Guest Post: Tips to Get Kids to Eat Fruit

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My friend Stuart offered up a guest post on how to get kids to eat more fruit. I think this will work for picky eaters too, like my husband! We all know a picky eater or you may be one yourself. Read on for these great tips. Thanks Stuart!

I once heard someone say that kids will eat anything on a stick or in a special shape. Having two children who are picky eaters, I was determined to test this theory out. What I found was that for the most part, this is correct. I have also discovered that if you make fresh fruit easy and accessible—even if it’s not on a stick or in the shape of a star—kids will eat it.

At my kids’ school, every Friday is designated “Fresh Fruit Friday”. Parents sign-up and take turns bringing in fresh fruit (or veggies) for their children’s classroom each week. This not only encourages healthy eating in the schools, but also parent involvement in the classroom, which has been shown to be important to a child’s success in school.

When it’s my turn to bring in the fruit, I often try to make sure the fruit is accessible and easy for the teacher to hand out in the hopes that all the children—not just mine—will enjoy fresh fruit for snack that day. Here are a few of my favorites to prepare:

1. Fruit Kabobs. Again, it’s the stick thing. Arrange fruit on a stick and you automatically have single-portions ready for teachers to hand out.

Grapes are fun. You can alternate between green and purple grapes to add some color to your creation. You can do the same with melon, alternating between cantaloupe and honeydew.

Older kids will likely do fine with fruit on a skewer stick, but younger kids may prick themselves or their friends with the sharp pointed end. For my kindergartener’s class I use lollipop sticks to create the kabobs. You can find these sticks in most craft stores. I got mine at Michael’s.

2. Fruit Cups. My kids love berries. But, dumping a few packages of strawberries off in the classroom only adds to the burden of the teachers. They have to wash them and pass them around.

To avoid that I created mini fruit cups filled with strawberries, blueberries and grapes for each student. Admittedly, this was very time consuming, but when I heard my kids talk about how the kids loved them, it was well worth the effort.

3. Watermelon Slices. I don’t know a kid that doesn’t love watermelon, particularly as the weather gets warmer. Simply slice up the watermelon, put the slices in a bowl, and the kids and grab what they want. In my daughter’s kindergarten class, the kids sit at 3 different tables, so I separated the watermelon into 3 bowls and each table was able to eat it family style.

If you’re thinking “I don’t have time for this!” there are some easy options too. Remove grapes from the stem and put them in a bowl. When they’re off the stem, kids are more likely to reach for them. Or, just cut up banana slices. Again, if the kid doesn’t have to deal with the peel, eating a banana is so much easier.

Having a picky eater can be frustrating, I know. But, with a few tricks, you may have them eating something healthy. After all, fruit on a stick is better than no fruit at all.

This article is written by  + Stu Lieberman the writer for Nutri-Health.com, an online High Quality Probiotics and Health Store.  Assisting people and helping them find quality natural health supplements and digestive enzymes is what Stu has been doing for over 2 years.  Nutri-Health.com carries Digestive Supplements to Probiotics to Joint Health.

8 Comforting Foods for Joint Pain

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Hippocrates said “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Today’s guest post highlights super foods that may help lower inflammation to ease join pain. Thanks Stuart for another great guest post!

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

Did you know that what you eat can help to ease your joint pain—or make it worse? Add some of these joint-nourishing foods to your diet and help keep your joints healthy and comfortable.

1. Fish Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Wild salmon, halibut, mackerel, and sardines all have high levels of omega-3s, which have been shown to reduce the inflammation response. Several studies have found that the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helps to relieve symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, like pain and morning stiffness.

2. Walnuts and Pecans. These nuts are also high in healthy omega-3s to help reduce inflammation. Be sure you eat unsalted nuts, as the added salted varieties can be harmful to your health.

3. Berries. Blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries are antioxidant powerhouses. Antioxidants are essential to scavenge free radicals in your joints and help keep them healthy.

4. Pineapple. This tropical fruit provides bromelain, a protein enzyme that can reduce inflammation.

5. Cherries. The consumption of cherries, and tart cherries, in particular, has been shown to decrease the risk of gout attacks. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the build-up of uric acid and results in inflammation—and pain—in one or more joints. One study, published in the December 2012 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology found that consumption of cherries over a 2-day period reduced the risk of gout attacks 35% vs. those that did not consume cherries.

6. Vegetables with High Levels of Vitamins A, E, and C. Vitamins A, E, and C are known to reduce inflammation and you can find them in green leafy vegetables, like parsley, kale, and broccoli, sweet potatoes, carrots and squash.

7. Olive oil. Areas of the world that use olive oil have much lower rates of joint pain. The fats in olive oil are used by the body to produce prostacyclin, a very powerful anti-inflammatory substance. If you don’t like olive oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil are good alternatives.

