Congratulations I.A. Stewart!

Congratulations I.A.Stewart! You are the first winner of our Baby And Me Eco-Giveaway. Please e-mail your shipping address to EcoLogicalMom (at) ymail.com to redeem your prize.

Please contact us by no later than February 5, 2011, otherwise we'll have to select another winner.

RECALL: Sassy Recalls 37,000 Teethers and Rattles

Sassy is recalling about 37,000 infant teethers/rattles because pieces can fall off and be consumed. Small pieces of a plastic ball can detach from the product, Refreshing Rings, when a child chews on it. Sassy has received one report of plastic from the ball detaching. No injuries have been reported, the company said.
The product, which is intended for children three months or older, has a red, water-filled ring on one end and a black and white polka dot ball on the other end. The two ends of the rattles/teethers are connected by a black and white, flexible plastic rod with three floating rings. The packaging contains the style number 80026.

Consumers should take the product away from children and contact the company for instructions on how to return the product for a free replacement toy.

Source: sassybaby.com

Game Recipes: Spinach Tart

This week we are featuring great "game" recipes with a healthy twist! Everybody likes tarts, and finger foods are ideal for crowds. So, here is a pie loaded with vitamins and minerals from spinach, herbs and asparagus. Great for kids and adults.

Spinach Tart
Servings: 12 portions

• 1 11-ounce package piecrust mix, for 2 crusts, or ready-to-use frozen pie crust (try whole wheat versions!).
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh herb or 2 teaspoons dried herb (such as tarragon, thyme, basil, oregano, or marjoram)
• 10 ounces torn fresh spinach
• 1 8-ounce package reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), softened
• 1/4 cup light dairy sour cream
• 2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• Fresh French wild asparagus or fresh dill (optional)

Prepare piecrust mix according to package directions, except add 1 tablespoon of the fresh herb or 1 teaspoon of the dried herb to dry ingredients. Divide pastry in half. Form each half into a ball.
For filling, add spinach to 1 inch of boiling water in a large saucepan; cover and steam for 2 to 4 minutes or just until limp. Drain thoroughly, squeezing out excess water.
In a medium mixing bowl stir together cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and remaining fresh herb or dried herb. Stir in the spinach and water chestnuts.

To prepare in a tart pan: On a lightly floured surface, flatten each ball of dough with hands. Roll dough from center to edges, forming two circles about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer one circle to an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom; spread with spinach filling. Moisten edge with water. Place remaining pastry circle atop filling. Trim edges, reserving trimmings for pastry cutouts. Seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top to allow steam to escape. If desired, use hors'oeuvres cutters or a sharp knife to cut pastry trimmings into tiny shapes. To attach pastry cutouts, combine beaten egg with water and brush atop crust. Place cutouts atop brushed surface.
Brush any remaining egg mixture onto pastry. Bake in a 425 degree F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh French wild asparagus or fresh dill, if desired.

Sources: Better Homes and Gardens, Yahoo

New US Dietary Guidelines

The US Agriculture and Health and Human Services departments have just released the latest dietary guidelines, instructing about half the population to reduce daily sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams, or about a half a teaspoon of salt, a day.It's also pushing for a more plant-based diet loaded with vegetables, fruit and whole grains, and the reduction of sugar and refined grains in daily diets, including drinking more water instead of sugary drinks.

Click here to access the complete guidelines, an insightful document.

Baby And Me Eco-Giveaway: Have you Signed Up Yet?

If you have a baby, don't miss this Eco-Giveaway!
The Baby And Me Bath Towel from Bathing in Grace is a great invention by a Mompreneur! This cleverly designed set of 2 towels allows you to bring your wet baby out of the water straight to your arms effortlessly (click here for pictorial illustration). The set includes a towel that you wear around your body like an apron, and a hooded baby-sized bath towel to wrap baby in after bathtime. It dries the baby, and keeps you from getting wet. What's more, the towels are very fluffy and soft, made with 100% organic bamboo terry cloth. Genius!

