Monday Message - Chocolate and Acne

Does chocolate cause acne?  Well, no. Hormones and many other factors play a role with baby, teen or adult acne.  But the real question we should be addressing is....Does sugar cause inflammation?  The answer is Yes! Acne is inflammation and most chocolate has sugar in it...but cutting out chocolate is not going to clear up acne. Try this instead:

1. Reduce sugar intake. No more than 25 grams of added sugar per day is recommended for children and adults, although children should probably have even less. Added Sugar does not include Natural sugars in fruit and milk products. However, even these should be limited to 2 fruit servings per day and no added sugar in dairy products i.e. yogurt, flavored milk, ice cream.

2. Get rid of cleansers that clog pores.  A microfiber cleansing cloth with water only will do the trick. Check out these Body Cloths from Norwex, an eco-friendly company devoted to radically reducing exposure to chemicals.  These cloths pick up all bacteria from the skin and trap it in the cloth while destroying the bacteria as it dries.

View the Kids Eat Right Hot Tip here.

Recipe of the Week - Chicken Pot Pie Bundles

Classic Chicken Pot Pie is a great way to get your family to enjoy their veggies!  Skip the individual Frozen Pot Pies and try this twist on a tasty recipe for the whole family.

Recipe Link

Monday Message - Holiday Leftovers

One of my favorite topics is food safety! As we are in the midst of the Holiday Season, we gather often for food, friends, family and fellowship.

The topic here is Food. Hot or Cold, we need to be conscious of its whereabouts during our holiday get-togethers to avoid foodborne illness. Sometimes that tummy ache is the culprit of too many Christmas Cookies but more often than not - lurking bacteria in our holiday dishes are to blame. 

Stay Leftover Savvy this holiday season and check out this video from Kids Eat Right.

 

January Bonus!

Here is a Norwex New Year’s gift to you—and your opportunity to start 2015 off strong! Norwex is offering a $50 exclusive credit to all Hosts who hold a party of $500 or more January 1 – 12, 2015! This is in addition to all the Host benefits awarded as part of our 4-Star Host Program, including free product, Host Specials and more!

That means, you will receive $100 in Free Product PLUS the Mop System complete with brush and laundry detergent. Yes, that is correct, January is Mop Month! All month long, you can earn the Mop System for FREE.

Already have a mop? Keep the $100 in Free product of your choice and share the mop with a friend or Co Host. January also brings a New Catalog that is definitely worth checking out.
 

So get your New Year off to a great start! Call your friends and family to invite them over for a post-holiday Norwex Party in the 1st 12 days of January.With Mop Month PLUS $50 in more free product to make their home a safe haven, this is an offer you cannot say “no” to!

Contact me via phone, email or Facebook to learn more about the fabulous new products or to book your party by January 12 to get an extra $50. Cheers!

 

Recipe of the Week - Potato Latkes

Hanukkah Sweet Potato Latkes:  Recipe Link

Monday Message - Holiday Cooking with Kids

With special treats and family gatherings, the holidays are the perfect time to teach your child about cooking and nutrition. Kids will not only get to try the new foods they prepare, they will also get a big boost to their confidence when they see family and friends enjoying their creations. Most importantly, cooking with your children promotes future health by teaching them about nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals. - This Kids Eat Right Article covers:

• Safety Precautions
• Teaching Opportunities
• Age Appropriate Kitchen Tasks

Recipe of the Week - Parsnips

Move over sweet potato fries.... Parsnip Shoestring Fries are making their way onto the food scene! They make a tasty crunchy side or snack with lots of fiber! You cannot go wrong if you follow this Recipe Video from Kids Eat Right.

Recipe of the Week - Foil Packets?!

Baked cod and veggie packets are a great choice for family dinner. Plus, cleanup is simple thanks to the foil! Feeling Fishy?  Check out the recipe from Kids Eat Right here.

Monday Message - Hand Washing

Teach kids to wash their hands after eating to prevent the spread of food particles! Check out the Kids Eat Right Quick Tip.

