Pregnancy is the perfect time to take care of yourself, spiritually, physically, and emotionally while your body is nurturing and growing a new baby. Your regular routine won’t work for these nine months. You need to pay attention to what your body tells you at all times. And, you need to heed the advice of your doctor. A healthy pregnancy means a healthy baby. Here are 5 tips for a healthy pregnancy.
1. You should drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated and keep your body from overheating. Water is an essential nutrient not only for the mother’s body, but your baby benefits from it, as well. Check with your doctor and keep a water bottle handy with you.
2. Eat well balanced, healthy, and nutritious meals. There are a lot of warnings and urban legends about what you can and can’t eat while you’re pregnant. Be smart and settle on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nutrients, whole grains, proteins, chicken, fish, milk, egg, and other items that aid the body in strong development. You don’t have to gain a lot of weight during your pregnancy when you’re “eating for two.” Also, avoid contact with foods that may carry toxoplasmosis like raw meats and some cheeses. Make sure to cook all meats to the proper temperature.
3. Take your vitamins. Consult with your doctor, nurse, nutritionist, or other health care professionals about what vitamins may be best for you and your needs. Pick a multi-vitamin and stick to a daily regimen for you and your baby. Things to focus on for extra supplement are iron, calcium, folic acid, to name a few. Find what’s best for you.
4. Exercise is your friend. Without going to the extreme or doing anything too strenuous, you can work regular exercise into your daily and weekly routine while pregnant. If you start an exercise routine during your pregnancy will help you shed those unwanted baby pounds after your little bundle is born. Don’t participate in anything extreme, thrill-seeking, dangerous, or organized. Keep to simple stretches, walking, yoga, or swimming.
5. Say no to smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. While it’s generally a good health rule to avoid these items, it’s essentially beneficial during your pregnancy to stay smoke-free, alcohol-free, and caffeine reduced. Some research has shown that too much caffeine during pregnancy can lead to a low weight baby. Drinking while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause growth and mental retardation, heart defects, or behavioral issues down the road. Remember, anything you put into your body is eventually going to make it to your baby. You shouldn’t consume anything you don’t want passed on.
As always, visit your doctor often for the proper and necessary tests and evaluations during pregnancy and listen to their advice. Check with them before starting any exercise or diet program.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about pregnancy and baby topics like planning boy baby shower parties and other fun baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties for friends and family when not writing.
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Healthy and Unhealthy Forms of Sugar
Who doesn’t like sugar when they are baking? Yes, there are some people who prefer to go sugar-free, but the majority of us can’t get enough of that sweetness. Sugar comes in many shapes and forms when baking, making it hard to know which one is best for what dessert. It is difficult to bake with sugar when you are trying to eat healthy, but it’s not impossible.
Here is an overview of some common baking sugars, what types of desserts they are best used for, and how healthy they are for your family:
Granulated white sugar - Granulated is the most common form of sugar used in cooking and in recipes. It can be used for just about anything you can think of to bake. Unfortunately, there are no nutritional benefits in using this form of sugar. In fact, there are 108 calories in just one small serving size of granulated sugar!
Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) - Powdered sugar looks precisely like its name, powder. This type of sugar is used in meringue pies, some icings, and toppings for pastries. While powdered sugar may have small amounts of vitamins in minerals it is not significant to warrant the whopping 466 calories that are in a cup.
Brown sugar - Brown sugar is made from refined white sugar with molasses added to it. Brown sugar is a common ingredient in spice cakes, muffins, some cookies, and they give a great taste to baked apple goods. It is considered a cooking myth that brown sugar is healthier than granulated sugar. In fact, in most manufactured brown sugar granulated white sugar is used, so the only health value comes from the molasses, and it is miniscule.
It is important to note that these are not the only three sugars that can be used in your favorite dishes. However, they are the most common. Although these sugars are the most commonly used in cooking and baking, they are definitely not healthy. However, nature has provided us with many forms of sweeteners that are pure and do contain some health benefits.
Some of the purest sweeteners and their health benefits include:
Maple syrup - Natural maple syrup is lower in calories than any processed sugar. It contains nutrients like manganese, giving you energy, and is high in zinc, making it good for your heart health. Maple syrup is also linked to building your immune system and maintaining reproductive health in men.