We like it so much that we are giving away 2 sets (each set is worth US$56!). One lucky winner will be announced on January 31, and another on February 7, 2011.
It is very easy to participate:
1) Invite your friends to subscribe to our bi-weekly e-Newsletter. You will be entered once for each friend that signs up. Spread the news to increase your chances to win!
 2) Don't forget to send us an e-mail with the names of your friends that subscribed. Our e-mail address is EcoLogicalMom(at)ymail.com.

Just copy and send the link below to your friends:
http://ecologicalmom.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=71811fa4d84123a4bc6539050&id=d0a1368f2d

Or Click on the icons at the bottom of this posting to share the article through your social media (Facebook. Twitter, etc).


If you haven't signed up for our bi-weekly e-Newsletter yet, just click here!

Winners will be selected randomly
"Baby and Me" towels are provided by Bathing In Grace.

 

Game Series: Mozzarela Stuffed Burgers

During this coming week we'll be posting some ideas for Superb(owl) meals and snacks. Wait! For our "non-American" readers, these recipes work perfectly for the World Cup (soccer), Footy Season (Aussie Rules Football), ...any event!
Check out this mozzarella stuffed burger. Lean turkey meat, loads of lycopene from the marinara sauce, and delicious cheese. Simply divine!

Mozzarela Stuffed Turkey Burgers
Servings: 4 portions

Marinara Sauce

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes, with juices
• 6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Burgers

• 1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey
• 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 4-inch-square slices whole wheat foccacia bread, (about 2 ounces each), toasted

To prepare marinara: Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cover and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in fresh tomatoes and any juices, sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in basil and remove from the heat. Transfer to a food processor and pulse to form a coarse-textured sauce. Return to the pan and set aside.
To prepare burgers: Place turkey, scallions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Gently combine, without overmixing, until evenly incorporated. Form into 8 thin patties about 4-inches wide and 3/8 inch thick.
Combine 1/4 cup cheese and basil and place an equal amount in the center of 4 patties. Cover with the remaining patties and crimp the edges closed.
Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat (see Grilling Variation). Add burgers and cook, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, 8 to 10 minutes total.
Warm the marinara on the stove. To assemble the burgers, spread 3 tablespoons of marinara on each toasted focaccia, top with a burger, about 3 more tablespoons of marinara and 1 tablespoon of the remaining cheese. Grilling Variation: To grill the turkey burgers, preheat a grill to medium-high. Oil the grill rack. Grill the patties, turning once, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 165°F, 8 to 10 minutes total.

Per serving: 299 calories; 15 g fat (4 g sat, 5 g mono); 74 mg cholesterol; 14 g carbohydrates; 28 g protein; 2 g fiber; 706 mg sodium; 382 mg potassium.

Source: Eating Well

Updated "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean 15"

You've probably heard about the "Dirty Dozen" and the "Clean 15" lists of vegetables and fruits with the highest and lowest amount of pesticides. The Environmental Working Group released an updated version in a neat pdf file that you can print and keep in your wallet.

Click here to download it now!

Indoor Herb Kit for Tots

Kids will enjoy this indoor herb gardening kit. Studies have shown that when kids are involved with produce gardening, they tend to eat more vegetables and fruits. It is a useful (and inexpensive) gift that will entertain and teach them at the same time.

By Veggie Tales

Temporary Effects of Salty Snacks on Arteries

A recent study in Australia revealed that 30 minutes after you eat a salty snack, arteries become temporarily impaired, compromising the ability of blood vessels to widen even in people with normal blood pressure.

After the snacks were consumed, the volunteers were asked to put their arms in a blood pressure cuff, which temporarily cut off blood flow as it inflated. While the cuff was deflating, the researchers used an ultrasound machine to measure how much the arteries widened as the blood rushed back through them. The same experiment was repeated with the two groups of volunteers switched so that people who got a high salt snack the first time consumed the low salt version the second time.

