DHA for EVERYONE

     DHA (docosahexaneoic acid) is a physiologically-essential nutrient and a key omega-3 fatty acid needed in high levels in the brain and retina(eye) for optimal neuronal functioning(learning ability, memory) and visual acuity.
     Most of the time DHA is referred to pregnancy and infancy which is extremely important for cognitive and retinal development and performance, increased coordination and motor control at an early age and a significant decrease in postpartum depression. But there are many studies that show the importance of DHA supplementation throughout childhood, adulthood and the elderly. DHA is predominantly found in fish/seafood. There are concerns about consuming too much seafood due to high levels of mercury, therefore it is a good idea to use a DHA supplement. Again, consult your physician before taking anything over the counter and for the proper dosage.
     The Food and Nutrition Board in the US determined that DHA consumption in childhood decreased aggression, hyperactivity, cognitive problems, inattention and restlessness. In adulthood, DHA was associated with improvement in mood, increased vigor, decrease in anger, anxiety, fatigue, depression and confusion.  A recent study of seniors (65+) over a 6 year period while consuming higher levels of fish or fish oil supplement as a source of DHA+EPA(another omega-3 fatty acid) exhibited a slower rate of cognitive decline, improved cognitive retention, decrease in inflammation, improved cardiac health and a lower risk of stroke. Fish containing high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids include: Mackerel, Lake Trout, Flounder, Albacore Tuna and Salmon.

Vitamins

     I feel that vitamins are beneficial for everyone. Always check with your physician before taking anything over the counter if you are taking any prescription medicine. Ask your physician or pediatrician whether the vitamin is right for you or not. Many vitamin or medicine bottles state the proper dosage for your certain age group, but you also need to make sure it is the proper amount for your body weight as well. It is possible to overdose by taking the proper amount if you are under weight, or not get enough nutrients/medicine if you are overweight.       Personally I feel my best when I take raw vitamins or vitamins made from wholefoods. Two great vitamin products on the market that I have taken are Rainbow Light and Vitamin Code. I would highly recommend either product whether you are looking for women's/men's multi-vitamins, calcium, prenatal, DHA etc. It is best to take vitamins with your last meal of the day. Your metabolism starts to slow and the nutrients from your vitamin will remain in your system longer to allow for increased absorption. Also taking your Calcium right before bed time will allow you to sleep better. Studies show the calcium interacts with your nor-epinephrine and serotonin levels to improve your REM sleep. I have been following these rules for the past few years and can tell that I feel and sleep better.
     Be very careful with children's vitamins. Too much iron can lead to fatal poisoning. Also excess Vitamin A and E are dangerous. I would recommend Animal Parade products for children, but again ask your pediatrician for recommended dosages. Animal Parade makes wonderful chewable multi-vitamins with minerals and whole food concentrates including: spirulina (naturally rich in essential nutrients), whole brown rice, broccoli, spinach, mango fruit carrot, cherry and papaya fruit.

Simple Recipes

Here are a few recipes that are quick and easy to make. It would also be fun for kids help!

Homemade Granola:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread 5 cups oats in a 9"x13" pan and heat in oven for 10mins. Meanwhile, combine in a bowl:
1/3cup vegetable oil or butter
1/2cup honey
1cup coconut, sweetened or unsweetened
1/2cup well-chopped nuts (almonds are good)
1/2cup toasted wheat germ
1tsp cinnamon
Mix into pan with oatmeal and bake for an additional 30mins, stirring frequently for even browning. After mixture cools, add:
11/2cups dried fruit(raisins, cranberries, etc)
1/2cup sunflower seeds
Keep refrigerated in a tightly covered container.

Kale - Rice Casserole:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2cups cooked brown rice or other grain
1bunch raw kale, washed and chopped
1/2cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4cup parsley
2 beaten eggs
Mix above ingredients and press into greased baking dish. Top with this mixture:
1/4cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1/4cup wheat germ
3Tbsp melted butter/oil
1/4cup Parmesan cheese
Bake, uncovered for 40mins & serve!

Enjoy!

Sweet n' Innocent

     Cheesecakes, pies, parfaits, brownies & cookies....sound good?  What if I told you that you can eat all these desserts guilt free. That's right, check out InnocentIndulgence.net and have your favorite dessert shipped right to your door! This is an experience you won't want to pass up. Fulfill your sweet tooth with the best tasting healthy desserts full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, good fats & omega 3's!

     Did you know that sugar is linked to behavioral disorders, like ADHD and even violent behaviors? - Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. Sugar feeds cancer cells. It depletes mineral levels which affects bone health. It also depletes zinc which dulls your sense of taste, altering your taste perception which makes you need more sugar to get the same satisfaction. Sugar can be an addiction, which is scary because it decreases immune system function - an effect that lasts for more than 5 hours after eating sugar...so if you continue to have something with sugar frequently, just imagine your immune system's inability to destroy bacteria & increasing your chances of getting sick, or even worse.

     The average American is estimated to eat about 150lbs of sugar a year...yikes!  We definitely keep the dentists & doctors in business! A great sugar substitute is Madhava Agave Nectar.

