menus.

Chef Carlino suggested that parents "create a demand, not a protest." In other words, offer constructive practical solutions without being negative or angry. A group of parents has more power than a single one so work together. Talk to principal, supervisors, cafe managers in a helpful mode.

Number One way to change the system – don't use it. If most of the kids brought their own lunches to school, the school lunch program would fail – it could not survive. Then the school would need redesign their school lunch program. You could be right there to help them!

Chef Carlino offers more helpful and delicious school lunch ideas in our interview with him. Click HERE. to listen.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Better Food Choices Radio, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Food News, Health, Healthy, Kids & Teens, Lunch, Natural, Nutrition, Performance Food, Radio Interviews, School Lunches, children, family, kids, moms, parents, www.KidKritics.com | Leave a comment

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

By Kid Kritics | April 20, 2012

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

By Kid Kritics | April 15, 2012

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.

Better Food Choices Radio, Budget-saver, Carbohydrates, Cooking, Dinner, Eating Healthy, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Lunch, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Performance Food, Podcast, Protein, Recipes, Shopping, Snacks, Supermarkets, Vitamins, children, contest, dads, family, food, kids, meat, moms, parents, prize, recipe, sweepstakes, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Eat GBOMBS says Dr. Joel Fuhrman

By Kid Kritics | April 11, 2012

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

Antioxidants, Better Food Choices Radio, Breakfast, Budget-saver, Carbohydrates, Cooking, Dinner, Disease, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Food News, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Lunch, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Performance Food, Podcast, Produce, Protein, Recipes, Shopping, Snacks, Supermarkets, Vegetables, Vitamins, Wheat-Free, children, contest, dads, family, food, immune system, kids, meat, moms, parents, prize, recipe, sweepstakes, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

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

By Kid Kritics | April 6, 2012

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.

Better Food Choices Radio, Breakfast, Budget-saver, Carbohydrates, Cooking, Dinner, Disease, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Food News, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Lunch, Medical Info, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Performance Food, Podcast, Produce, Protein, Radio Interviews, Recipes, Shopping, Snacks, Supermarkets, Vegetables, Vitamins, children, contest, dads, family, food, immune system, kids, parents, prize, recipe, sweepstakes, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Easter Brunch Menu – plan to make this one

By Kid Kritics | March 30, 2012

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 Here. Enjoy 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)

Better Food Choices Radio, Breakfast, Budget-saver, Carbohydrates, Cooking, Dinner, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Fruit, Fruit Juices, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Lunch, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Organic and Natural, Party Food, Performance Food, Podcast, Produce, Protein, Radio Interviews, Recipes, Shopping, Snacks, Supermarkets, Vegetables, Vitamins, beverages, children, contest, dads, family, food, kids, meat, moms, parents, prize, recipe, sweepstakes, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Coconut is full of Good News

By Kid Kritics | March 23, 2012

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

Better Food Choices Radio, Budget-saver, Cooking, Drinks, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Fat, Food News, Fruit, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Organic, Organic and Natural, Party Food, Performance Food, Podcast, Produce, Radio Interviews, Shopping, Supermarkets, Wheat-Free, beverages, children, contest, dads, family, food, iTunes, immune system, kids, moms, parents, prize, sweepstakes, viruses, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Summer Camp Solutions

By Kid Kritics | March 16, 2012

"Make camp a good fit, " says Amy Smith (www.MomTiniLounge.com). Evaluate your kids. Then evaluate the camps. Do they fit your children's interests? Is it the best environment for them? How are campers managed – how are problems dealt with by those in authority? What camps fit your budget? Amy pointed out that many day and sleep away camps have scholarships, deals and promotions. Look for them in family magazines, on the internet, and in your community news offerings. These and more ideas poured out of Amy's mind as we talked today. Listen on www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com, archives. Or, go to www.iTunes.com, Podcast, Better Food Choices. It is worth every minute. Instead of being overwhelmed with finding the best solutions for you children's summer, you'll get excited with all the opportunities before you, including low budget ideas.

… for the health of families,
ellen

Win a whole Boneless Turkey Breast Roast by Plainville Farms. Have until Sunday night to enter. www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes

Better Food Choices Radio, Budget-saver, Carbohydrates, Cooking, Dinner, Eating Healthy, Family Food Experts, Gluten Free, Grocery List, Health, Health Food Stores, Healthy, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Minerals, Natural, Nutrition, Performance Food, Podcast, Protein, Radio Interviews, Shopping, Vitamins, Wheat-Free, children, contest, dads, family, food, iTunes, kids, meat, moms, parents, prize, sweepstakes, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

3 Minutes last 24 Hours… find out why

By Kid Kritics | March 9, 2012

Dr. Lynne Kenney says 3 minutes of being in the present bonding connective love with your child acts as brain food and will stays with him and her for 24 hours. It really doesn’t take much and yet, too many children receive less. Needless to say, more than 3 minutes is more desirable. The reason is, the brain needs this interaction to help develop connections between the 100 billion brain cells, neurons, housed inside. The other critical element is movement, exercise. She explains that since the beginning of time, people interaction and movement have been a brain development requirement. For more fascinating basic brain skills, listen to our interview with The Family Coach and psychologist, Dr. Lynne Kenney on www.iTunes, Podcast, Better Food Choices Radio dated March 9th, 2012. Positively stimulate your children’s future.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Enter to Win a Case of Kid Kritics Approved Food. Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!

Better Food Choices Radio, Brain, Budget-saver, Exercise, Family Food Experts, Health, Kid Kritics Approved, Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kid Kritics Food Giveaway Sweepstakes, Kids & Teens, Medical Info, Podcast, Radio Interviews, children, contest, dads, family, food, kids, moms, parents, prize, sweepstakes, www.KidKritics.com, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes | Leave a comment

Interested in Brain Based Skills for you Children?

By Kid Kritics | March 8, 2012

Want to know the simple things you can do to improve brain development and behavior with your children? Dr. Lynne Kenney, The Family Coach, will share what she uses with her own children as well as others on www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com. Friday, 3/9/12, Noon eastern time. In just 30 minutes, you will be inspired to use at least 2 methods to make positive brain difference in your family.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Are you going to be this week's sweepstakes winner? To win a case of Rice Cheeze Snack Sticks, Mozzarella Style, by Lisantti Foods, AND, a children's book, The Lucky Escape, part of the Human Body Detective series by Dr. Heather Manley, enter by going to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes. Enter more than once to up your odds!