Join the Kids Nutrition Blog as we share news, tips and ideas on the ever changing world of health and nutrition for the entire family (without breaking the bank)!
I just added a great Coupon Database to the Resources section called Hot Coupon World. If you go to the VERY BOTTOM you will also see a link to organic coupons in small print!
We have family in town this weekend and are planning some yummy food for the Super Bowl. But, I still wanted everything to be healthy. So, here is my plan (and recipes!!)
If you really don't feel like exercising, try this tip:
Tell yourself that you will only walk, run, use the eliptical, etc for TEN MINUTES.
After ten minutes, see how you feel. If you still don't feel like doing it, then stop. But, 99% of the time you will want to finish you 20-30 minute workout.
It's all about getting started!!
Feb 2, 2010, Send a Friend Or Loved One Free Yogi Tea!
Sign-up and send a friend or loved one a sample of Yogi Tea and a message for FREE!
I sent my friend RELAX tea and a message that says "If you can't sleep, at least rest" since she is in nursing school right now and super stressed!
I will be posting my MONDAY MEAL PLANNER this afternoon during my dear one's nap time. But, I wanted to share with you my new plan for Monday's as well.
Kelly over at faithfulprovisions.com (link is at the bottom of this post) had a great idea for a "Prep Day" to make weekly meals easier. Her prep day is once a month, but for now I will be doing mine each Monday. Check out her blog for all the details!
So, here is my Prep Day Plan for this week:
1. Make vegetable and chicken broth to freeze for the week. It's cheaper than buying organic broth each week!
(I collect all the scraps from when I chop veggies in a big tupperware bowl during the week to make the veggie broth and I am boiling some of the organic chicken I have in the freezer from when it was on sale. I will take the boiled chicken and freeze it for meals later in the week as well.)
2. I am also going to soak and cook all my different dried beans today and then refridgerate them for later in the week. I like dried beans, lentils, etc better than canned because they are cheaper and I don't have to worry about salt, preservatives or BPA from the cans!
This week I attempted to purchase only organic and natural foods. I spent $116 and saved $38.20.
Sounds like alot I know.
But, I stocked up on things like frozen tilapia, organic cereal and organic baby food that was on sale. So I won't have to buy that again for the rest of the month.
Plus, I needed to buy a few extras this week for someone special's 5th birthday.
Also, don't forget to add your great finds this week by clicking on the link at the bottom of this post!
Anyway, here was this week's healthy deals:
1 Spaghetti Squash (find out tomorrow how I plan to use this!!) $3.33
3 Zuchinni $1.12
4 Yellow Squash $1.04
1 bag organic apples $3.49
1 extra large organic sweet potato $2.65
1 pack organic garlic $0.99
3 bunches green onions $0.65
1 organic cucumber $1.00
2 packages of frozen tilapia $5.98 (BOGOF)
2 packages of organic chicken tenderloins $3.18 each
1 lb Laura's Lean Beef $2.99
2 cans of Hunts Tomato Sauce No Salt Added $0.59 each
2 cans Green Giant Corn $1.00 each
1 Packet of Little Blends Organic Yogurt $2.35 ( I had a $0.75 off coupon from the package from last week!)
1 package of pearl barley $1.99
1 package of dried red beans $1.19
1 package of lentils $0.99
2 packages of Cascadian Farms organic broccoli $1.50 each (They were on sale 2 for $4 and I had a coupon from a prior package for $1.00 off)
Half Gallon Natually Preferred Organic Milk
2 packages of whole grain tortillas $2.29 each
4 boxes Cascadian Farms Purely O's organic cereal $2.50 each (these are normally $5.19 a box. They were on sale for $2.99 each and I had 2 coupons for $1.00 of two boxes!!)
1 dozen Naturally Preferred organic eggs
1 jar Kroger brand natural peanut butter $2.49
1 loaf whole grain bread $2.19
15 jars organic baby food $0.69 each (these are normally $0.95 each)
1 jar organic applesauce $2.50
I also got a few other items like toiletries and diapers. Plus, birthday cake, ice cream, and goldfish for my pretty lady's birthday!