     So the next time you get a sweet tooth, place an order to: innocentindulgence.net...you won't believe your taste buds! They also offer gift certificates!

The Power of "C"

     Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C and other antioxidants and phytochemicals that are essential in cancer prevention and survival. Vitamin C helps the immune system eliminate free radicals, which can attack DNA and trigger cancer. It also acts as an overall immune-booster to help ward off infections and other diseases. ~ CancerProject.org.
    Juicing and making smoothies are a great way to get fruits & veggies in your diet. My daughter and I treat ourselves to the Co-op for a good organic lunch and a tall glass of carrot,apple,kale juice. It's wonderful to see your 3year old drink such a healthy drink that taste good.  The Omega 8003 Juicer is the best juicer on the market right now. It even has the ability to juice leafy greens!  It's not just for juicing...it can turn nuts into nut butter, extrude pasta, grind coffee and spices, mince herbs and garlic, make baby food and whip up soy milk in a flash!  The Vitamix is the preferred blender by the Culinary Institute of America. Whether you want to make smoothies, juices, frozen treats, soups or bread dough, it does it all.  The omega and the Vitamix hold in so many nutrients and are so worth keeping your family healthy. I believe in these products...that's why we use them in our family and I wanted to share with you. 

Strawberry Smoothie:
1cup frozen banana chunks
1cup frozen strawberries
2Tbsp apple juice concentrate
1/2tsp vanilla (optional)
1-11/2cups soy or other milk
Combine all ingredients in blender. Process until smooth, stopping the blender as needed to push unblended fruit into the blades. Serve!

An Apple a Day

     Research to date suggest that apples and apple nutrients may play a role in promoting human health in a number of ways. Apples maintain good health by improving cardiovascular health and lowering LDL cholesterol and inhibiting LDL oxidation.  Apples also help in reducing certain types of cancer and maintaining healthy body weight. They promote lung health by countering the effects of oxidative damage. They are good for colon, prostate and liver health by inhibiting the growth of related cancer tumors. Apples are also good for bone health by promoting a good source of dietary mineral, boron.

     Apples are a great choice to introduce for one of an infant's first food. They are easy to prepare, easy to digest and are full of nutrients. Apples are also very versatile and can be added to almost any baby food to improve the nutritional value. Apples are also great when frozen and used as a teething reliever when added to a Baby Safe Feeder. Applesauce is a great substitute for oil in many baked goods recipes.
Apples are most flavorful when they are baked. You can also steam apples to retain most of their nutrients. Try to buy organic apples. Apples are one of many fruits and veggies that are most likely to accumulate pesticides; most accumulation occurs in the skin.

Here are a few baby food recipes:

Baked Apples for Baby: (6months)
1. core apple and leave peel on.
2. place a wee bit of butter (8months + if baby has had butter or dairy before) on the inside of cored apple. If baby is 8months+ you can sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon if preferred.
3. Place in shallow baking pan with 1 - 2inches of water.
4. Bake in oven at 400 degrees or until tender; checking on water level frequently.
5. Once baked, allow to cool, then slip off skin if needed. You can either cut apple into little bits and serve as finger food or mash into applesauce.

Apple Grain Breakfast Salad: (8-10months)
1. 3cups water
2. 1/4 tsp salt
3. 3/4cup quick-cooking brown rice
4. 3/4cup bulgur
5. 1 Granny Smith apple
6. 1 Red Delicious apple
7. 1 lrg peach
8. 1cup raisins
9. 1container(8oz) low-fat vanilla or plain natural yogurt

1. In large pot boil water and salt over high heat. Add rice and bulgur and reduce to low heat. Cover and cook for 10mins. Remove from heat and set aside, cover for 2mins. Spread hot grains on baking sheet to cool. Just before serving, prepare fruit - core and chop apples, peel peach and cut into sections. Add apples, peach and raisins to grain mixture. Stir in yogurt to coat grains and fruit. Sprinkle with wheat germ. Ensure that you use soft ripe fruits when serving to babies 10months of age+ and be sure the texture is manageable for baby.

Yummy Apples-n-Chicken: (8-10months or when your pediatrician says baby can have meats)
1. 2cups water
2. 1cup apples - peeled, cored and diced
3. 1 chicken breast - uncooked and diced

In medium saucepan, combine water, apple dices and chicken breast.  Slowly bring to boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 20mins or until chicken is no longer pink and has been fully cooked. Fork test for tenderness. Chop or puree as needed for your baby's texture preferences. Add brown rice or whole wheat pasta for a hearty meal.

Foods Good to Mix With Apples for Your Baby:
Rice, Oatmeal, Barley and Mixed Grain Homemade Baby Cereals
Bananas
Avocado
Blueberries
Pears
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Summer Squash
Chicken
Beef
Yogurt

"Super Baby"

Eating healthy from an early age will set the stage and promote healthy eating habits that will last.  Make it fun, colorful & creative! I use the book, 'Super Baby Food' which tells you everything you should know about feeding your baby and toddler plus more! Check it out on amazon.com.