Norwex make it easy to clean hands in an environmentally friendly way. Instead of using Triclosan, Alcohol or other harsh chemicals Norwex offers several options for getting the whole family on board with washing hands before and after eating...or any other regular activities. Review my top picks for cleaning dirty hands below.


Peppermint Foaming Handwash - This soap is Triclosan FREE as well as....

No parabens

No synthetic dyes or fragrances

No phthalates

No PEGS

No petroleumderived ingredients

No animal-derived ingredients

Gluten-free

Vegan

 

Antibacterial Kitchen Towels - Your kids can rinse their hands with water and dry with BacLock Microfiber Towels which will attract any germs or residue on hands and trap in the bacteria for self-purification and NO Lingering smells!

Antibacterial Bathroom Hand Towels - Similar to the Kitchen Towels with a different Microfiber weave.

Other hand cleaning products to check out: Timeless Natural Hand Cleaner and Travel Pack Envirocloths.

Share any Norwex Testimonies you have in a comment below for an entry to win one of these featured Norwex BacLock Products to try for yourself!

My Monthly Norwex Special!

November Specials are all about Thanksgiving Savings! 

I am very excited to offer Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday Specials to all of my Norwex Customers this month.  This is a great time to take advantage of discounts for Christmas Shopping. The best part?!  You do not have to leave your house to fight the crowds! 

Black Friday: November 28, 2014  

• Email me your order and receive 20% Off Fall Catalog Products.

Small Business Saturday: November 29, 2014

•  FREE Shipping for ALL Orders. Send in your order via phone or email.

Cyber Monday: December 1, 2014

• Order online and receive a FREE Dusting Mitt with every $75 Purchase.

 

Check out some of the new Kitchen Products here!

 

Recipe of the Week - Vinaigrette

As winter is starting to settle in, do not forget about using fresh salads as a main staple in your meal planning.

Keep control over the calories and ingredients in your salad dressing when you make this Honey Dijon Vinaigrette!

Recipe Video

Cleaning Bottles

Do you drink bottled water? We need at least 8 - 8 ounce glasses of water every day. But did you know that approximately 1,500 bottles end up in landfills and the ocean - every second?!  Reducing use of plastic bottles can help. Choose an aluminum or glass bottle and add fresh fruit or mint for flavor.
 

 

Whether Glass or Plastic, water bottles and baby bottles can be hard to reach inside to properly clean unless you have baby-sized hands to fit in there! We wash these every day at our house between the breast pump bottles, kids sippy cups and reusable water bottles I have gone through several baby bottle brushes trying to keep our vessels germ free. Norwex has come up with a product that will not harbor bacteria and will reach every square inch of surface area inside those hard to clean bottles. In our home, we will not be using baby bottles and sippy cups forever but reusable water bottles are a MUST and need to be cleaned daily.  Check out Norwex. for more information!  Order here.

Recipe of the Week - Baby Food

Did you know that the state of Georgia produces more blueberries than any other fruit...including peaches!? Despite the drastic climate difference, Michiganders and Georgian's have quite a bit in common when it comes to harvesting nutritious foods. If you are lucky enough to live in either of these states, making homemade baby food is made simple during harvest time and your baby's palate will appreciate your efforts!  Kids Eat Right shares a homemade baby food recipe with a taste of Georgia/Michigan peaches and sweet potatoes. Recipe: Baby Food Recipe

 

 

 

Specials from Norwex this Month!

I LOVE these Customer Specials for November! The Household Package has an extra savings this month that is hard to resist. If you have been eyeing the Envirowand, this is the special to take advantage of!

 

Prices are good for the month of November only. Order now!

 

 

www.lysandravanderhart.norwex.biz 

Monday Message - Make-It-Yourself

Want kids to eat their dinner without fuss? Let them make it their own! What is your kids' favorite Make-it-yourself meal? Share in the Comments below!