In case you were wondering why I don't have an option for leaving comments on my blog, it is because of the way it is set-up with my website service. It isn't an option that is offered. (LOOONNNGGG story)
Anyway, here are a few ways to actually communicate with me:
1. Become a Fan of FAMILY HEALTH AND NUTRTION. (This is probably the best way). We can all talk there!! Click on the link at the bottom of this post to take you to Facebook.
2. "This Week's Healthy Deals", "Monday Meal Planner" and "This vs That Thursdays" will all have a Leave A Comment section at the bottom of the page starting this week.
3. If you have a direct question send it to me via the CONTACT button on the left side of the page.
Jan 29, 2010, It's WE TRIED IT! Friday. This Week: The BodyBugg
For those of you who are fans of The Biggest Loser know all about the Bodybugg. For those of you who don't watch, it is a small device on your arm that tracks calories burned throughout the day, number of steps, and you even enter your food intake so it can monitor your calories.
A few weeks ago a friend of mine purchased one. I asked her to give me a review of it.
Here are her thoughts:
(Disclaimer: she has NOT taken the recommended 45 training session, so her results may be different once she does that.)
LIKES:
"I like that it tracks my total calorie burn for the day. I have had my basal metabolic rate (the amount of calories I burn in a day completely at rest) tested before and it seems like their calculations are getting it pretty close to that."
DISLIKES:
"In the 5 days since I created my account they have e-mailed me three times and called me 3 times to set up my training session. When I created my account I was given the option to take advantage of the training session now or to come back to them later (they gave both a phone number and an e-mail address for me to contact if/when I decided to do the training session). I was not expecting to be bombarded daily with someone trying to set up an appointment. In the meantime, I had a problem uploading my info from the armband and e-mailed their tech support the first day I set everything up. It took them 4 days to respond to that e-mail (while in that same time period I received 2 of the e-mails and 2 of the phone calls trying to set up my training session)."
BOTTOM LINE:
"If I had it to do over again, I would not have spent as much money as I did on this. I feel it might be worth about $50 or $60 - not the $260+ that I spent. In their defense, I seem to remember reading a review where someone wrote that they weren't aware of all of the benefits of the BodyBugg until they took the training session which helped them tremendously. Their days and times that they offer the sessions are not convenient for me. And I'd rather them offer either a one time 45 minute session or 3 different 15 minute sessions. I would be able and willing to do the 3 15 minute sessions."
Again, this was a friend of mine and not a personal experience. Perhaps after her training session she will be happier with the Bodybugg.
I will keep you updated!!!
Jan 29, 2010, Plant Based Cleaner on sale at Bath & Body Works
Right now Bath & Body Works has their Caldrea line of plant based cleaners on sale.
Couple of things I saw were window spray for $4.50 and the petite sink set for $13.00.
Amazon is selling FOOD INC for $9.99 until Friday at midnight.
You also get a free digital download of the movie as well with purchase.
Jan 28, 2010, Michael Pollan Books
In case you are interested in an Michael Pollan books (I love them!!):
Jan 28, 2010, LOVED OPRAH TODAY!
LOVED Oprah today!!!
It has inspired me!
My goal for February is to try shopping only organically for less than $100 a week the entire month.
(Find out this Sunday how my first week went!! Join the challenge by leaving your organic grocery list as well!)
Jan 26, 2010, Exercise Tip Tuesday!
Welcome to the first installment of EXERCISE TIP TUESDAY!
Today's quick exercise tip is a simple one that I have preached over and over:
GET A PEDOMETER AND START COUNTING YOUR STEPS!! Try and get 10,000 in a day. Take your kids on a walk, use the stairs instead of the elevator, or park away from the store so you have farther to walk to your car.
There are so many ways to get your steps in each day.
(Remember my little perdometer experiment last fall? The days I was working I could barely get 7,000 steps. The days I was home with my kids, 13,000 steps!!)
Jan 26, 2010, Michael Pollan On Oprah tomorrow!
Set your DVR! Michael Pollan is on Oprah tomorrow!!! It's a don't miss if you enjoy eating healthy foods!!! He wrote the book I LOVE called "IN DEFENSE OF FOOD: An eaters manifesto".
(Note to self. I need to return that to my sis-in-law!!)
Go to facebook and become a fan of Family Health and Nutrition and join the Michael Pollen conversation tomorrow!