Molasses - Molasses is a good source of vitamins and minerals when consumed in moderation, since it has as many calories as white sugar. Aside from that small downfall, it also contains calcium, iron, potassium and manganese, and is good for the health of your muscles, bones and teeth.
Honey - Honey is a great immunity builder, it is used as a natural remedy, and it is a natural energy pick-me-up. Honey is actually proven to help seasonal allergy sufferers when a teaspoon is eaten daily!
Corn syrup - Caro syrup is a natural form of corn syrup that has been used for a century to treat ailments like pharyngitis and constipation in babies. It is goof in moderation as it is linked to weight gain and increasing heart attack risks.
Whether you are baking cookies for the holidays or just a snack at home, there are many choices a baker has when reaching for a sweetener. If you prefer the taste of processed, it’s not a crime, however moderation is the key to consumption. Switch up your baking and use white sugar for cookies then maple syrup the next time. You are in control of your health and you control the measuring cup. Just decide which type of sugar you want to scoop up!
Criss White is an article writer for My Baby Shower Favors and enjoys baking holiday cookies and other decorated cookies. Criss also enjoys reading when not writing.
Here is an overview of some common baking sugars, what types of desserts they are best used for, and how healthy they are for your family:
Granulated white sugar - Granulated is the most common form of sugar used in cooking and in recipes. It can be used for just about anything you can think of to bake. Unfortunately, there are no nutritional benefits in using this form of sugar. In fact, there are 108 calories in just one small serving size of granulated sugar!
Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) - Powdered sugar looks precisely like its name, powder. This type of sugar is used in meringue pies, some icings, and toppings for pastries. While powdered sugar may have small amounts of vitamins in minerals it is not significant to warrant the whopping 466 calories that are in a cup.
Brown sugar - Brown sugar is made from refined white sugar with molasses added to it. Brown sugar is a common ingredient in spice cakes, muffins, some cookies, and they give a great taste to baked apple goods. It is considered a cooking myth that brown sugar is healthier than granulated sugar. In fact, in most manufactured brown sugar granulated white sugar is used, so the only health value comes from the molasses, and it is miniscule.
It is important to note that these are not the only three sugars that can be used in your favorite dishes. However, they are the most common. Although these sugars are the most commonly used in cooking and baking, they are definitely not healthy. However, nature has provided us with many forms of sweeteners that are pure and do contain some health benefits.
Some of the purest sweeteners and their health benefits include:
Maple syrup - Natural maple syrup is lower in calories than any processed sugar. It contains nutrients like manganese, giving you energy, and is high in zinc, making it good for your heart health. Maple syrup is also linked to building your immune system and maintaining reproductive health in men.
Molasses - Molasses is a good source of vitamins and minerals when consumed in moderation, since it has as many calories as white sugar. Aside from that small downfall, it also contains calcium, iron, potassium and manganese, and is good for the health of your muscles, bones and teeth.
Honey - Honey is a great immunity builder, it is used as a natural remedy, and it is a natural energy pick-me-up. Honey is actually proven to help seasonal allergy sufferers when a teaspoon is eaten daily!
Corn syrup - Caro syrup is a natural form of corn syrup that has been used for a century to treat ailments like pharyngitis and constipation in babies. It is goof in moderation as it is linked to weight gain and increasing heart attack risks.
Whether you are baking cookies for the holidays or just a snack at home, there are many choices a baker has when reaching for a sweetener. If you prefer the taste of processed, it’s not a crime, however moderation is the key to consumption. Switch up your baking and use white sugar for cookies then maple syrup the next time. You are in control of your health and you control the measuring cup. Just decide which type of sugar you want to scoop up!
Criss White is an article writer for My Baby Shower Favors and enjoys baking holiday cookies and other decorated cookies. Criss also enjoys reading when not writing.
Keys to Making Healthy Banana Bread
For lovers of banana bread who may be trying to take better care of their health there is an answer! Your favorite easy to bake banana bread can be made in a healthy way so that it doesn’t break your diet and still tastes just as good as always. The classic methods of making banana bread will usually include 10 to 16 grams of fat in one small slice. For some this can ruin their entire diet and take us completely off the healthy train. However, by changing a few ingredients with more healthy and natural substitutes can make banana bread a light, sweet, and healthy snack that is perfect to start off your day.