 

A meal like tacos, allows kids to be creative with their food choices and allows parent peace of mind in offering their kids healthy whole foods without needing processed, packaged, premade meals to peak their curiosity and taste buds.

 

For more information, check out these Kids Eat Right Quick Tips!

Hosting Plan

Have you ever considered hosting a Norwex Show in your home or workplace? Norwex is a great reason to bring family, friends and neighbors together for a pre-holiday celebration.

Plus, you will be rewarded for hosting in November! 

   

 

  How it Works:
 

Hosting a Norwex Party is fun, fast, and easy! Let us show you and your guests how you can radically reduce chemicals in your homes. I will partner with you every step of the way to ensure you have a successful party and your guests feel welcome and comfortable. You invite your friends and family, and I will do the rest!  Email me for more information.

 

Recipe of the Week - Halloween Fun

Halloween Extravaganza! 

Transform tortillas and bean dip into a perfectly spooky Halloween snack:

Halloween Dip Recipe - Video Link

5 tips for making your spooky soiree into a healthy Halloween party:

Kids Eat Right Party Tips

 

With creativity you can fit veggies anywhere into any meal - even dessert. Get inspired with these additions to pudding, cheesecake, sorbets, even a pumpkin smoothie:

Pumpkin, Pumpkin Everywhere!

Monday Message - Meatless Monday

Mondays are not necessarily our "meatless" days but we strive to have several meatless meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week.  Beans are a staple in our home and tofu makes a special appearance every now and then. Filling our plates with veggies, ancient grains and natural cheeses work well too in keeping our bellies satisfied. Find what works for your family and go meatless now and then - perhaps a Monday for an easy memory trigger - you will reduce your carbon footprint and save a few milligrams of cholesterol at the same time.  Need a few tips?  Check out the Kids Eat Right article here. What are your favorite Meatless Meals?

Recipe of the Week - Sweet Potato Cornbread Muffins

The Fall Harvest includes the deliciously healthy Sweet Potato!

Do not pass up the opportunity to try out a new sweet potato recipe. Make a double or triple batch for your freezer...it will beat buying a sweet potato 10 months old at the supermarket next summer to recreate this recipe. ;)

Bonus! You will get a dose of vitamins A and C by adding those sweet potatoes to cornbread muffins!

Try this recipe: Recipe Link

New Norwex Kitchen Products....

New Kitchen Products from Norwex

 

 

Reusable Produce Bags 

A must-have for every shopping trip! Stop adding plastic waste to the landfills—use the washable mesh polyester Reusable Produce Bags. Takes you from the produce aisle to the refrigerator drawer. Strong enough to carry a full load of fresh fruits and veggies. Best of all, they are non-leaching and non-toxic, so your food stays fresh and pure! (Set of 3) For more information check out the details here.

 

Silicone Lids 

Plastic and foil food wraps have a bad rap! They can be a struggle to use, they can leach harmful chemicals into your food, and they end up in the landfills. These colorful lids create an airtight seal on any smooth-rimmed surface to keep food fresh when storing. The heat- resistant, food-safe silicone also allows for quick cooking, steaming and reheating in the oven or microwave. (Set of 2)  These make a great drain plug for sinks and bathtubs too!

 

OTHER NEW KITCHEN PRODUCTS:

• Bottle Cleaning Brush - great for hard-to-clean water bottles, baby bottles and other plastic bottles that cannot withstand high temperature dishwashers.
• Stainless Steel Straws - over 500 million single-use plastic straws are added to the landfill each day. Save the  environment and save your teeth from coffee stains and acid with these reusable drinking straws.
• Kitchen Cloth New! Colors - Buttercream, Orchid and Pomegranate are new colors for your kitchen. Cut down on paper towel use, bacteria growth and laundry by using these in your kitchen every day. You cannot beat that Savings!!

Monday Message - Potato Skin

Red, Gold, Sweet, Purple.....get  the Potato Facts from Kids Eat Right. Do not undress your potato. Instead, savor the skins by roasting potatoes and reap the benefits of the natural vitamins and minerals from the earth.  Another option, leave the skins on while you dice those potatoes before cooking to mash them up with flavorful herbs. 