Consistently, the arteries of people who got the high salt snack widened about half as much as those who consumed the low salt version. The effect passed in about two hours. 

Substances like salt and fat may hinder the artery’s ability to widen by interfering with the workings of the blood vessel’s lining, said Dr. Emile Mohler, director of vascular medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Normally, when the heart pumps blood through the arteries, nitric oxide is released. The gas makes the artery walls relax, which in turn allows the vessels to expand and more easily carry the rush of blood, Mohler explained. Scientists suspect that salt and fat may somehow block the release of nitric oxide.

Sources: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

How to Make Kids Crave Their Veggies and Fruits

Getting kids to eat the recommended 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day is a challenge. We all know that. The good news is that there are many things we can do to make it happen! Studies published by the Journal of American Dietitian Association  show that in a particular sample, "most children (97.8%) enjoyed taste-testing fruits and vegetables. Children also liked preparing fruit and vegetable snacks (93.4%), working in their garden (95.6%), and learning about fruits and vegetables (91.3%). Impact data suggest that the intervention led to an increase in the number of fruits and vegetables ever eaten, vegetable preferences, and fruit and vegetable asking behavior at home."

Parents are the role model for their kids, so a good start is to enjoy a variety of foods themselves, especially fruits and vegetables. Although infants often get a lot of healthy foods, once they start eating table food, what you eat is going to be a big influence on what your kids like to eat. Also, kids should be offered repeated opportunities to try new foods. That may mean offering up to 10 times a particular type of vegetable before the child can start enjoying it.

Here is a list of successful tips from experienced moms to get kids (and adults) to crave their veggies and fruits:

- Mix fruit pieces (dry or fresh) in with yogurt.
- Make fruit smoothies (click here for delicious recipes).
- Offer a fruit salad as a dessert or snack.
- Add chopped fruit, especially berries and bananas, to your child's cereal.
- Offer chopped veggies with a dip, like ranch dressing.
- Serve vegetables as a stir-fry (check out this amazing recipe).
- Knowledge is key: explain to kids the benefits of eating particular vegetables. Bring the explanation to their level of understanding. They are smart and will certainly remember!
- Sneak veggies in: soups, salads, risottos, meat loaf, meat balls, pasta, pizza, quesadilla (take a look at our healthy recipes links). Grated carrots, sweet potato and zucchini go great in muffins and bread.
- Shop at farmers' markets: vegetables flavor intensifies the longer they're on the shelf, particularly if they're wrapped. Fresh vegetables taste a lot better. Try it!
- Cheese it up: moderate amounts of cheese sauce can make broccoli or cauliflower tastier (try this recipe!).
- Use dips: low fat dips such as humus (check out this easy recipe) make a great combination with veggies.
- Let kids participate: we can't stress this one enough. Allow kids to choose their veggies, and participate in the food preparation.
- Spring is the ideal time to start a garden. Motivating children to participate in gardening activities at home is a fun event (click here to see how!) Programs and activities that connect children with healthful food through fun, hands-on events have a long term effect on their fruits and vegetables intake for life.
- Lastly, according to a recent Dutch study reported by LiveScience, if fruits are presented in a visually appealing way, kids can eat almost twice as much!



Based on sources: kidseathealthy.com, msnbc.com and Prevention.com,LiveScience.com

Tree Wall Decal

Sometimes having a real tree is not possible, but this wall decal can be a lot of fun! Featuring funky, curly branches, brightly-colored flowers, and some friendly feathered birds, this tree decal is great for nurseries, bedrooms, and playrooms. Every element is repositionable, meaning it's easy to move the tree around as you like. No need to worry about getting it perfect on the first try! Suitable for any wall color.

By RoomMates

gDiapers Winter Eco-Giveaway Winner

Congratulations K. Nguyen, Zip 32608. You are the winner of our gDiapers Eco-Giveaway!!

Please send your shipping address to EcoLogicalMom (at) ymail.com. You will love your prize: A gPants 2-pack and a bag of gRefills.