If you are seeking to make a healthy banana bread, consider using some of the following healthy ingredients:
Whole wheat flour
When compared to white flour, wheat flour is rich in fiber and protein. Wheat flour is also a great source of selenium, manganese and can even give you a little kick of energy!
Eggs (if you prefer they can be organic)
There is plenty of protein, vitamin D and even amino acids with just one egg. Eggs have been linked to the improvement of eyesight, stronger hair and nails, and stronger muscles.
Bananas (of course!)
The natural sugars from bananas will add just a perfect amount of sweetness to your banana bread. Additionally bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin C and B6, and even fiber.
Walnuts
Walnuts reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and have the much desired omega 3 fatty acids. There is even more fiber and more protein in walnuts, and vitamin B and E.
Natural cane sugar
Natural cane sugar has many vitamins and minerals, and is much healthier than other sugars. Not to worry, with cane sugar you are not sacrificing flavor for health benefit.
Now, while you may be excited to make your healthy new snack, you must remember one important fact. Butter is not good! Adding globs of butter for a small slice of banana bread is defeating the purpose of healthy banana bread and sort of ruining all your hard work in baking.
Butter is a source of calories and bad cholesterol, so if you can avoid the use of it at all, more power to you! However, if you are like most, butter is completes a good slice of banana bread. If you are going to use butter monitor the amount that you are using, a serving size of butter is considered a small pat on a piece of bread, which is considered smaller than half a teaspoon. Also, using a light or whipped butter may help cut the number of calories you are taking in per serving.
Your banana bread does not have to side track you from eating healthy, in fact changing up some of the ingredients on all your baked goods can make it a little easier to indulge. Although banana bread is often used as a family holiday treat, it can also be a great treat for special occasions like parties and baby showers. And you can even shape them into small circles to make banana bread cookies. So next time you’re in the mood for a little sweet taste of banana bread feel free, it’s in your diet!
If you are seeking to make a healthy banana bread, consider using some of the following healthy ingredients:
Whole wheat flour
When compared to white flour, wheat flour is rich in fiber and protein. Wheat flour is also a great source of selenium, manganese and can even give you a little kick of energy!
Eggs (if you prefer they can be organic)
There is plenty of protein, vitamin D and even amino acids with just one egg. Eggs have been linked to the improvement of eyesight, stronger hair and nails, and stronger muscles.
Bananas (of course!)
The natural sugars from bananas will add just a perfect amount of sweetness to your banana bread. Additionally bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin C and B6, and even fiber.
Walnuts
Walnuts reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and have the much desired omega 3 fatty acids. There is even more fiber and more protein in walnuts, and vitamin B and E.
Natural cane sugar
Natural cane sugar has many vitamins and minerals, and is much healthier than other sugars. Not to worry, with cane sugar you are not sacrificing flavor for health benefit.
Now, while you may be excited to make your healthy new snack, you must remember one important fact. Butter is not good! Adding globs of butter for a small slice of banana bread is defeating the purpose of healthy banana bread and sort of ruining all your hard work in baking.
Butter is a source of calories and bad cholesterol, so if you can avoid the use of it at all, more power to you! However, if you are like most, butter is completes a good slice of banana bread. If you are going to use butter monitor the amount that you are using, a serving size of butter is considered a small pat on a piece of bread, which is considered smaller than half a teaspoon. Also, using a light or whipped butter may help cut the number of calories you are taking in per serving.
Your banana bread does not have to side track you from eating healthy, in fact changing up some of the ingredients on all your baked goods can make it a little easier to indulge. Although banana bread is often used as a family holiday treat, it can also be a great treat for special occasions like parties and baby showers. And you can even shape them into small circles to make banana bread cookies. So next time you’re in the mood for a little sweet taste of banana bread feel free, it’s in your diet!
Criss White is an article writer and baking enthusiast who enjoys sharing baking tips for bread, cakes, decorated cookies and other holiday cookies. Criss also enjoys hosting parties when not writing.
5 Healthy Drinks Babies Would Love
During their growth, babies need water not only for hydration, but to help develop their kidneys. Pediatricians note that babies' kidneys need more water to move waste through their bodies. This is especially true when their diet begins to incorporate solid foods instead of just drinking milk and/or formula. To keep your baby properly hydrated after six months, consider adding some of these drinks to their diet.