Be sure to avoid oils like corn, sunflower, cottonseed, canola, and safflower. These types of oils could be rancid, but are often deodorized so you won’t know. Rancid oils can cause inflammation.

8. Avocado. This popular tree fruit slows the production of interleukins involved in the inflammatory process and the breakdown of cartilage.

Making changes to your eating habits is never easy. Don’t try to change your diet overnight. Small changes are the easiest way to start incorporating these foods into your daily routine. Try to find friends who want to make the change with you. Then you’ll all reap the rewards of a more active lifestyle, with flexible, more comfortable joints.

This article is written by  + Stu Lieberman the writer for http://www.nutri-health.com, an online High Quality Supplement and Health Store.  Assisting people and helping them find quality natural supplements and health products online is what Stu has been doing for over 2 years.  Nutri-Health.com carries high quality supplements, probiotics and enzymes.

Eating Healthy When You’re Busy

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Healthy eating can seem like a big challenge when you are super busy. Check out these practical tips from my friend and guest post contributor, Stu Lieberman. Thanks Stu!

When you’re constantly on the go and mealtimes are a series of take-outs and drive-thru’s, eating healthy can be a challenge. But just because your life is hectic doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to eat healthier, even when your life is crazy busy.

1. Eat Breakfast. No, not just coffee. Eat something that will keep you satisfied until lunch so that you don’t run out at noon starving and overeat. A morning meal of eggs and fruit can be a smart choice and quick to prepare. Plus, when you start your morning with a healthy breakfast, you’re more likely to make healthful choices throughout the rest of the day.

2. Pack Your Own Lunch. Packing your lunch does require some planning, but it can pay off big with less calories consumed, and fewer dollars spent. Set aside about 10 minutes on the weekend and pack lunches for the coming week. Sandwiches with lean meat on whole grain bread are quick and easy to prepare. Throw in a fruit and some veggies, and you’ve got a good, balanced, nutritious meal.

3. Cut up Veggies and Fruits and Store in Single-Serving Containers. How often have you purchased some fruit or vegetables at the store, only to have them go bad in your fridge because you never got around to eating them? When healthy food choices are readily available to you, you’re more likely to grab them. So, the next time you go to the grocery store, cut up those fruits and veggies and put them in single-serving containers as soon as you get home. That way when you want a quick snack, a healthy option is right there waiting for you.

4. When Eating Out, View Menus Online and Order First. It’s hard to avoid eating out. When you have plans to visit a restaurant, look at the restaurant’s menu online and select something that is healthy and nutritious. And, when you get to the restaurant, order first so that you aren’t tempted by what your dining companions are ordering.

5. Don’t Drink Your Calories. Calories from beverages, particularly alcohol, can quickly add up. Try to limit alcohol consumption to one or two drinks per week. And, quench your thirst with clean, refreshing, calorie-free water. If plain water bores you, try seltzer water. Mix in some fruit or fruit juice to spice it up a little.

6. Brush Your Teeth After Meals. Brushing will not only help to keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh. When you’re teeth are newly-brushed, you’re less likely to give into quick temptations that may surround you.

Lack of time doesn’t have to mean unhealthy eating. With a little preparation, and determination, you can make healthy eating work, even with a hectic life.

This article is written by  + Stu Lieberman the writer for Nutri-Health.com, an online High Quality Supplement and Health Store.  Assisting people and helping them find quality natural supplements and health products online is what Stu has been doing for over 2 years.  Nutri-health.com carries Digestive Supplements to Probiotics to Joint Health.

The Link Between Dairy Products and Prostate Health

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I’m very excited today to share with you a special guest post from a highly reputable website created by Dr. Joseph Mercola. He is board-certified in family medicine and practices traditional and natural medicine. My guest blogger today is Adrienne who write for http://www.mercola.com/.

There is reason to believe that consuming pasteurized dairy products can promote poor prostate health. In an analysis conducted by researchers from the University of Hawaii, they discovered that consumption of low-fat or non-fat milk increased the risk of the formation of tumors. The same results were seen with whole milk.

There are other studies also pinpoint the relation between prostate health and certain dairy products. For example, a 10-year study involving 21,000 male doctors – who consumed at least 2.5 servings of dairy food daily – found that they had a higher risk of contracting prostate-related problems than doctors who ate less than half a serving.

Theories on the Link of Pasteurized Milk to Poor Prostate Health

One theory states that high levels of calcium impairs the enzyme responsible for converting vitamin D to its active form (1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D). Vitamin D contributes to many of your body functions, including your immune function.

Many commercial or pasteurized milk brands contain dangerous synthetic growth hormones. Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is one of the largest-selling dairy animal drug in the United States. It mimics natural bovine somatotropin (BST), a hormone produced in the pituitary glands of cows. rBGH is used to stimulate milk production in cows.

