What Not To Eat

I wish there was a product…some device that would tell me what I should and shouldn’t eat.  It would take into account my dietary intolerances, my food preferences and my lifestyle. I could access it while on the go at fast food restaurants and the grocery store.  Maybe it would even have the ability to compare prices and provide nutritional information…

I recently sat in on a webinar for PICKKA, a tech company launching an effort to help Americans get healthy.  With Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution and First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to address America’s obesity crisis making headlines, consumers are looking for the tools to achieve this.

PICKKA‘s new iPhone/smartphone applications were designed to help consumers make better decisions on food choices.  Shop to Lose guides the consumer in his/her food choices to maintain a healthy weight.  PICKKA‘s search technology turns a set of general health guidelines into a personalized decision-making assistant.  I’m not certain how true this is for you, but when I go to the grocery store, at least 25% of the foods I purchase were not on my list (they were impulse foods). Shop to Lose helps curb impulse shopping by providing education and recommendations for the right foods.  The application (which is currently free for the next six months) includes 130,000 packaged food items and tens of thousands of restaurants.  It’s like having your own personal dietitian at the touch of an iPhone button. Do you have Diabetes?  High blood pressure?  Are you looking for low-calories foods? Or simply want to eat healthier?  Check out Shop to Lose.

Eat This?, which launched last week, makes it even easier for you to decide whether or not a food is good for you.  Perhaps you don’t understand the labels on food packages.  Eat This? eliminates deciphering labels.  Simply set your healthy goals (i.e. weight control, high blood pressure, healthy eating), scan the bar code on any of the 130,000 products in the system, and view the health meter to see if the food fits within your health objectives. The application also gives consumer reviews on taste and offers food alternatives.

I don’t have an iPhone (yet) so I haven’t actually had an opportunity to have hands-on experience with the applications but they look to be easy to use and beneficial in realizing health and nutrition goals.  For more information about the above two applications and their initiative, just visit PICKKA.

No compensation was received for this post. I received a gift card for attending the webinar, courtesy of the company.

Simple Steps…Read Labels Discerningly

There are moments when I feel like reading a nutrition label is more like a science experiment.  It’s come down to this…if I can’t understand it, I don’t buy it (generally…unless I’m having a craving!).  We’ve managed to simplify our shopping routine simply by avoiding the following:  high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, MSG, dyes, and trans fats.   Eliminating those foods from our diet, a majority of the time, compels us to incorporate more whole foods into our diet.  We also strive to buy organic (when we can afford it), local, sustainable foods.  We shop at natural markets and the occasional farmer’s market.

I’m frequently asked questions like, How do you eat so healthy? Isn’t it expensive?  How do you know what to buy?  Does it take a lot of time? Does it take a lot of research?  Where do I begin?  Eating this way has become second nature.  I go to the store and don’t really think much about what I’m buying.  I have already done the research on the brands…read the labels on their products.  I know which foods are best for our particular family (given our allergies and intolerances).  Ninety percent of the time, I can find a palatable, healthier alternative to conventional foods.

When I think back…way back to when I first started eating this way, I realize it was an adjustment.  It did take some time to read labels and research companies.  It was a bit overwhelming, particularly at conventional grocery stores.  And very often, it’s more expensive (but so are doctor bills).  So how does one begin to “green” their diet?  Aracely, this post is for you!

Buy organic. When you can. Yes, it’s typically more expensive.  However, when you purchase 100% certified USDA organic foods, you know that they have been produced without synthetic growth hormones, genetically engineered organisms, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers or man made chemical pesticides.  Choosing these foods will help you eliminate many, if not all of the ingredients listed above without having to read a single label.  Admittedly, it can get quite expensive to buy all of your foods this way.  So how do you decide which foods to purchase organic?  I like to start with fruits and vegetables.  These twelve fruits and veggies are the most likely to contain pesticide residue and should therefore be purchased “organic.”  On the contrary, these fifteen fruits and veggies are less likely to be contaminated and can therefore be purchased conventionally.

Shop at the Farmer’s Market. If you can’t afford organic, shopping locally is really your best alternative.  The face-to-face interaction with local growers and farmers allows you to ask questions about the types of pesticides and fertilizers used.  You can have a discussion about the ingredients used in their foods.  The foods are typically fresher since they have not had to travel distances to get to your local grocery store.  You can find a local farmer’s market here.  {Photo credit: Marc_Smith}

Cook your own food. It wasn’t until my son was diagnosed with food allergies, that I realized how little control and options we have when we eat out.  And eating out is always more expensive.  Cooking your own food allows you to control how much food you are cooking (which means yay or nay on leftovers) which also helps with portion control (and weight management).  Eating at home also gives you control over the ingredients used in your food.  Want more veggies and whole grains?  Less sodium, fat, and calories? More time to digest your food? More time with your family? Eat in!

