I’m less than ten pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight (as in before my 4 year old son was born) and while I’m so proud to have gotten this far, I’ve definitely hit a plateau.  And, of course, my body does not resemble it’s former 20-something self.  I’m not always as consistent with my workout schedule and while I work very hard to eat fresh, natural, healthful foods, I can stray when I’m out, traveling, or simply just busy.

Thanks to Kristen Horler, founder of Baby Boot Camp, I have some tips to share with you on slimming down after baby.

1. Check in!  Be sure you’ve been cleared for physical activity from your physician before beginning any work out program.  While you may be cleared 6-8 weeks postpartum, allow your body time to heal and recover.

2. Breast is best! Just for doing what your body is supposed to, you’ll burn up to 30o-500 calories a day.

3.  Start now! Post-pregnancy weight gain has been linked to obesity.

4. Say “no” to dieting! Rather than “diet” strive to create lifelong, healthy eating habits by consuming well-balanced meals.

5. Get on a routine! New moms may get into the habit of eating erratically, particularly when the baby is up at 3 am. If you wouldn’t eat that bowl of ice cream at 3 am before motherhood, curb the craving.

6. Snack sensibly! Rather than snacking on your toddler’s crackers or your prechooler’s chips, opt for fruits and veggies (and while you’re at it, swap them out for your child as well).

7. Schedule your workouts! Busy schedules make it easy to forego exercise.  Even 15 minute mini-workouts can help improve your mood, help you manage weight, promote sleep, and boost your energy level.

8.  Consume nutrient dense foods! Lean proteins like legumes can help with muscle repair and recovery post workout, calcium keeps bones strong, complex carbohydrates provided extended energy, and Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy heart and nervous system.

Speaking of nutrition, I have to admit that all too often I’ll pop into my favorite coffeehouse for an energy boost and order a blended drink that’s both filling and calorie-laden.  During the webinar, I was introduced to CalNatural Svelte, a line of all-natural protein shakes which contain 16 grams protein from organic soy milk and 20% of the recommended daily value for fiber.  These naturally-sweetened shakes are dairy, lactose, and gluten-free and can provide sustained energy throughout the day. They’re available in French Vanilla, Chocolate, Spiced Chai, and Cappuccino. Blend it with some ice and you’ve got a smoothie that packs more nutrition than that ice blended drink I’m craving right now.

As I’m learning, it takes time to lose the weight. But I have to be persistent about doing my part.  My daughter is 20 months old and there is no reason why I can’t lose those last 10 pounds.  As a mom, I know that taking care of myself is as important as taking care of my children…for them…for myself.

How have you succeeded with your weight management and fitness goals this year?  I’d love to hear your ideas and tips.

Win It! One of you will win a Post-Pregnancy Slim Down Gift Pack (ARV $500) which will include the following:

1 Wahoo Fitness Run Pack
1 Pair of FILA Toning Pants
1 Case of CalNaturale Svelte shakes
1 CalNaturale Svelte Gym Tote
1 Copy of Kristen Horler’s Book
1 First Baby Boot Camp Class Free Coupon
Goody Workout Headbands

Simply leave your answer to my question above in a comment and you’re entered to win.  Comments will close on August 27th at 11:59 PM PST.

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.

Like me on Facebook

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!

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a webinar hosted by CalNaturale and Baby Boot Camp and received information and a gift pack.

Photo Credit: johnnyberg

I have taught and modeled healthy eating habits for my children since they were born.  Fruits and vegetables were my children’s first foods, and while they definitely don’t eat every piece of produce I place on their plate, they manage to consume a colorful variety of foods.

Juice is one of those foods (err…drinks) that I go back and forth with.  I enjoy drinking juice and I’d probably choose it over water on any given day. At the same time, I know that many juices and juice drinks on the market contain very little fruit and comprise a significant amount of a person’s daily intake of sugar.

We know that dark fruits and veggies are a source of antioxidants. While I definitely recommend choosing whole fruit over juice, I think that nutritional benefits can be reaped when 100% natural juice is consumed in moderation.

Grape juice has been a favorite of mine since I was a child and both of my children drink it on occasion.  Welch’s 100% Grape Juice is made with Concord grapes and a 4 ounce serving provides one full serving of fruit without added sugar.  Concord grapes serve as a source of antioxidants and the plant nutrient polyphenol which may play a role in heart health.

The company’s website offers a variety of health tools and grape juice inspired recipes.  The Family Vine Tool enables you to trace your personal health history and share the results with family members.  A combination of lifestyle habits and genetics plays a role in heart health. The goal of this tool is to help you become aware of and understand your family history’s role in your heart health.

The Grape Science Center is an additional resource you can use to learn and understand how Concord grapes play a role in keeping you healthy.  When you visit the site, you can read about the latest research, discover research-based benefits, learn about plant nutrients in grapes, and download a Grape Nutrition Resources guide.

I never thought about using grape juice as more than just a drink.  The site offers a variety of recipes, including heart healthy recipes like this one:
Grape Berry Crunch Muffins
Ingredients:
1/2 cup low fat granola
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup Welch’s 100% Grape Juice made with Concord grapes
1 large egg
1/4 cup canola oil
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat 12 2-1/2 inch muffin pan cups with cooking spray. Place the granola in heavy-duty plastic bag and crush it lightly with a rolling pin or other heavy object to break up any large clumps.
2. In a large bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour, all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until blended.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the grape juice, egg, oil, sugar, and lemon zest until blended. Add to the flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until the dry ingredients are just moistened. Fold in the blueberries.
4. Fill the prepared muffin cups about two-thirds full with batter. Sprinkle with the granola and pat it in lightly so that it adheres.
5. Bake until the tops are golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Run a small knife around the edges and turn the muffins out onto a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

For more information or to keep up to date with Welch’s, you can visit them on Twitter and Facebook.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Welch’s and received a product sample to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Because I strive to obtain all of the required nutrients from foods, I am looking for supplements that compliment my diet.  I decided to use Stater Bros. Online Vitamin Finder to glean some insight as to which vitamins and supplements I would benefit most from.

As I stated on Whrrl, I found the online survey to be quick, easy to complete, and beneficial in guiding my purchasing decisions.  Some of the types of questions that are used to determine the appropriate recommendations include age, gender, personal and family medical history, environmental exposure, and emotional health.  While the recommendations provided include Stater Bros. brand vitamins and supplements, you could use this as a guide to those nutrients you may be in need of.

If you’re looking to boost your health by taking supplements, check out Stater Bros. free Online Vitamin Finder. Once you complete the survey, you’ll receive a coupon for $5 off your purchase of 3 Top Care Vitamins.

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.

A few weeks ago, I sat in on an online webinar with registered dietitians and personal trainers Lyssie and Tammy Lakatos (aka The Nutrition Twins) who authored the book The Secret To Skinny and serve as the exclusive nutritionists for celebrities and employees at the Rockefeller Center NBC Fitness Center.  During the online webinar, they offered several nutrition tips in conjunction with their partnership with the US Potato Board.

Before I share their tips (which I think are fabulous), I wanted to talk a little bit about potatoes and their role in a healthy diet.  These starchy vegetables are free from cholesterol, fat, and sodium and provide 45% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C and more potassium than a banana.  At just 110 calories,  you can top potatoes with veggies and a protein for a complete meal while still keeping your caloric intake in check.

The US Potato Board has come up with a variety of  new potato recipes.  Here is one of the recipes I’d like to try (think I can make it Vegan?):

Photo Credit: US Potato Board

Quick and Healthy Greek Potato Salad
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes
1 cup low-fat 2% Greek yogurt (such as Chobani, FAGE, Oikos or YoPlait)
1/3 cup minced red onion
1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/4 cup peeled, chopped cucumber
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese
Chopped fresh oregano (optional)

Directions
Place whole potatoes (do not poke) into microwave-safe dish. Cover dish. (If covering dish with plastic wrap, poke small hole in plastic). Microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes depending on strength of microwave. Use oven mitts to remove dish from microwave; carefully remove cover from dish due to steam build-up and let cool. Cut potatoes into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl with remaining ingredients; stir well to mix. Sprinkle with cheese and oregano. This salad may be served right away, but is best if refrigerated for at least one hour to allow flavors to blend.

So how do The Nutrition Twins manage to keep fit, stay active, and eat healthy? Here are their best tips for a healthy lifestyle:

1.  Always include vegetables in your meal.

Vegetables are packed with nutrients and fill you up without contributing significant fat, calories, or sodium to your diet.  Make it a point to include vegetables at each meal.

Tip:  Include yogurt or cottage cheese and vegetables on your baked potato or serve up a spinach, mushroom, and potato omelet.

2.  Exercise

Physical activity helps blood move through your body, releases endorphins, maintains weight and generally assists in physical and emotional wellness.

Tips:  Do something you enjoy.  Make an appointment for yourself to exercise (particularly in the morning) so it doesn’t get pushed aside. Include cardio and weights since muscle mass is metabolically more active and helps to burn calories.

3.  Include a fibrous carbohydrate and a protein with each meal.  `

The body digests glucose in 1-2 hours.  When you combine a carbohydrate with a protein, you slow down the process of digestion and boost energy levels.

4.  Water

Every process in body needs and uses water. Aim for 9-12 cups of water.

Tip:  Water can come from food and is included in the 9-12 cups.  Put fruit in the water to flavor it.

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post.  I attended an online webinar and received a gift.

For the last few months, I’ve been dialoguing with Kellogg’s about what’s important to moms like me when it comes to breakfast, nutrition, and morning routines.  Last week I flew to Battle Creek, Michigan to learn more about their new Love Your Cereal campaign, the company’s commitment to nutrition, and what’s to come.  Stay tuned for a complete post about what I learned in the coming weeks.

Earlier this week, I hosted a Mom’s Breakfast Club in Los Angeles with a local mom’s group.  I cooked and baked several recipes using Kellogg’s cereals, which were a hit among the moms.  The favorite?  The Kellogg’s Corn Pops Frittata, created by Shiraz Catering and Events exclusively for the Kellogg’s Mom’s Breakfast Club Breakfast in New York City.