What is your favorite potato recipe - with the skin intact?

Recipe of the Week: Polynesian Shrimp Tacos

Kids Eat Right: Polynesian Shrimp Tacos

My Norwex October special!

One of my goals in joining the Norwex team is to bring fellow Norwex customers discounts on the awesome products. Norwex has changed my house in terms of cleanliness, healthiness and happiness  - because I spend much less time cleaning!  Naturally, I want the same for everyone I know!  As I continue to use Norwex products, I am excited to share them with others...as well as share a discount. 😉 Norwex  products are not cheap! However, they are worth every penny for the safety and convenience the company offers to the consumers.

Every month I will post the company's monthly Customer and Host specials as well as My Norwex Monthly specials. There will only be a short amount of time to reap these benefits each month! For October, I am having an open house on Saturday the 18th from 9am-12pm and you are all invited to come! If you place an order at the Open House on Saturday you will receive 20% off your order! This includes anything in the catalog as well as the new fall products! Be sure to mention this post.

Take advantage of this special as I have the opportunity to introduce you to how Norwex can rid your home of harmful chemicals. If you bring a guest…you will earn even more benefits! 

Message me for a location details: lysandra@ymail.com

Looking to place an order online? If you cannot come this Saturday be sure to check out the company specials and place your order soon. http://www.norwex.biz/publicstore/event/563298/default.aspx 

Monday Message - Culinary Lingo

Braise, broil, poach, simmer … What does it all mean? Whether you are new to the kitchen or just need a refresher, understanding the basics of common cooking techniques will help you navigate through recipes and get healthy meals on the table with ease. Here are some terms and definitions to get you started: Kids Eat Right

 

Recipe of the Week - Pizza Hummus

Have I mentioned that RD's LOVE chickpeas? Well, most RD's, me in particular. Here is a new recipe to try that everyone will LOVE, even if you are not a RD.
                       
                       Want to see it in action?  Watch the video here.

Kids Eat Right: Pizza Hummus Recipe

 

What is New from Norwex, you ask?

October is an exciting month because Norwex has released the Fall lineup in the new Fall 2014 Catalog!
 

Upon browsing the online catalog, you will find the warm colors of the season in the new pomegranate kitchen towels and cloths as well as a dark teal bathmat. Not to mention, the towels and body pack now come in graphite!

For the fall harvest, Norwex has launched fresh produce bags that can be used to store your produce in an environmentally friendly way - eliminating the plastic packaging and keeping your produce fresher longer to avoid waste. In addition, new silicone lids come in two sizes to cover your food in the refrigerator, sitting on the counter or when cooking and baking. These lids are heat resistant and will keep your food airtight while eliminating the need for plastic wrap!

 

Go apple picking and store the fresh treats in your produce bags before you make homemade applesauce and store it with a silicone lid. That is just ONE idea for you, the possibilities are endless and you will be protecting the environment at the same time.

Looking for more information? 
Check out my site here:  www.lysandravanderhart.norwex.biz

Eat Right for a Healthy Mouth and Teeth

Not only is Halloween coming, but do you remember Teachers passing out candy on a regular basis when we were in school?  No way! Sugar sweetened beverages, snacks, yogurts and even "fresh fruits" wreak havoc on our waist lines, our attention spans and even our teeth. Starting healthy oral care habits young is of utmost importance because a healthy mouth and a healthy diet go hand-in-hand. Every visit with our pediatrician is a friendly reminder that my babies need to be brushing twice a day.  For more information from Kids Eat Right, check out this article. 

                                     When did you first take your little one to the dentist?

Recipe of the Week - Blackberry Cheesecake Trifle Cups

Kids Eat Right: Blackberry Cheesecake Trifle Cups

Want something sweet in a snap? All you need is a food processor to whip up this delicious yet healthy dessert!  Watch the video here.

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