Eat whole foods. The less processed the food, the better it is for you. It’s really that simple.  Processed foods typically contain more sodium, fat, calories, and sugar than whole foods.  They are often lacking in fiber, whole grains, good fat, antioxidants and other nutrients your body needs.  And, they also contain ingredients designed to extend their shelf life…ingredients that are foreign to our body like artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and chemicals.

Read labels with a discerning eye. Unfortunately, terms such as “all-natural” and “free range” are not regulated.  Look beyond those labels to determine if the food is one you want to eat (hormone-free, devoid of trans fats, etc.).   Opt for “fair trade,” 100% organic, and certified which tend to be more meaninful.

No compensation was received for this post.

You Are What You Eat *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are Marlena U. and Rachel C.  Congrats!

I’m extremely passionate about feeding my family wholesome, natural foods, free from artificial ingredients/preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and MSG.  I was talking to a few moms last week about what we do and don’t eat.  They were shocked, while I stood there confused that everyone doesn’t eat the way our family does.  We’ve been doing it for so long, it’s become second-nature for us.  One of the moms suggested that I write a post about how we eat and I may in fact do that some day!

On May 15th, Belly Sprout will host a fabulous wellness event called You Are What You Eat.  The event focuses on exploring the connection between what we eat and how it affects our mind, body, and spirit.  So many of the preventable diseases our country is facing (diabetes, obesity, etc.) have their origins in our diet.  Belly Sprout will bring in experts in food and nutrition to share information about how food affects us.  The goal is to empower the community with information that will challenge the way people think about food and inspire them to examine their eating habits.

Here are the details surrounding the event:

When:  May 15th from 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Brea Community Center

695 E. Madison Way (corner of Randolph and Madison)

Brea, CA

(714) 990-7100

Keynote Speakers:

Mariel Hemingway

Ann Gentry

Food Demonstration:

Delilah Snell

The event will also feature a panel discussion on the future of our food production and how it affects our health.  Anna Getty will be one of the panelists!

The Green Truck will offer local, organic, sustainable food, Belly Sprout will offer mini makeup applications and samplings, and IM: Center for Integrative Medicine will offer mini healings and meditation.

I’m not certain of the price point, however, you can check back on their website for more information as the date gets closer.

Win It! I have 2 gift bags to giveaway (courtesy of HappyBaby) and include the following products/coupons:

HappyBaby Frozen (2)
HappyBellies (1)
HappyPuffs (1)
HappyMelts (1)
HappyBites (2)
HappyTot / HappyBaby Pouches (2)

Simply leave me a comment with the name of one flavor (from any product listed above) you’d like to try and something you learned on the Belly Sprout site.  Comments will close on April 19, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A gift bag was supplied.

You Say Tomato…I Say Avocado!

I went to a certain market today (it’s one of my favorites) and I gasped when I saw the price for one avocado…$1.69!  I absolutely adore eating avocados…but almost $2…for ONE? It wasn’t even organic!  Must. Keep. Searching.

I digressed…Did you know that avocados are the perfect first food for infants?  I didn’t! And I’m assuming they don’t mean guacamole or that spicy avocado dip my husband makes. The reason why they’re perfect for children is that they contain monounsaturated fats which are necessary for optimal mental and physical development in children (they’re also soft for teeny babies without teeth).  Just mush a ripe avocado and freeze it in ice trays for homemade baby food (I’m going to try that with my daughter when she starts eating!).  When my daughter was struggling with gaining weight, the lactation consultant told me to eat good fat.  Her suggestion?  Olive oil and avocados!

Avocados are not only delicious, they’re packed with 20 vitamins and minerals including potassium, vitamins B6, C, and E, folate, and fiber.  They also help the body efficiently absorb fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, and E) from other foods, so be sure to eat them with foods like tomatoes, carrots, and spinach.   Avocados also add flavor and texture to foods. Mexico is the only place in the world where a single avocado tree blooms four times a year, which means they’re typically available year-round.  Right now (in the spring) they’re especially creamy and buttery (can you say YUM!?).

Avocados From Mexico is a great resource for kid-friendly recipes.  I personally like to put avocados in sandwiches for my son and mash it with tomatoes, cilantrp, onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for fresh guacomole.  Here are a few creative ideas I found on their website:

1. Mash an avocado and serve it as a dip for fruits and veggies

2.  Combine canned tuna with avocado and use it as a filling for finger sandwiches

3.  Spread avocado onto a lightly toasted bagel (much healthier than mayo or butter…both foods my son can’t have)

4.  Serve chunks of avocado as a snack with ranch dressing (we have to use a dairy and egg-free dressing)

One of the things I find challenging about avocados is storing them long enough to keep them from going bad.  I recently learned that they can be stored in the fridge (which extends their life).  You can also squeeze lemon or lime juice over exposed avocado to keep it from turning brown.