Hurry up....If we don't hear from you by January 30, 2011, we will select another winner.

New Nutrition Info Label

Within the next few months, the front of many food packages will prominently display important nutrition information, including calorie, fat and sugar content. The industrywide program was announced Monday by food makers and grocers in response from to Michelle Obama's campaign against obesity. 
The plan unveiled Monday, called Nutrition Keys, calls for the front of food packages to display a series of icons that show four basic nutrients: calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugars.

The Institute of Medicine discouraged including positive nutrients on the label because they might confuse consumers and encourage manufacturers to fortify foods unnecessarily with vitamins or other ingredients.

The industry plan allows manufacturers to display as many as two "nutrients to encourage" on each package, from a list of eight - potassium, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron and protein.

The labeling system was developed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Marketing Institute, a trade group that represents retailers, who often contract with food makers to create store brands. The groups said their members, which include a vast majority of food manufacturers and retailers, would begin using the new labels in the coming months. In the fall, they plan to begin a $50 million advertising campaign to promote the initiative.

Source: NYTimes

Bathing in Grace Eco-Givaway

The Baby And Me Bath Towel from Bathing in Grace is a great invention by a Mompreneur! This cleverly designed set of 2 towels allows you to bring your wet baby out of the water straight to your arms effortlessly (click here for pictorial illustration). The set includes a towel that you wear around your body like an apron, and a hooded baby-sized bath towel to wrap baby in after bathtime. It dries the baby, and keeps you from getting wet. What's more, the towels are very fluffy and soft, made with 100% organic bamboo terry cloth. Genius!

We like it so much that we are giving away 2 sets (each set is worth US$56!). One lucky winner will be announced on January 31, and another on February 7, 2011.
It is very easy to participate:
1) Invite your friends to subscribe to our bi-weekly e-Newsletter. You will be entered once for each friend that signs up. Spread the news to increase your chances to win!
 2) Don't forget to send us an e-mail with the names of your friends that subscribed. Our e-mail address is EcoLogicalMom(at)ymail.com.

Just copy and send the link below to your friends:
http://ecologicalmom.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=71811fa4d84123a4bc6539050&id=d0a1368f2d

Or Click on the icons at the bottom of this posting to share the article through your social media (Facebook. Twitter, etc).


If you haven't signed up for our bi-weekly e-Newsletter yet, just click here!

Winners will be selected randomly
"Baby and Me" towels are provided by Bathing In Grace.

 

Managing Dirty Business

Feeding can be a dirty business, especially when babies are first introduced to solids. This bib comes with a pocket that is the perfect size and shape to control the mess. Waterproof and stain-resistant, it secures comfortably at the neck with an adjustable Velcro closure. Free of PVC, phthalates, and BPA. Wipe and rinse clean with mild soap and water. Hang dry. Bib measures 8.25” long and 10” wide. Ages four months and up.

By Jaq Jaq Bird

Tandoori Tofu

Tofu is a wonderful culinary ingredient with a very rich nutritional value and low calorie. I like to incorporate it in stews and other recipes that enrich its bland taste. This Tandoori recipe incorporates other high power antioxidants such as turmeric and garlic. All combined makes this amazing dish: exotic and delicious. You must give it a try!

• 
  
• Tandoori Tofu
• Servings: 6 servings

• 
  
• - 2 teaspoons paprika
• - 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• - 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• - 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• - 1 tablespoon lime juice
• - 2 14-ounce packages extra-firm or firm water-packed tofu, drained
• - 2/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
• - 6 tablespoons sliced scallions or chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Preheat grill to medium-high.
Combine paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cumin, coriander and turmeric in a small bowl. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, lime juice and the spice mixture; cook, stirring, until sizzling and fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
Slice each tofu block crosswise into 6 slices; pat dry. Use about 3 tablespoons of the spiced oil to brush both sides of the tofu slices; sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. (Reserve the remaining spiced oil.)
Oil the grill rack (see Tip). Grill the tofu until it has grill marks and is heated through, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Combine yogurt with the reserved spiced oil in a small bowl. Serve the grilled tofu with the yogurt sauce, garnished with scallions (or cilantro), if desired.