Here are 5 drinks babies would love.
- Water is one of the best things you can give your baby. It quenches thirst, provides for hydration, and it doesn't add any unnecessary sugars to their body. No matter if you use tap, bottled, or spring water, it is best to boil the water before serving it to your baby. Use boiled water in your ice cubes, too, if you're chilling the water before serving it to your baby.
- Apple juice is a healthy drink for babies, although you don't want to serve them a lot of it. Too much can add to tooth decay or possibly add too much acid into their system. (That's why you should avoid the citrus juices.) However, apple juice is high in natural sugar and easy for a baby to digest. Don't serve the juice full strength, though. Rather do a one part juice to three parts water dilution.
- Milk is full of vitamins, iron and other nutrients. Keep it simple and watch for any allergic reactions. Until babies are older-past nine months-avoid giving them anything other than cow's milk, like sheep, goat, or soy milk.
- Green smoothies are a nutritional health rage for babies and infants. Combine various fruits, vegetables, and waters into a yummy smoothie that is easily and quickly absorbed into baby's system. Use spinach, kale, lettuce, and mix with fruits like apples, bananas, or peaches for a drink that will have your baby banging his/her sippy cup for more.
- Yogurt smoothies are another drink that will go over well with your baby. Combine carrots, apples, non-fat yogurt, and water in a blender for a vitamin-filled drink.
Avoid giving your baby more than one drink or juice other than formula per day. You'll want to serve any additional water or drink in a sippy cup instead of a bottle. Keep that for formula. Also, pediatricians and nutritionists recommend against giving your baby juice before going to bed. Although babies drink mostly formula, an occasional drink from the above list will be a healthy and well enjoyed treat for your baby.
Here are 5 drinks babies would love.
- Water is one of the best things you can give your baby. It quenches thirst, provides for hydration, and it doesn't add any unnecessary sugars to their body. No matter if you use tap, bottled, or spring water, it is best to boil the water before serving it to your baby. Use boiled water in your ice cubes, too, if you're chilling the water before serving it to your baby.
- Apple juice is a healthy drink for babies, although you don't want to serve them a lot of it. Too much can add to tooth decay or possibly add too much acid into their system. (That's why you should avoid the citrus juices.) However, apple juice is high in natural sugar and easy for a baby to digest. Don't serve the juice full strength, though. Rather do a one part juice to three parts water dilution.
- Milk is full of vitamins, iron and other nutrients. Keep it simple and watch for any allergic reactions. Until babies are older-past nine months-avoid giving them anything other than cow's milk, like sheep, goat, or soy milk.
- Green smoothies are a nutritional health rage for babies and infants. Combine various fruits, vegetables, and waters into a yummy smoothie that is easily and quickly absorbed into baby's system. Use spinach, kale, lettuce, and mix with fruits like apples, bananas, or peaches for a drink that will have your baby banging his/her sippy cup for more.
- Yogurt smoothies are another drink that will go over well with your baby. Combine carrots, apples, non-fat yogurt, and water in a blender for a vitamin-filled drink.
Avoid giving your baby more than one drink or juice other than formula per day. You'll want to serve any additional water or drink in a sippy cup instead of a bottle. Keep that for formula. Also, pediatricians and nutritionists recommend against giving your baby juice before going to bed. Although babies drink mostly formula, an occasional drink from the above list will be a healthy and well enjoyed treat for your baby.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
Monday, August 15, 2011
5 Healthy Foods for Your Kids
It seems today that kids are in a rut with eating the same things over and over again. Growing kids can’t live on French fries, pizza, and hot dogs alone. The key to pleasing any kids’ palate is to make the meal fun for them and not to let them know when they’re eating right.
Here are five healthy foods for your kids.
Nuts and Seeds
For in between meal snacks, feed your kids a handful of nuts. Not only are they rich in several important vitamins, but nuts provide vast amounts of proteins and amino acids. The variety of legume nuts and tree nuts offers variety to any snack with almonds, pecans, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, and others. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids which are essential in kids’ growth.