For more recipes, nutrition information, and fun avocado facts…just visit Avocados From Mexico!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

Yogurt + Fruit + Veggies? Yes! Yo Baby Meals *Giveaway*

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Richelle F.  Congrats!

One of the things I find challenging about parenting is feeding my toddler. In fact, since my son was a baby I’ve found mealtime a bit difficult.  My goal has always been to provide him with fresh, healthy, all-natural, organic (when possible) foods.  From the simple pureed fruits and cereals he first started with, to the whole foods he eats now, fresh, natural, and complete are key descriptives in what he eats.

My son eats yogurt daily.  He loves it and it’s a superfood, filled with calcium and pro-biotics.  We started him (around six months) with YoBaby’s Plain Whole Milk Yogurt.  Once he got a bit older, we introduced him to the flavored yogurts and now he eats the variety that includes both fruit and cereal.  The reason why we initially settled on YoBaby was because it was one of the only brands that offered organic, whole milk yogurts for babies.  I actually really like the YoBaby Plus Fruit & Cereal because I could give it to him with maybe a scrambled egg and it would be a complete breakfast meal.

Recently, we had an opportunity to try out a new product from the YoBaby line called YoBaby Meals.  If you have babies or toddlers who don’t like eating their veggies (um, who isn’t raising their hands right now?) then you definitely want to give these a try.  I sat in on a webinar a couple of weeks ago with Dr. Greene and learned a lot about how children imprint on foods (more on that in another post).  One of the things he did advocate was the incorporation of fruits and veggies together, particularly for children who did not want to eat veggies.  YoBaby Meals combine yogurt, fruit, and a veggie purée…and they’re good!  They’re available in three flavors Pear & Green Bean, Peach & Squash, and  Apple & Sweet Potato.  My son had a chance to try all three flavors (courtesy of the company) and I sampled a few  bites right along with him (since I make it a point to know what he’s eating).  Of the three, my son preferred the last two (he’s not easily fooled when it comes to green beans).  I had a little bit of difficulty getting him to eat the Pear & Green Bean variety but it doesn’t taste bad.  It’s just not as sweet as the other two.

The meals are larger in size than the YoBaby single yogurts (6 ounces versus 4 ounces) and my toddler can eat the entire cup in one sitting (unless we’re talking about green beans!).  They pack in 1/3 of a toddler’s protein and calcium needs and include essential nutrients like Zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D. And just like their other products, the meals are organic and made without the use of antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, and pesticides. I’m sure that this 6 ounce serving could actually be a meal for a smaller baby, but it’s a snack for my toddler.  A 6 ounce cup retails for $1.29 and the meals area available at select natural and grocery retailers nationwide.  I had a tiny bit of difficulty finding these (I was only able to get them locally at my Whole Foods market).  I recommend checking out their website for a retailer near you. The site also offers coupons for many of their products (although not specifically for the meals at this time).

Win It! One of you will win an adorable YoBaby gift pack including the following:
1 YoBaby travel bowl with lid and utensils
1 YoBaby organic cotton bib
1 Eric Carle growth chart
5 free YoBaby Meals coupons

Simply leave me a two-part comment with something ELSE you liked or learned on the site and how you get your baby or toddler to eat veggies!  Comments will close on October 22, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Mamas…Get Your Glow On!

When I was pregnant with my son, I remember all of the do’s and don’ts particularly when it came to eating. When my son was born I thought…finally…I can eat and drink whatever I want. Except that I nursed my son for 13 months. While nursing gave me more freedom than pregnancy, I still felt the weight of unwritten restrictions.

I can barely go a day without tea and coffee but caffeine and babies, regardless of whether they are in or outside of the womb, don’t mix. With recent research linking high fructose corn syrup to obesity and diabetes, it’s prudent for all mamas, pregnant or not, to stay away from it. So what does that leave? Water, juice, and Glow Mama!

Glow Mama is a healthy, low-calorie drink designed by a mom for pregnant and nursing moms. It’s a light and refreshing blend of kiwi and white grape juices. It’s not too sweet and at only 70 calories you’ll feel good about the nutrients it provides. Glow Mama is free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, preservatives, and caffeine and contains calcium, rolate, B and C vitamins, and fiber. Glow Mama complements your prenatal vitamin so don’t forget to keep taking it! I recommend refrigerating it because it tastes wonderful chilled. If you’re finding it difficult to consume your 8-10 glasses of water every day, why not try Glow Mama?

What I find impressive about Glow Mama is that the American Pregnancy Association endorses it. Head on over to Glow Mama for more information including some very cool recipes for mommy mocktails!

Get It Now! Use the promotion code “rockinmama” and you’ll save 15% off your next order!

Profuse thanks to Glow Mama and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity!