My Norwex Story

My Norwex story: I recently decided to join the Norwex team to learn more about how to rid my home of toxic chemicals and share this knowledge with others. 

As a Wellness Dietitian and graduate student of a Holistic Health program, I was first introduced to the damaging effect we impose on our environment through an array of websites, articles and study discussions that outlined our grave environmental impact on the planet by my passionate professors. This peaked my curiousity about the reverse idea - What impact are the plastics, chemicals and other toxins having on our human bodies?! In my search for chemical free cleaning products I came across Norwex! As I brought a new baby home, I also brought Norwex into my home and kicked my chemical-laden toxic cleaners to the curb. Two years, two babies and two houses later - these products have become a staple in my home and have saved me and my family from many chemical and toxic exposures. 

The more I learn about the environmentally friendly approach Norwex takes in carefully creating the products offered, the more I am feeling inclined to inform others of the impact Norwex can have in their homes too. Please send me an email if you are interested in learning more about the products, the company or my personal testimony! Lysandra@ymail.com

Want to browse on your own? www.lysandravanderhart.norwex.biz

Learn more about Norwex Products

 

Do you have a personal Norwex testimony? Please share a comment!

Monday Message - What is a Whole Grain?

A new buzz word for whole grains in the nutrition world is "Ancient" Grains. All Ancient Grains are Whole Grains but not all Whole Grains are Ancient Grains. Wondering what a true Whole Grain is? Read the Kids Eat Right article for more information.

All Ancient grains are whole grains, but not all Whole grains are ancient grains.

Ancient Grains: Amaranth, Spelt, Barley, Bulgur, Einkorn, Farro, Freekeh, Millet, Sorghum, Teff, Quinoa, Steel Oats.

Modern Grains: Pasta, White Rice, Whole Wheat Bread, Whole Grain Cereal, Couscous, Pancakes, Waffles, Quick Oats.

Storytime: Did you know that Quinoa is a native grain to Ecuador and the Latin American region? Sadly, when the European settlers embarked on the South American land they brought white rice with them to which the natives perceived as a sign of affluence and they quit harvesting quinoa and chose to purchase refined white rice instead. Talk about a decline in nutrition! Yikes. Now, with the increased interest in the Nutrition Powerhouse-Quinoa (or the popularity contest) we need those South American countries to get back to their roots in increase exports of this Ancient Grain.

Recipe of the Week - Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

I simply cannot resist sharing this Winter Squash recipe. Seeing as how my 2 year old LOVES squash, I have been eagerly anticipating the fall squash harvest to introduce our 8 month old to a new favorite food.  Although the baby is not quite ready for this recipe, adding butternut squash to mac and cheese makes it better and more nutritious than the standard preparation! Check out the video and let me know if you try it. :) Recipe Video

Monday Message - Fall Grilling

Wait!! Do not put away that grill yet.  We have plenty of fall nights for grilling before the snow falls.  Even better - hearty fall vegetables are ready to harvest which are perfect for grilling well into the winter season.  Visit your local farm market to pick up local, fresh veggies and get grilling.  Never grilled vegetables before? Oh my! Please do not wait any longer. You will not be disappointed. Plus, your tailgating friends will be impressed. Check out Kids Eat Right for tips on Grilling Fruits & Vegetables and then fire up your grill.  Tell us which vegetable was your favorite...

Recipe of the Week - High Five Salad

Kids Eat Right: High Five Salad

 RD's LOVE Chickpeas. Costco. Enough said.

Monday Message - Did you know?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports the Quick Facts on School Lunch News.  Now, we just need to get the kiddos to eat the nutritious food offered in the lunch line rather than toss it away.  Any tips you mom and dads have to getting your kids to take time to eat lunch rather than run out to recess?  Please comment!

Recipe of the Week: Chili Popcorn

Kids Eat Right: Chili Popcorn Recipe

Monday Message - Yogurt

Kids Eat Right - Monday Message

 

Yogurt, also referred to as "Yogi" in our house....is served breakfast, lunch and dinner some days.  My two year old LOVES "yogi" any time of day. The yogurt section in the grocery store is very overwhelming...so many choices...so many labels to read. For a kid, eyes light up like they are in a candy store but for an adult attempting to make an educated choice on which type of bacteria is best for our "guts" we could easily stand there for hours.  I have very good news, the work has been done for you! 

Top Nutrition Picks: Stoneyfield Farms - Greek Plain (23g protein per cup!) or Smooth and Creamy Plain Whole Milk.  French vanilla is great too. All organic. Tasty. Nutritious. Cannot hold a candle to "go-gurt" (gag). 



Now the questions that remain....fat free or whole milk? sweetened or unsweetened? what is the difference between greek yogurt and regular?  Get all of your answers from Kids Eat Right.  Just click here.

Any questions left unanswered?  Please ask!

Monday Message - Back to School Nutrition

My "littles" are not old enough for school yet, but we have increased from one day per week at daycare to three days a week...that was enough change in routine for me! Luckily, my daycare provider offers great food choices for the girls so I do not have to worry about a thing...which is a great relief for a registered-dietitian-mom aka the "food police."  Check out the article below for back to school tips as your kids start a new year.
 

Monday Message: Nutrition Tips

Kids Eat Right Fourth of July

Fire up the barbecue and enjoy the Fourth of July with kids and family, but make sure to follow some precautions before you put that burger on the grill. Read the Kids Eat Right Article here.

Why not pack a picnic cooler ahead of time for that 4th of July family outing? Keep it simple, safe, and savory. Check out these Hot Tips.

Liven up your 4th of July festivities with a nice cold fruit snow cone! Any berry or fruit will do! Recipe Link

Don’t spend hours over a hot stove this 4th of July! Use your pressure cooker to make this Pulled Mexican Pork dish and enjoy it as a taco or burrito filling; or serve on a whole grain bun. Recipe Video