SUN-Sational, Safe, Sunscreens

As moms, we want to protect our babies and children from harm. During the summer months, while we are spending lots of time outdoors with our little ones, the Sun can be cause for alarm. Playdates in the park, time at the beach or spent swimming in the pool can equal long exposure to direct sunlight.

First and foremost, it is important to dress our children appropriately during the summer months. The safest way to limit sun exposure is by covering them with hats and t-shirts but if your little one has trouble keeping these on, then it's time to break out the "Sun Block!"

Sounds like a simple enough solution but with so many choices out there, how do we know which ones to use? Should we, "Get on the Boat. The Banana Boat?" Or use sunscreens like Coppertone, that our moms put on us? This is where research and networking comes into play again. Fortunately for those reading this blog, I have done the work for you!

Here are websites that list the best sunscreens to use as well as other great tips for Summer. You can even check the sunscreen you are currently using to see how it measures up!

EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide

The Thin Green Line : Green group compares sunscreen to snake oil

Best Beach & Sport Sunscreens | EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide

Top Sun Safety Tips | EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide

Wishing everyone a Healthy and Happy Summer!!!! Until next time.... Live well!

Seriously, Sushi @ 2 ??

I never thought I would experience something like this, especially coming from a family that doesn't eat Seafood or Sushi. Today, as I made Wild Salmon, Brown Rice, and Salad for dinner, I thought of jazzing it up a bit. I added something called "Nori" Sea Vegetable - A type of Seaweed wrap, and made myself some homemade, cooked Sushi. Well, Tyler thought it looked yummy and wanted to taste it. So, for fun I let him try, and would you believe he ate the entire wrap?!?! Yes, I even posted the pictures to prove it. I'd have to say that giving your children a variety of foods, and lots of choice seems to make a huge difference in their eating habits. Tyler finished his SALAD and then asked for MORE lettuce!!

For all the mamas out there struggling with feeding their kids healthy meals, I encourage you to continue to keep the faith and try adding more variety of fruits and veggies to your diet. Of course, there are other things I've done as well that I attribute to our healthy lifestyle but a lot of it comes back to Nutrition! If you're interested in setting up a free Consultation with me, I can take a closer look at what's on your menu and possibly assist you in the future!

Until next time.... Live Well!!!

Our Summer Indulgences

As Summer approaches and the days get longer, my family looks to have a nightly treat. We started to get into the habit of going for Italian Ices or Ice Cream, but since we try our best to live 90% Dairy-free and limit our processed sugar, I found myself struggling to come to terms with these TREATS!

So, I started to think of ways that I could make some Healthy Alternatives to Ice and Ice Cream, and boy do I LOVE what I've found!!! Our newest pleasures are Homemade Organic Sorbets!!!! So far I've experimented with Blueberry and Strawberry and they are soooo yummy!!! (As you can see from my favorite Test-Taster!) Recipes are found on the left Side Bar of this blog!

I encourage you to take a few minutes to try simple, inexpensive (compared to buying Ralph's or Rita's) and healthy treats that are homemade! I bet you'll be glad that you did!!!

Changing One Family at a Time

Okay Mamas,

If you need some daily Inspiration, you will get it here, along with some Motivation to start making changes in your lives for a better tomorrow. We've all witnessed our World change since the times when we were children, and not for the better. We're seeing our children grow sicker with many more illnesses than I every remembered while growing up.

Please take a moment to watch this. It will change the way you currently think about the things around you! It is my hope that it may awaken you to a whole new awareness, a new importance in life and maybe you'll even be ready to make some SMALL changes that will make a BIG difference! I'm counting on you!

A Wake Up Story

Do you soak your grains?

Okay mamas, so I wonder how many of us are soaking our rice, nuts, seeds & beans? I know some of my friends do soak their beans because the package requires it for easier cooking but there are important nutritional reasons for soaking them as well.

Here is a simple breakdown: Phytic acid is found within the hulls of nuts, seeds, beans and grains. Ironically these are the "healthy" foods we eat so we should be knowledgeable about what phytic acid is and ways we can neutralize it as much as possible.

In large quantities, phytic acid may cause mineral deficiencies in people, along with tooth decay, bone loss and digestive issues. This is because the phytic acid binds to minerals in your body and carries them out.

The good news is there are ways to reduce the phytic acid in foods. This article will give you more useful tips but even just soaking your grains overnight can make a big difference!

Living With Phytic Acid

I hope you've learned something today and put it to good use for yourself and your families!

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." - Ben Franklin

Until next time, Live Well!!!!