Would you like a little BPA with that?

Environmental Working Group is one of my favorite sites to stay up-to-date on what is going on in our world when it comes to safety for our children.  One of their recent studies, done by researchers at EWG, found BPA on receipts from well-known companies including Walmart, Safeway, McDonald's, KFC, CVS, and Whole Foods. The advice the EWG gives to consumers is to not let infants and children touch receipts, and to wash hands after handling receipts.  I never would have thought that receipts could be bad for my health!  BPA can cause reproductive and behavioral problems, cancer, obesity, diabetes, asthma and heart disease.  To view entire article: http://www.ewg.org/kid-safe-chemicals-act-blog/2010/07/a-little-bpa-along-with-your-change/

WARNING! There might not be any veggies left!

Another way I have had success in getting my children to eat vegetables is to give them dip!  I have tried a few different options.  The first is a take-off on Ranch Dip.

                                         1/2 cup cottage cheese

                                         1/2 cup light sour cream

                                         2 Tblsp milk

                                         2 Tblsp ranch seasoning

                                         Blend until smooth!

The second is the Seeds of Change Organic Salad Dressing in Greek Feta flavor.  My kids really like this!  It is great when you are in a hurry, and don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. 

Little by Little!

Over the summer, I decided to do a makeover to my families diet.  My objective was to cut down on processed foods and increase the fruits and veggies.  I thought this would be easy... boy was I wrong.   The length of each meal increased by at least 20 minutes, and the whining and complaining almost made me looney.  I am going to share some ways that have made eating vegetables a little more tolerable for everyone in my family.  The first is to add veggies to a smoothie.  My kids love eating smoothies with their breakfast, so this a great way to get a serving of vegetables first thing in the morning!  This is one of our favorites:


           The Green Machine Smoothie:
                  1 overflowing cup of fresh spinach leaves
                  1/2 cup frozen pineapple
                  1/2 banana
                  6 oz of french vanilla yogurt
                  3-5 ice cubes
                  6 oz of liquid ( I use green tea or lemonade)

I will be back tomorrow with another great way to make veggies more enticing!

My Family!

                                                              

My husband and I have been married for 7 years, and have 3 children!  

                                          

Louise is 5 years old.  She just started Kindergarten and LOVES it!

                                        

Evie is 3 years old.  She started Pre-school this year.  

                                        

Isaiah is 2 years old.  He is such a sweet little boy, and so easy-going!