Fruits
Instead of treating kids to a piece of candy, cookies, or cake, assuage their sweet tooth with nature’s own sweet things. Kids will eat what you have available, so keep a bowl of fresh fruit in their reach or in the refrigerator. Apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, watermelon are easy “finger-type” foods that will satisfy their craving. Also, fruits are high in potassium, vitamin C, and calcium which aids in their development.
Spaghetti
Kids love pasta and there’s nothing that will satisfy their hunger more than a plate of spaghetti. However, you can feed them a nutritious meal without them even knowing. Star with wheat or spinach pasta and use more natural sauces. Avoid the over-sugary stuff in the stores. Also, you can “sneak” vegetables into your kids’ spaghetti by finely chopping onions, mushrooms, olives, and/or peppers. Add large chunks of lean ground beef and your kids will be asking for seconds.
Chicken Fingers
Most every restaurant kid’s menu will offer chicken fingers and fries. What kid wouldn’t love this? At home, you can serve them the same full-flavor without the added fat. By baking breaded chicken, you greatly reduce the fat content of frying. You can also make your own chicken fingers by rolling raw chicken tenders from the store in plain yogurt and then covering in crushed corn flakes or panko bread crumbs. Coat with a cooking spray and bake for the same yummy taste as the fried version. Kick things up with a low fat ranch dressing or barbeque sauce for dipping and your kids won’t miss the grease at all.
Fun Vegetables
It’s almost an oxymoron, but vegetables can be made fun for kids. Instead of forcing the food on them as something they have to have, make it interesting. Teach them the origin of certain foods. Have them help plate what’s for dinner, matching foods by color. Serve smoothies that incorporate both fruits and vegetables in a less “threatening” way to their taste buds. Add vegetables to more traditional foods like carrot or zucchini muffins, or as said before, into spaghetti sauce. Another idea is to start a vegetable garden and get your kids involved. The more they work with and learn about vegetables, the less “scary” they’ll be on their plate. Introduce vegetables to them through a chopped platter of small bites of carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, and mushrooms, with healthy dip to accompany. And finally, reward your kids for trying new things. Remember, their palates aren’t as developed as an adult’s so make food nutrition fun and it will go a long way to your kids’ health.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
Here are five healthy foods for your kids.
Nuts and Seeds
For in between meal snacks, feed your kids a handful of nuts. Not only are they rich in several important vitamins, but nuts provide vast amounts of proteins and amino acids. The variety of legume nuts and tree nuts offers variety to any snack with almonds, pecans, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, and others. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids which are essential in kids’ growth.
Fruits
Instead of treating kids to a piece of candy, cookies, or cake, assuage their sweet tooth with nature’s own sweet things. Kids will eat what you have available, so keep a bowl of fresh fruit in their reach or in the refrigerator. Apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, watermelon are easy “finger-type” foods that will satisfy their craving. Also, fruits are high in potassium, vitamin C, and calcium which aids in their development.
Spaghetti
Kids love pasta and there’s nothing that will satisfy their hunger more than a plate of spaghetti. However, you can feed them a nutritious meal without them even knowing. Star with wheat or spinach pasta and use more natural sauces. Avoid the over-sugary stuff in the stores. Also, you can “sneak” vegetables into your kids’ spaghetti by finely chopping onions, mushrooms, olives, and/or peppers. Add large chunks of lean ground beef and your kids will be asking for seconds.
Chicken Fingers
Most every restaurant kid’s menu will offer chicken fingers and fries. What kid wouldn’t love this? At home, you can serve them the same full-flavor without the added fat. By baking breaded chicken, you greatly reduce the fat content of frying. You can also make your own chicken fingers by rolling raw chicken tenders from the store in plain yogurt and then covering in crushed corn flakes or panko bread crumbs. Coat with a cooking spray and bake for the same yummy taste as the fried version. Kick things up with a low fat ranch dressing or barbeque sauce for dipping and your kids won’t miss the grease at all.