Jan 25, 2010, MONDAY MEAL PLANNER
This week's plan and recipes now posted! Click below:
This week I shopped at Kroger and spent $71 and saved $26. (BTW- The Kroger Mega Event starts today nationwide. Check your favorite couponing site for match-ups!)
Here is this week's deals:
1 package raw peanuts ($2.79)
1 honeydew $1.68
1 loaf whole grain bread $1.19
1 green pepper $0.50
1 bunch green onion $0.64
1 bag organic apples $3.79
1 package celery $2.19
4 tomatoes $1.68
1 bag organic mixed salad $1.39 (a manager's special!!)
2 packages of organic chicken tenderloin $3.89 each (on sale for a great price!)
Jan 22, 2010, It's WE TRIED IT! Friday. This Week: Stevia In The Raw
I have heard so much lately about stevia. How it is better for you than sugar or artificial sweeteners and how it is a zero calorie food. But, I still had not tried it. It's not that I was against it, but we just don't use sweeteners around here at all.
But, this week a co-worker had a box of STEVIA IN THE RAW and wanted me to try it.
I have to say it was interesting. It has a strange sweetness to it that is hard to describe. It is sweet, but has a bit of a harsh after taste.
I only used a half of packet in my coffee and it was plenty sweet enough. But, I don't know if I can get past the after taste.
I plan on trying it for a few weeks to see if I can get used to it. If not, I might use the Sun Crystal packets that are part cane sugar and part stevia and only have 5 calories. Or just go back to no sweetener at all!
Give it a try and see what you think! It is available pretty much at any grocery store these days.
Jan 22, 2010, THIS VS THAT THURSDAY: Organic milk or conventional?
We ended our vegan cleanse last week, so now things are a bit more back to normal! I do have to say it was a great exercise in self awareness. So anyone who is thinking about it should give it a try! You don't realize how much food plays a role in your life until you go through something like this!!
Anyway, I have vowed to try and do 3 vegetarian meals a week plus chicken or fish the other days. We have decided to leave red meat for special occasions or when we go out to eat, etc.
Here is my plan:
MONDAY- Bean and Barley stew (I'll post recipe tomorrow) with whole grain rolls and sliced cantaloupe for dessert
TUESDAY- Lentil soup (1 bag of lentils, 1 large can of tomatoes, 2 cans vegetable broth, green onion, 1/2 bag of barley. Put all in the crockpot in the morning and dinner will be ready when you arrive home!)
WEDNESDAY- grilled chicken marinated in garlic and lemon juice, whole grain couscous, roasted broccoli,asparagus, and squash
THURSDAY- Pasta Rosa Verde (my daughter found the recipe in my Janaury issue of FITNESS and wanted me to try it. I'll post recipe tomorrow)
FRIDAY- Rosemary Chicken and Roasted Vegetables (will post recipe tomorrow)
BREAKFASTS- whole grain bagels with egg and cheese, Casadian Farm Organic Honey O's or FiberOne Bars with organic milk
LUNCHES- PB&J or turkey sandwiches with whole grain goldfish and sliced fruit or Helathy Choice Frozen Entree
Also, check out the great link below. It is from FAITHFUL PROVISIONS and is a downloadable meal planner. I use it to stay organized each week! I will add it to the reference section as well!!
This week I shopped at Publix because they were having a few good deals on things like olive oil and I was too tired to drag the kids to Kroger after finishing at Publix. The extra savings wasn't worth my sanity this week!!! (Did I mention the car next to me backed into my cart while my daughter was still sitting in it??? My daughter is fine.)
Anyway, I spent $102 and saved $43, but I was able to get enough food for almost two weeks. I should only have to get a few things like produce, bread and milk next week. So, I wasn't too unhappy with my spending.
Here is what I got:
2 bottles olive oil $1.99 each (normally $6 a bottle!)
