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Food & Recipes

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Introducing your baby to solid foods is an exciting milestone for the entire family. It’s not only fun for the baby to explore new foods and textures; they are beginning the lifelong process of healthy eating habits. There are many options; whether you start with the common baby foods from the store or homemade purees, you’ll want to ensure you are providing a wide variety of nutritious foods to your baby. This is where the ‘100’ first foods come in. Introducing a variety of foods is the best way to ensure your baby gets all of the essential nutrients needed, and it’s a great way to develop their palate, hopefully avoiding having picky eaters in the future. This article will guide you on the order in which foods to phase in and why. We will also include a free printable list of the 100 First Foods to help you during…

The temperatures are on the rise as summertime quickly approaches. Just because you’re pregnant or nursing does not mean you have to miss out on some refreshing mocktails during these summer months. Whether for special occasions like a baby shower or just looking to enjoy a delicious mocktail on a hot summer day, we have some great, easy mocktail recipes just for you. Summer mocktails are not only a tasty treat for your taste buds but a great way to stay hydrated and get some extra vitamin C from fresh fruit. Mocktails are also an excellent idea for the entire family. They are a fun, delicious drink and a great option after a strenuous day or while playing in the sun. We all know too much alcohol consumption is harmful, so why not serve Dad some mocktails in place of the real thing? don’t forget to serve your favorite non-alcoholic…

Are you ready to start introducing solid foods to your baby? Is your baby showing signs of readiness by mastering that cute little pincer grasp? This is an exciting, messy, and sometimes stressful milestone; however, it can be a fun family mealtime experience. The American Academy of Pediatrics has an online fact sheet with basic guidelines on when and how to introduce solid foods. Gill Rapley, the BLW pioneer, also has a website with a lot of helpful information, including links to recipe books and other resources.  In this article, we will dive into the benefits of baby-led weaning and suggest ways to introduce a variety of foods to your baby. Before getting started, the most important thing to remember is to speak to your child’s pediatrician before introducing solid foods for the first time. All babies are different, so even if your friend started BLW foods with their 5-month-old baby, it…

Are you in a school lunch rut because your kids are tired of the same old sandwiches for lunch time? Here are 11 new ideas and healthy easy recipes for your kid’s school lunch boxes that are NOT SANDWICHES.  Whether it’s for school or camp, the idea of packing a lunch bag every day of the week can sometimes be overwhelming or even trivial especially if you have picky eaters at home. As busy parents, we want healthy school lunch ideas that our kids will like and that are also quick and convenient. Having multiple kids, I can attest to this! Taking into consideration your child’s or their classmates’ allergies or food restrictions can also make packing lunches tough. Last year was the first time we had to deal with that since my daughter was at a nut-free school. I was excited to learn of all the alternatives available for…

One of the things I held on to for a long time was making my kid’s birthday cakes myself. I try to make whatever we have at home for their actual birthday and in the past, I used to make some of their party cakes too. Caveat – I am not a professional baker, not even by a long shot. But, I was determined and a few of these came out pretty awesome so I thought I would share them here. The good news is you can make something special that doesn’t take a lot of skills, you can use a boxed cake mix and store-bought frosting if you want, no shame from me! (I know some of you are cringing right now, and that’s okay, make homemade if you are up for it, but I’m just pointing out you don’t HAVE to!) Just remember the secret ingredients in these…

If you’ve been searching for a yummy, milk-boosting green lactation smoothie recipe, you’re in for a treat! I’m sharing my favorite healthy green protein lactation smoothie recipe that I use to boost my milk supply while still safely losing the baby weight. This healthy lactation smoothie is an absolute must in my breastfeeding diet plan and you should add it to yours too! What you’ll find in this green lactation recipe are breastfeeding food superpowers! I love this green lactation shake because it gives all the important nutrients to my body that support a healthy and healing postpartum recovery. And, if you’re looking to increase your milk supply, this will become your go-to lactation recipe! RELATED READ: How To Create a Healthy Breastfeeding Diet Plan Minty Green Lactation Smoothie Recipe Ingredients 13-15 cashews 1 scoop of protein powder (this is the only protein powder that’s great for breastfeeding moms!) Half…

St. Patrick’s Day Treat for the Whole Family Yup, that is me, as a wee one in my handmade ‘Erin Go Bragh’ jumper.  My mom and her whole side of the family are from Ireland. As you can imagine St. Patrick’s Day is kind of a big deal.  From decorating the house to the full Irish meal we celebrate in style.  I’ve made green pancakes and green beer etc., but the thing that is a must is Irish Soda Bread. As a little treat, I’m sharing our family recipe for Irish Soda Bread which we make multiple loaves of every year. Ingredients: 6 cups flour ¾ cup sugar 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons salt 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda ½ cup margarine or butter 3 cups dark seedless raisins, soaked in water for 30 minutes then drained) 2 ¼ cup Buttermilk 1 beaten egg Instructions: Blend flour,…

Food is more than just a source of nourishment; it brings people together and strengthens relationships. Families cooking together can profoundly impact the family’s health, relationship, and overall well-being. This article will explore the benefits of cooking together and how it can positively impact your life. What are the Benefits of Cooking Together as a Family Preparing food together is an excellent way to spend quality time with loved ones. It is a fun and interactive activity that encourages communication, cooperation, and creativity. Cooking together allows family members to bond over a shared interest and create positive memories that last a lifetime. Moreover, cooking together has many health benefits, such as better control over ingredients, improved nutrition, and increased consumption of vegetables. Health Benefits of Family Cooking One of the biggest benefits of cooking together is that it allows for better control over ingredients. Families can choose healthier ingredients and control portion sizes when they…

The life of a mom with toddlers can be hectic, and sometimes feels like we are constantly running behind schedule! From the constant toy clean-up to the meals that require special prep to ensure the foods are safe, tasty, and healthy, and everything in between. A mother’s work is never done! Many “life hacks” can save you time throughout your day.  Prepping your toddler’s lunch meals for the week is one of these such hacks. You can do it in about the same time it takes you to prep their lunch once! Here are some tips for practical meal prep for your toddler’s lunches to make your week easier. Bento Box The Bento Box is one of the most effective tools for creating school lunches full of flavor, color, and nutrients. This is a way to keep your toddler happily eating healthy foods! With multiple spill-proof sections, they are easy lunchboxes…

Protein packed smoothies are a great way for moms to fill us with good calories, a good way to lose baby weight and help boost milk supply.  Protein powder is safe for breastfeeding and can serve several purposes at once for both baby and mom. Protein shakes are such a great way to take in a lot of nutrients, which if you are breastfeeding, you need! Protein is so important for lactation and getting enough of it can be difficult for busy moms.  Let’s talk about why protein powders are super helpful to breastfeeding moms. Are protein powders safe for breastfeeding mothers? Yes, here’s why: Protein powders offer high concentrates of essential vitamins and minerals that are normally difficult to consume Protein powders are filling and versatile for use in various shakes and recipes Protein powders are derived from organic and clean ingredients, not chemicals. Protein powders can be sweetened…