March has been declared National Nutrition Month® by the American Dietetic Association, so I can’t think of a better time to talk about ways to improve your child’s lifestyle and eating habits. We all know that a banana is a healthier snack than a bag of potato chips and that…
Decades ago, vegetarianism was considered something of a fringe lifestyle, reserved for hippies and Buddhist monks. Those days are long gone. As more Americans focus on green living and conscious consumerism, vegetarianism is becoming a widely accepted and even celebrated way of life for people of all ages. If your…
Super foods are those foods that provide your body with more than just calories, protein, carbohydrates and fat. They are classified as “real” foods (read: unprocessed) that supply your body with disease-fighting components and support health. For example, many fruits are considered super foods because they contain antioxidants which neutralize…
Good nutrition is important for children to develop healthy minds and bodies. Getting an early start on good nutrition is a key factor in helping children learn to enjoy the taste of foods that are good for them. However, it is never too late to start your children on a…
Have you ever tried to get your child to drink a V8? It’s a lost cause. But if you hide the vegetables in smoothies, desserts and entrées, then you can get your kid to gulp down a serving of veggies before you finish cleaning up the kitchen. Super Smoothie (Adapted…
Many parents think that because their children are picky eaters, they need to supply them with a multivitamin. The jury is still out on whether or not it is important to give children multivitamin supplements. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages and decide for yourself whether it is necessary in your…
It seems like everything you eat these days is bad for you. First, eggs are part of a balanced breakfast. Then, they are filled with cholesterol, back away slowly. Next, you’re allowed to eat the whites for lean protein but make sure you take out the yolks, that was where…
Fiber is an important nutrient that keeps your child’s intestines working comfortably. Foods that are good sources of fiber are beneficial because they are filling and therefore discourage overeating. High fiber foods stay in the stomach longer and require more chewing; prolonged chewing will help satisfy your child’s appetite. Research…
It’s no secret that the choices offered in most school cafeterias leave something to be desired, both nutritionally and taste-wise. And convenience “kid” lunches-you know, those pre-packaged cracker, cheese and meat slice combos you find in the refrigerated section at the store-aren’t a great alternative. They’re loaded with sodium, artificial…
By now, you have probably encountered the debate over growth hormones in food on the news, so as a concerned health-minded consumer, what do you really need to know? If you eat beef or drink cow’s milk, read the short history of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), below to educate…