Kelloggs Corn Pops Frittata

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

8 large eggs

1 cup  Kelloggs Corn Pops

1 teaspoon salt, plus ¼ teaspoon salt for seasoning vegetables

½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus ¼ teaspoon pepper for seasoning vegetables

2 tablespoons green part of scallions, sliced in rings

1 ear of fresh corn

1 poblano pepper (or 2 small jalapenos)

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons blended olive and canola oil

Directions

1. Preheat grill or broiler. Crack eggs into large bowl, whisk well to incorporate. Add pepper and salt. Add Kelloggs Corn Pops. Set aside.

2. Coat corn and poblano pepper with 1 Tablespoon of the blended oil, toss with salt and pepper. If using grill; place corn and pepper on grill and allow corn to get lightly grilled. Remove and with a knife, remove corn kernels from cob and discard cob. The poblano can stay longer on grill until ALL surfaces are black and look burnt. Remove and place in a small bowl covered with plastic wrap or a clean paper bag. This will help the blackened skins loosen. When cool enough to handle, remove blackened skin from pepper with a paper towel or your hands. Lay pepper on cutting board and make a slit from top to bottom. Remove seeds. Cut pepper into a small dice and add corn kernels, peppers, scallions, and ¾ of the cheese to the egg mixture.

3. Heat an oven-proof 10-inch (non-stick) saute pan on the stove at medium high heat. Add blended oil to pan and heat until almost smoking. Pour egg mixture into pan and stir with rubber spatula. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the egg mixture has set on the bottom and begins to set up on top. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.

4. Place pan into oven and broil for 3 to 4 minutes, until lightly browned and fluffy. Remove from pan and cut into 6 or 8 servings. Serve immediately.

Over Granola Parfaits, Blueberry Muffins, and cereal, we had an open dialogue about the realities of our morning routines.  Most moms have about 15 minutes to get it all done and cereal was stated as a food most of the moms feed their kids on a regular basis.  What I personally like about cereal is that when you add a little fruit and milk, it’s a complete meal.  Fortified cereals provide essential vitamins and minerals, and when they contain whole grains, are a good source of fiber.

The resounding concern among the moms in attendance was the amount of sugar believed to be present in kids’ cereals such as Corn Pops and Apple Jacks.  When asked by a representative from Kellogg’s how much of a child’s daily intake of sugar comes from kids’ cereals, the answers given ranged from 10-25%.  We were all surprised to learn that it’s actually only 5%.  Most of the moms stated that they steer clear of kids’ cereals because they mistakenly assume that they’re high in sugar.  The dialogue continued as the moms discussed the need for a cereal that “provides it all” (vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, etc.).  As a mom, I agree that I want to feel good about the meals I’m feeding my son.

Kellogg’s spent much of the time addressing the moms’ questions and concerns.

First, the moms had several questions regarding serving size including who decides what a serving size is, how it’s regulated, and how it’s marketed on packaging and commercials.  Several of the moms noted that their families often exceed the recommended serving size which in turn affects the amount of calories and sugar consumed.  Kellogg’s responded with the fact that serving size is government regulated but that they recognized the importance of depicting accurate serving sizes and were working to ensure accuracy on packaging, television, and print advertising.

One of the facts that surprised the moms in attendance was the fact that many of Kellogg’s cereals, including children’s cereals, are a good source of fiber.  Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Fruit Loops, Special K, FiberPlus, and All-Bran provide at least 3 grams (many of them provide more) of fiber per serving.

Because I live in California, I anticipated questions about organics.  I, along with the moms in attendance, were surprised to learn that Kashi is owned by Kellogg’s and offers organic cereals for families.  One interesting point to note was that one of the moms described using Kashi to create a spin-off of Rice Krispie Treats.  While I’m waiting for the recipe, check out this version I found on the Kashi website.

The discussion continued with a discussion about marketing to children.  We were all surprised to learn that Kellogg’s does not advertise to children under the age of 6, and so parents would not see ads on channels like Sprout.  I highly encourage you to check out Kellogg’s marketing practices as you may be pleasantly surprise by what you read (I know I was!).

Our dialogue with Kellogg’s ended with a question who’s answer is yet to be determined.  The moms inquired about product sourcing (US v. overseas) and stated that the information would be very valuable to them in future purchases.

Overall, there was lively dialogue between the moms and Kellogg’s .  Many stated that they learned a lot from the discussion and had a new perspective on the company (I agree!).

I’d like to thank Kellogg’s for being so open and available to dialogue with the moms about the most important meal of the day.  If you had the opportunity to speak with Kellogg’s, what would you ask them?

No compensation was received for this post.  While this is part of a compensated campaign with Kellogg’s and The Motherhood, the opinions stated above are strictly those of the author.

{Photo Credit:  Rockin’ Mama.  All rights reserved. Photos may not be used without the express written permission of the site owner}

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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