Fun Vegetables
It’s almost an oxymoron, but vegetables can be made fun for kids. Instead of forcing the food on them as something they have to have, make it interesting. Teach them the origin of certain foods. Have them help plate what’s for dinner, matching foods by color. Serve smoothies that incorporate both fruits and vegetables in a less “threatening” way to their taste buds. Add vegetables to more traditional foods like carrot or zucchini muffins, or as said before, into spaghetti sauce. Another idea is to start a vegetable garden and get your kids involved. The more they work with and learn about vegetables, the less “scary” they’ll be on their plate. Introduce vegetables to them through a chopped platter of small bites of carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, and mushrooms, with healthy dip to accompany. And finally, reward your kids for trying new things. Remember, their palates aren’t as developed as an adult’s so make food nutrition fun and it will go a long way to your kids’ health.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Making Your Own Healthy Baby Food at Home
When you are blessed with a newborn baby, it is important to get the child off to a good start by feeding them with the most nutritious baby food that you can find. Baby food is readily available at your local grocery store and although some brands claim to be healthy, most bottled baby foods are processed and contain chemicals and preservatives that are not ideal for a baby’s consumption. One of the best ways to ensure your child gets the nutrients that he or she needs and avoids unnecessary additives is to make your own baby shower food.
Making your own baby shower favors like baby food is not hard. Actually, it is very easy to make and with a little experience, it will become a simple part of your daily routine. Homemade food is not only cheaper, but more delicious as well. It has no extenders and is definitely healthier than the bottled variety. Here are some simple to follow recipes that your baby is sure to love.
When doing any of these recipes, please do not use mineral water or bottled water with mineral salts in it. Always use distilled sterile water for this does not usually have sediments. The sediments may be harmful to the immature intestinal tract of the child. Note that the GI tract is immature until two years of age so use the right water.
A great vegetable to start with is the carrot as this is full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Simply wash the carrots clean and peel. Cut up into small pieces and place in saucepan. Make a batch as this can last up to three or four days in the fridge. Add bottled clear water to level off with the carrots and set to the lowest flame. Eventually, it will simmer and the carrots will soften. Remove from heat and mash. For finer results, push the mashed carrots through a metal sieve, but do not moisturize! This will release a gummy consistency and the taste could change. For babies four to six months the consistency should be really fine at first to gradually rougher in texture as the child gets older. The older child should be able to chew some tiny bits with their baby teeth if they already have them.
Apple sauce is usually a favorite among babies. Simply peel and core two or three Red Delicious apples, cut up into small pieces and put water to the level of the fruits. Simmer gradually on lowest heat until the apples are soft and easy to mash. Mash thoroughly through a sieve if need be and remove any pits or peel that may have been overlooked. This apple sauce should stay four days up to a week in the fridge.
The same system can be used with peaches. Do exactly the same thing as with the apples for the fresh peaches. Do not use canned peaches if the child is below six months of age. If the child is around six months the making of baby food is easier. Simply grab a can, drain the light syrup and place in clean container. Get the peach halves and push through the sieve and serve to the child.
Again, the finer the texture the better for younger babies, but gradually introduce the different textures so they learn how to chew.
You can even make your own baby food as gifts to other mothers or if you want to make your own baby shower favors for a baby shower party. As can be seen from the simple recipes above, healthy baby food does not have to be bought off the shelf. It can be made in a snap over the stove and will save lots of money.
Making your own baby shower favors like baby food is not hard. Actually, it is very easy to make and with a little experience, it will become a simple part of your daily routine. Homemade food is not only cheaper, but more delicious as well. It has no extenders and is definitely healthier than the bottled variety. Here are some simple to follow recipes that your baby is sure to love.
When doing any of these recipes, please do not use mineral water or bottled water with mineral salts in it. Always use distilled sterile water for this does not usually have sediments. The sediments may be harmful to the immature intestinal tract of the child. Note that the GI tract is immature until two years of age so use the right water.
A great vegetable to start with is the carrot as this is full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Simply wash the carrots clean and peel. Cut up into small pieces and place in saucepan. Make a batch as this can last up to three or four days in the fridge. Add bottled clear water to level off with the carrots and set to the lowest flame. Eventually, it will simmer and the carrots will soften. Remove from heat and mash. For finer results, push the mashed carrots through a metal sieve, but do not moisturize! This will release a gummy consistency and the taste could change. For babies four to six months the consistency should be really fine at first to gradually rougher in texture as the child gets older. The older child should be able to chew some tiny bits with their baby teeth if they already have them.