Per serving: 173 calories; 13 g fat (2 g sat, 7 g mono); 1 mg cholesterol; 6 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 12 g protein; 2 g fiber; 419 mg sodium; 224 mg potassium.

Source: Eating Well

Adorable Eco Set for Lil' Angels

This vest and hat set is absolutely adorable! Crocheted with fine quality 100% organic baby cotton, it is totally washable. So classy! Handmade to order in Sweden.

By Phenomena Design, an Etsy store

Wooden Castles

Wooden toys are always classic and durable. This is a really neat wooden castle, actually there are multiple versions: princess, medieval, ...
The princess version (picture) features hand-painted pink accents, plus two removable turrets, balconies, flying buttress, flag and a working drawbridge!

By Melissa & Doug

gDiapers Winter Eco-Giveaway: Just a Few More Days...Hurry Up!!!

Have you signed up to our gDiapers Eco-Giveaway yet? Hurry, you have until Tuesday, January 25, 2011!  The prize is awesome:

A gPants 2-pack and a bag of gRefills (a US$60 value). Winner will be announced on January 25, 2011.

gDiapers are breathable and combine the best features of cloth and disposable diapers. Plastic-free biodegradable gRefills keep babies dry and happy, so they’re less likely to get diaper rash.
EcoLogical Mom is a fantastic channel of unbiased information from multiple sources about raising kids with an Eco&Logical mindset. It reflects a journey to a healthy and meaningful lifestyle!

It is very easy to participate:
Sign up for EcoLogical Mom bi-weekly e-Newsletter and "Like" gDiapers on Facebook 

Click here to sign up for our bi-weekly e-Newsletter

Click here to become fan of gDiapers

Yes, let's start the Year in an environmentally conscious way. Over 18 billion disposable diapers are sold in the US every year, and over 90% of those end up in landfills, where it can take them up to 500 years to decompose!

Click here to Like our Facebook page and follow the latest on eco-friendly parenting and healthy living

Winners will be selected randomly
"Sweet Bundle" and gPants provided by gDiapers.

 

Which Plastics Should Stay Away From Your Food?

What type of plastic containers should stay away from your food pantry, refrigerator or freezer? Here is a great guide from Yahoo Green:

Flip over the container and check the recycling code number. If you spy a number 3 or 7, they are no good for food. If there is no number listed, contact the manufacturer.

Number 3 is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also known as vinyl. PVC has garnered the moniker "the toxic plastic" for the presence of DEHA -- one of several plasticizers (softeners) used in its production. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, long-term DEHA exposure has the potential to cause: Reduced body weight and bone mass, damage to liver and testes, and cancer. The manufacture and incineration of PVC also releases carcinogenic dioxins into the environment and food chain. Although PVC is not the most common plastic used for food storage containers, some are made from it and it is often used in plastic wrap to improve performance.

Number 7 includes several plastic types but it is predominantly polycarbonate. The problem with polycarbonate is that it harbors bisphenol A (BPA). Studies have shown that BPA damages the reproductive systems of lab animals by interfering with the effects of reproductive hormones and has other serious health effects. BPA's capacity to cause these stems from its ability to mimic the human hormone estrogen -- it has been linked to prostate and mammary gland cancers, early onset of puberty and reproductive-organ defects.

Source: Yahoo

Odd Pretty Duck

Cool ducks for bath time. Boon makes them in hip versions with bold colors and fun graphics! Odd Ducks are completely PVC and phthalate-free, and no BpA either.
You can buy a single one for under US$6, or the entire collections. heck them out!