RBGH-filled milk contains high levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Increased levels of IGF-1 in adults can contribute to chronic diseases.

The Difference Between Pasteurized Milk and Raw Milk

Pasteurization is a heating process that’s used to sterilize dairy products. While it is successful in eliminating harmful bacteria and pathogens, it also neutralizes the beneficial organisms and enzymes in the food.

Pasteurization alters the physical structure of proteins (like casein) in the milk. It changes the shape of amino acids in milk into a foreign protein that your body is not able to break down. The process can also make calcium in the dairy product insoluble.

In 2007, a study cited 25 other studies connecting the increased rates of disease to the consumption of pasteurized milk due to a growth factor called betacellulin found in the whey fraction of milk. This growth factor stimulates the growth of cancerous cells throughout your body.

On the other hand, the nutrients of raw milk are intact. Raw milk also has the beneficial nutrient conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which helps suppress betacellulin.

How to Support a Healthy Prostate

Regardless of what your age is, it is important to prioritize your prostate health. Certain lifestyle choices can contribute to an unhealthy prostate and raise your risk of health conditions.

There are simple and natural ways to protect your prostate and keep your risk for disease low. These are:

  • Increasing your consumption of high-quality, animal-based omega-3 fats
  • Exercising regularly
  • Modifying your diet by removing processed foods
  • Avoiding pasteurized dairy products and switching to organic raw dairy products
  • Eating more organic whole foods
  • Getting enough sleep

Research also shows that stress can affect your prostate and tumor growth. Being exposed to a trauma or conflict can make you prone to prostate-related problems. The more intense the conflict is or the longer it lasts, the faster a tumor develops.

If you have any emotional baggage, it is best to address it right away. Try using meditation, yoga, or journaling – to help you release tension.

About the Author

Adrienne is a writer for Mercola.com. She recently completed a series of articles on prostate health supplements like saw palmetto and vitamin D. At present, she is researching how multivitamin benefits one’s overall health.

Thanks again Adrienne for this informative article!

Now I want to hear from you. Do you consume dairy regularly or limit it for health purposes?

Supplementing with Probiotics

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You may have heard about probiotics before and aren’t sure if you need to supplement or not. Here’s a few great tips to help enrich your understanding of probiotics.

This amazing guest post was written by my friend + Stu Lieberman the writer for Nutri-Health.com, an online High Quality Supplement and Health Store. Thanks for the great info Stuart!!

For thousands of years, people all over the world have consumed food rich in live friendly bacteria such as kefir, buttermilk, sauerkraut, kim chee, miso, and other foods. Our ancestors knew what modern medicine is rediscovering—that friendly bacteria—also known as probiotics—are of vital importance to maintaining good health and providing relief for digestive problems.

By the time we are two years old, we have a unique colony of bacteria established that’s meant to last our whole lifetime. The problem is that colony of probiotics is being destroyed by our modern lifestyles and medicines, causing an imbalance in our intestinal flora. The result is a host of digestive problems, including gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

Supplementing with probiotics is one of the best natural remedies for constipation and other digestive issues. Taking a probiotics each day helps restore healthy balance to your digestive system and keep it running smoothly. But, with so many options on the market, it’s difficult to know which is the best probiotic supplement to tackle your digestive problems.

When selecting probiotics, here are some things to consider:

Acid and Bile Resistance: To be effective, probiotics must transit the acid and bile of the stomach and reach the small and large intestine. Probiotic supplements use several techniques to accomplish this. Some products are specially coated to protect the live bacteria inside. Be aware, however, that some types of coating are applied at high heat, which may damage the bacteria. Other products use strains that have been developed to be naturally resistant to the acid and bile of the stomach.

Dosage: The potency of probiotics is measured in colony forming units (CFU) or cell count, not by milligrams or weight. There is no published recommended daily dosage for probiotics, though some experts say for digestive health maintenance, eight to 30 billion CFU daily is a good dosage.

Refrigeration: In the past, the best probiotic supplements required refrigeration. However, advances in probiotic encapsulation have led to the development of new technology that surround each cell with a protective coating that keeps the probiotics from deteriorating. These new processes help to keep probiotics self stable up to two years, making refrigeration unnecessary.

Single or multiple strains: Most of the research on probiotics has been with single strains. However, the normal state of our intestinal flora is to have several hundred strains of many types or species of bacteria. Supplementing with multiple strains and types of probiotics more closely duplicates the normal condition of the intestinal tract. In addition, a comparison review of the effectiveness of probiotic supplements concluded that multi-strain and multi-type were more effective than single strain formulas.

This article is written by + Stu Lieberman the writer for Nutri-Health.com, an online High Quality Supplement and Health Store.  Assisting people and helping them find quality supplements and health products online is what Stu has been doing for over 2 years.  Nutri-Health.com carries Digestive Supplements to Probiotics to Joint Health.