Apple sauce is usually a favorite among babies. Simply peel and core two or three Red Delicious apples, cut up into small pieces and put water to the level of the fruits. Simmer gradually on lowest heat until the apples are soft and easy to mash. Mash thoroughly through a sieve if need be and remove any pits or peel that may have been overlooked. This apple sauce should stay four days up to a week in the fridge.
The same system can be used with peaches. Do exactly the same thing as with the apples for the fresh peaches. Do not use canned peaches if the child is below six months of age. If the child is around six months the making of baby food is easier. Simply grab a can, drain the light syrup and place in clean container. Get the peach halves and push through the sieve and serve to the child.
Again, the finer the texture the better for younger babies, but gradually introduce the different textures so they learn how to chew.
You can even make your own baby food as gifts to other mothers or if you want to make your own baby shower favors for a baby shower party. As can be seen from the simple recipes above, healthy baby food does not have to be bought off the shelf. It can be made in a snap over the stove and will save lots of money.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Fun Food Ideas for Kids
With so many candies, chocolates, pizza and other unhealthy foods in the market, kids are now eating less healthy. Because of their taste and looks, unhealthy foods are the ones preferred by kids. While it may be okay to have them occasionally, a healthy balance of food intake can help decrease the number of kids having tremendous weight gain. Obesity is one of the biggest challenges among kids and teens today and by starting with making them eat healthy earlier in life, the better chances they will have for making wise food choices and decisions later on in life.
Give one of their favorites a healthy twist – make a veggie pizza that the kids can make on their own. Prepare the ingredients beforehand so the kids need not have to worry about cutting them. Instead, they can spend time having fun putting different toppings and even designing their own pizza. You can get to know your kids more as they show their behavior and temperament in making the pizzas.
For their everyday snacks, place them in colorful and designed plates to make them look more enticing. Even for adults, food presentation means a lot. Having these yummy and healthy snacks placed in colorful plates or bowls will entice even the pickiest child to eat healthy food that may otherwise seem boring.
Everyone loves cookies, and you can discreetly make your cookies healthier by adding oats and whole grains in them. Add their favorite flavor, whether vanilla, chocolate or honey and your healthy treat will be gobbled up in no time. For different and special cookie treats, you can make your own cookie cutters or bring out those old wedding cookie cutters you have in the cupboard so you can create specially designed cookies. It will be fun as the kids get to see cookies shaped as different fun shapes like stars, snowman or gingerbread men. Cut down on the sugar and butter if possible and use healthier substitutes like stevia instead.
Have healthier but fun alternatives to their all time favorite snacks. That lean and healthy sandwich you can be made into a yummy pita sandwich that’s fun-looking and fun to eat! Give it a dollop of cheese melt, then sneak in veggies as well. Use whole grain or wheat pita bread to add in fiber and other essential minerals in their meal. Vary the fillings so they get to enjoy the pita sandwich every single time.
Give one of their favorites a healthy twist – make a veggie pizza that the kids can make on their own. Prepare the ingredients beforehand so the kids need not have to worry about cutting them. Instead, they can spend time having fun putting different toppings and even designing their own pizza. You can get to know your kids more as they show their behavior and temperament in making the pizzas.
For their everyday snacks, place them in colorful and designed plates to make them look more enticing. Even for adults, food presentation means a lot. Having these yummy and healthy snacks placed in colorful plates or bowls will entice even the pickiest child to eat healthy food that may otherwise seem boring.
Everyone loves cookies, and you can discreetly make your cookies healthier by adding oats and whole grains in them. Add their favorite flavor, whether vanilla, chocolate or honey and your healthy treat will be gobbled up in no time. For different and special cookie treats, you can make your own cookie cutters or bring out those old wedding cookie cutters you have in the cupboard so you can create specially designed cookies. It will be fun as the kids get to see cookies shaped as different fun shapes like stars, snowman or gingerbread men. Cut down on the sugar and butter if possible and use healthier substitutes like stevia instead.
Have healthier but fun alternatives to their all time favorite snacks. That lean and healthy sandwich you can be made into a yummy pita sandwich that’s fun-looking and fun to eat! Give it a dollop of cheese melt, then sneak in veggies as well. Use whole grain or wheat pita bread to add in fiber and other essential minerals in their meal. Vary the fillings so they get to enjoy the pita sandwich every single time.
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