By Boon

Pattern Blocks and Boards

These Pattern Blocks and Boards can keep children (and me!) engaged for hours. It is a fun game and kids feel rewarded when they complete each board. They feature 10 simply designed, colorful patterns and over 100 pattern blocks in six different shapes and colors to replicate the pattern shown. Develops shape recognition and spatial relations.

By Melissa & Doug

Smart Stacker!

Get that baby or toddler busy stacking all different shapes, colors and sizes! This fun Geometric Stacker comes with 25 pieces to match and stack on a solid base. Perfect for building shape, color and size differentiation skills. Pieces made of solid wood.

By Melissa & Doug (and it is on sale!)

Reducing That Salt, Major Health Accomplishment!

The American Heart Association recommends less than one teaspoon of salt a day, however the average American consumes 3 teaspoons a day. 

Reducing sodium is the first line of defense against heart disease. In fact, a 30-year study in Finland found that reducing salt intake by 30 percent led to a 75 percent decrease in both stroke and heart disease mortality. The revised sodium diet elevated the entire country’s average life expectancy by 6 to 7 years. Now the AHA is hoping for similar results in the United States, but it will mean a nutrition overhaul.

Many of the foods we consider healthy are saturated in salt. According to the Center for Disease Control, packaged and processed foods, like canned soups or seasoned rice mixes, are responsible for over three quarters of our average salt intake. 

Making small substitutes could make all the difference. Just three ounces of processed ham contains 1300 mg of salt. Compare that to 60 mg accrued from the same serving size of lean, unseasoned meat. Canned veggies have up to 10 times the amount of sodium of fresh veggies. Even frozen vegetables are lower in salt than those in a can. 

Sauces and dressings should also be used with discretion. A half-cup of pasta sauce racks up almost half your maximum salt requirements for the day. Make your own salt-free version with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and oregano. A single serving of ranch dressing over a bowl of leafy greens sets you back 300 mg. Instead, concoct a low-salt dressing of oil, lemon juice, and herbs. The National Institute of Health has a plethora of heart-healthy seasoning recommendations for boosting flavor in salt-free main courses: Meats, fish, and sauces can be seasoned with mustard, dill, curry powder, lemon juice, paprika, oregano and rosemary. Another easy cut from your dietary team: flavored drinks, which have up to 220 mg in a bottle. 

It's not all about elimination. Adding potassium-rich foods, like potatoes, avocado and yogurt, helps neutralize the effects of salt. To meet the ideal amount of daily potassium (around 4700 mg), try a baked potato with skin (925 mg), a cup of sliced avocado (1000 mg), a bag of dried apricots or peaches (600-1200mg), or 2 cups of spinach (1200mg).

Source: Shine

Educational Baby Blocks

I came across these educational building blocks for babies and thought they were brilliant! Babies get very engaged in exploring the bright colors and sounds of these 16 soft building blocks. They feature lots of peek-a-boo windows, some blocks rattle, others create a crinkle sound when they are squeezed. Bold black and white graphics on 8 triangular blocks catch the attention of newborns in their cribs. Older babies enjoy the bright, colorful graphics of the 8 square blocks, covered with satin, corduroy and cotton for varied textures. And they are washable.

By IQ Baby

More Tips to Raise Healthy Eaters

We love posting ideas and tips to help parents raise kids with healthy eating habits. If you read our postings often, you've probably seen a bunch of great ideas from multiple sources. 

Redbook publication just released a list of tips to add to our collection! Here they are:

1. Get your kids into the kitchen.Giving kids a say in what they're eating — from letting them pick out items at the grocery store to enlisting their aid in the kitchen.

2. Play with produce.Don't fret if your child turns up her nose at the scrubby texture of broccoli or the slime factor of spinach — just give them to her in forms she'll find more appetizing.

3. Make any food "snack food."Limit traditional snack foods altogether and offer your kids smaller-size portions of regular mealtime foods.

