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