2 cans of PAM olive oil spray $1.25 each
2 boxes of couscous $0.75 each
bag of apples $3.69
bag of oranges $3.99
1 bunch of green onions $1.09
2 lemons $0.80
1 cantaloupe $2.50
1 package of yellow squash $2.10
1 jar unsweetened apple sauce $1.25
2 containers Chobani Greek Yogurt $1.00 each
baby carrots $1.59
Half gallon organic milk $2.99
YoBaby organic yogurt $3.09
4 packages of Lender's whole wheat bagels $0.54 each
1 dozen eggs $1.59
natural peanut butter $2.59
Polaner Fruit Spread $2.69
Sara Lee Whole Grain Bread $1.99
1 package of whole grain tortillas $2.79
2 packages of Pepperidge Farms Whole Grain Goldfish $1 each
2 packages of Perdue Chicken breasts $9.00
I also picked up laundry detergent, floss, baby cereal, jar baby food, toilet paper, nursery water, and a few other odds and ends.
Jan 16, 2010, It's WE TRIED IT! Friday (sorry to be late!)
Sorry for posting this late! The wire to our computer went bye-bye and we had to go buy a new one. But, now we are up and running again!
This week we tried POLANER All Fruit Spread instead of jelly. We purchased the grape even though I would have prefered the strawberry. That's another story for another day about the pickiness of 5 year olds!.
Anyway, we had PB& J sandwiches for lunch and LOVED them. We made them with whole grain bread, natural peanut butter and Polaner spread.
One thing to remember though, even though Polaner is 100% fruit, it is still 40 calories a tablespoon! And unlike eating whole fruit, you aren't getting any fiber. But, at least you aren't getting high frutose corn syrup and other additives like regular jelly.
BOTTOM LINE: I would still prefer to make PB&J with fresh fruit, but POLANER is a great option when fruit isn't available!
Jan 14, 2010, THIS VS THAT THURSDAY!
Welcome to the first edition of THIS VS THAT Thursdays! Each Thursday we'll compare things like greek yogurt vs regular yogurt or stevia vs regular sugar.
I am SOOOO wanting one of these!! The Bodybugg that they use on the Biggest Loser. It connects to your computer and you can se how many calories you have burned vs what you have eaten, etc. Love it!!! 24 Hour Fitness is running a sale on them until the end of the month. $50 off plus if you use the promo code you get an additional $15 off! I may need to save my pennies!!
Jan 11, 2010, Amazon.com: Up to 50% off Fitness DVD's including Jillian Michaels and Denise Austin!
Amazon is running a huge sale on over 200 Fitness DVDs including yoga, pregnancy, and dance workouts, and featuring celebrity trainers such as Jillian Michaels and Denise Austin now through January 24.
Up to 50% off!!
Click on the link below to see everything on sale!
This week I shopped at Kroger and spent $72 and saved $34 WITH ONLY ONE COUPON!! I found some great sales and Manager's Specials.
Here is what I bought:
Casacadian Farms Organic Oat and Honey Cereal (all Casacadian Farms products were $2.99 and I had a $1.00 off coupon)
2 loaves o Ezekiel 4:9 bread (one regular and one cinnamon raisin)
$4.09 each
1 bag Fresh Selection romaine lettuce $1.99
3 bunches of green onions $1.30
4 containers of Whole Soy Yogurt (vegan and dairy-free) $0.49 each
2 green bell peppers $1.14
1 bag raw and unsalted peanuts $2.19
2 cantaloupe $3.00 total
2 lemons $0.80 total
Half gallon Natural Pride Organic milk $2.50
2 containers strawbrries $6.76
1 bag lentils $0.99
1 bag barley $0.79
1 bag dried red beans $1.19
4 tomatoes $3.07
3 packages of whoe grain tortillas $8.22
6 pack Sunmaid raisins $2.00
2 cans black beans $2.38
2 cans Hunt's tomato sauce NO SALT ADDED $1.18
12 jars organic baby food $5.88
2 boxes Gerber oatmeal $3.44
Stoneyfield Farms organic yogurt $3.84
Next week I plan on trying VERY HARD to use more coupons. I have been looking around www.asavysaver.com and have found that it is great site! She gives you all the coupon match-ups for organic and natural foods and only includes pricing on produce that is either organic or if it is on the CLEAN 15 list. (See yesterday's blog)ALthough, she doesn't do Publix or Kroger as far as I can tell.
Jan 8, 2010, Dreamfields Pasta Diabetes 1.0 Webcast
For any of you who live with diabetes or have family members with the diesease, Dreamfields Pasta is sponsoring a Webcast with healthcare experts and Sherri Shephard to talk about managing the disease.