4. Get sneaky.If you can't coax your kid to eat the good stuff, you might just have to slip it into his food without his knowing. 
5. Let food be fun.Mom was wrong: Playing with food is not only fun, but it also encourages kids to be more adventurous diners, nutritionists confirm. Try arranging food into smiley faces on your child's plate; cut meats, cheeses, and sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters; or provide an assortment of dips, sauces, and toppings like sunflower seeds for salads, potatoes, and noodles. 

6. Try and try again...and again.Studies show that kids sometimes need to sample a food up to a dozen times before finally liking it. That means offering the food once or twice a week for up to six weeks.

For great healthy (and delicious) recipes that kids love, click here

Source: Redbook, Shine

Recall: Tylenol & Sudafed .. Yet Another One

Johnson & Johnson announced on Friday that it is recalling nearly 47 million packages of Tylenol, Sudafed and other nonprescription drugs manufactured at a Pennsylvania facility. The latest recall affects certain lots of Tylenol, Benadryl and Sudafed products because of insufficient cleaning procedures, though the company does not believe that quality was impacted. The company also recalled certain lots of Rolaids tablets because they do not include certain labeling information.

The recalls are aimed at wholesalers in the U.S., the Caribbean and Brazil. Consumers do not have to take any action, the company said. Consumers who have the products can continue using them.

Source: msnbc

A+ Eco-Friendly Stroller/Bassinet Set

This stroller/bassinet set is a great option for newborn babies. Eco-inspired organic bassinet; carrier is fully lined with a blend of organic soybean and cotton. It has many features, is eco-friendly and doesn't cost as much as similar models from top brands. What's more, it is beautifully designed! Check out some of the features:

• Birth to 50 pounds pram/stroller capacity; includes both bassinet and seat; removable and washable fabric; quick change harness loops
• Pram and reversible seat modes; 3 position seat angle adjustment; elevated seat height; 3 position handle; welded and formed aluminum alloy frame
• Sun and weather-shield included with easy zip attachment to canopy, new pop out SPF 50 canopy extension
• Eco-friendly design; all natural cotton and organic soybean fibers in bassinet
• Full size easy access spring arm oversize basket; rubber coated tires never go flat; high performance aluminum spoke wheels shock absorbing front and rear suspension

By UPPAbaby, an eco-friendly company.

Bamboo Utensil Set: Right There When You Need It!

This eco-friendly bamboo utensil set is ideal for camping, picnics and to leave in the diaper bag! Anytime you need to slice a fruit, or use a spoon for the kids...it is right there, available for you. The 2 pack includes two 4 piece sets; each with a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, and recycled PET carrycase. Organic utensils made of bamboo are highly durable and can be sustainably grown and harvested.

By To-Go Ware

The Best News of the Day for Most Parents!!

The new standards for school lunch from the Agriculture Department will be the first major nutritional overhaul of school meals in 15 years. They are expected to be announced Thursday.

The guidelines would require schools to cut sodium in those meals by more than half, use only whole grains and serve low fat milk. It also would limit kids to only one cup of starchy vegetables a week, so schools couldn't offer french fries every day.

One of the very the best news of the month!

Source: msnbc, AP

Double Duty Eco-Friendly Flashlight: A Must Have Gadget

This double-duty flashlight/FM radio is really useful in case of emergencies, blackouts, etc! It runs on the sun and features 4 ultra-white LED bulbs, volume control and auto-scan tuning…plus easy-grip recycled plastic housing, wrist strap and comes with an auxiliary DC power recharging jack. Useful and eco-friendly!

By EB Brands

gDiapers Winter Eco-Giveaway: Second Winner!

Congratulations Kristina Yeou.., zip code 37187. You are the second winner of our gDiapers Winter Eco-Giveaway. Please e-mail your shipping address to EcoLogicalMom (at) ymail.com to receive your amazing prize: a Sweet Bundle (a US$130 value) which includes 6 Little gPants + 4 Biodegradable gRefills. 

If you do not contact us by January 16, 2011, we'll select another winner.

The Best Guide for Eating Healthy in 2011

Eating healthy is not just a simple yearly resolution, it should be a commitment for life! Parents that eat healthy inspire kids to be conscious about food quality versus quantity. To set yourself up for success, think about planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps. If you approach the changes gradually, you will have a healthy diet. Here are a few wonderful tips to keep that commitment!

• Simplify. Instead of being overly concerned with counting calories or measuring portion sizes, think of your diet in terms of color, variety and freshness. Focus on finding foods you love and easy recipes that incorporate a few fresh ingredients. 
• Start slow and make changes to your eating habits over time. Make small steps, like adding a salad (full of different color vegetables) to your diet once a day or switching from butter to olive oil when cooking.  As your small changes become habit, you can continue to add more healthy choices to your diet. Not every food has to be "perfect". If you miss out on any food group one day, make up for it the next. Your food choices over several days should fit together into a healthy pattern.
• Every change you make to improve your diet matters. You don’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy to have a healthy diet.  The long term goal is to feel good, have more energy and reduce the risk of cancer and disease. Don’t let your missteps derail you, every healthy food choice you make counts. Most people eat for pleasure as well as nutrition. If your favorite foods are high in fat, salt or sugar, the key is moderating how much of these foods you eat.
• Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.  Look through cookbooks for tasty ways to prepare unfamiliar foods and enjoy the pleasure of experimenting.
• Eat moderate portions. If you keep portion sizes reasonable, it's easier to eat the foods you want and stay healthy. 
• Eat regular meals. Skipping meals can lead to out-of-control hunger, often resulting in overeating. When you're very hungry, it's also tempting to forget about good nutrition.  
• Know your diet pitfalls. To improve your eating habits, you first have to know what's wrong with them. Write down everything you eat for three days. 
• Keep your pantry stocked with quality ingredients. Having whole grains, beans, pasta, extra virgin olive oil, dried herbs and quality spices available is half way there!
  
  

  If you eat out often, here is a list of helpful tips from MyPyramid.org:

• As a beverage choice, ask for water (a good sparkling water is wonderful!) or order fat-free or low-fat milk, unsweetened tea, or other drinks without added sugars.
• Ask for whole wheat bread for sandwiches.
• In a restaurant, start your meal with a salad packed with veggies, to help control hunger and feel satisfied sooner. Choose dishes that come with vegetables.  
• Ask for salad dressing to be served on the side. Then use only as much as you want.
• Choose a “small” or “medium” portion. This includes main dishes, side dishes, and beverages. If portions are still big, share or take some home. Resign from the “clean your plate club” – when you’ve eaten enough, leave the rest.
• Order an item from the menu instead of heading for the “all-you-can-eat” buffet.
• On long commutes or shopping trips, pack some fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, low-fat string cheese sticks, or a handful of unsalted nuts to help you avoid stopping for sweet or fatty snacks.

Sources: Help Guide, Real Time, MyPyramid.gov

Our gDiapers Eco-Giveaway Has Been Extended! Woohooo!!

Due to its tremendous success,  our gDiapers Winter Eco-Giveaway has been extended! Yes, you have another chance to win an awesome gDiapers prize:

A gPants 2-pack and a bag of gRefills (a US$60 value). Winner will be announced on January 25, 2011.

gDiapers are breathable and combine the best features of cloth and disposable diapers. Plastic-free biodegradable gRefills keep babies dry and happy, so they’re less likely to get diaper rash.
EcoLogical Mom is a fantastic channel of unbiased information from multiple sources about raising kids with an Eco&Logical mindset. It reflects a journey to a healthy and meaningful lifestyle!

It is very easy to participate:
Sign up for EcoLogical Mom bi-weekly e-Newsletter and "Like" gDiapers on Facebook 

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Yes, let's start the Year in an environmentally conscious way. Over 18 billion disposable diapers are sold in the US every year, and over 90% of those end up in landfills, where it can take them up to 500 years to decompose!

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Winners will be selected randomly
"Sweet Bundle" and gPants provided by gDiapers.