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Healthy Kids

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5 Activity Alternatives to Cut Back on Cumulative Screen Time

Thank you Amazon for sponsoring this post. Give the gift of reading this holiday season with Prime Book Box! Screen time-free entertainment for young children is hard.  The Cable TV shows, Youtube and Netflix are just three of the main sources for our screen-time entertainment with three boys under 6 years old. Things haven’t gotten much easier as we’ve transitioned into the older-toddler years. Now it is 2, 4 and almost-6 that brings a whole lot of physical, wild, unbridled energy in and outside of the house. SCREENS GIVE ME A BREAK!  But, recent research shows us how we are teaching our children to never be calm, bored or less-than entertained. We are giving them toys, activities then screens to keep them always stimulated and totally enthralled. I’ve been reaching for less screen time here, and I’ve found some tips and tricks that really help. It isn’t as hands-off as…

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5 Health Challenges For The Whole Family To Try This Fall

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PurinaONEPets #CollectiveBias There is something about a health challenge that is so motivating and exciting. I believe in not only setting health challenges for yourself, but also the whole family. Many mamas attempt to follow health challenges on their own, but forget their family can totally get involved as well, and may even enjoy doing the health challenge too! I put together 5 challenges for the whole family to try this fall to encourage better eating and activity habits. Sometimes all you need are a few small steps, to add up to big steps, which then turn into changing habits. I also love a challenge to get myself, and family, out of a funk, which happens easily soon after school starts. With the onset of little colds, darker and colder weather, and busier…

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5 Ways To Make PB+J Just A Little Better

#ad This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company. The opinions and text are all mine. Peanut butter and jelly is an all-time favorite here. As in, almost-daily staple because my kids love it, and I actually love feeding it to them. Fat and protein in the peanut butter is amazing for growing brains. It keeps them satiated, helps build muscle and brain power, and the little bit of sugar from the jam gives them immediate energy! It also tastes amazing, and there are no negotiations when it comes to eating. Sometimes I get bored making peanut butter and jelly, so to spice things up for back to school and make things just a little bit better, I came up with 5 ways to improve the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, plus I have a recipe for peanut butter and jelly bars!! They…

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5 Super Fast Ways To Make Healthier Meals When You Have Zero Time

Thank you Village Harvest for sponsoring this post. Every day Village Harvest is planting seeds of change and growing possibilities, one bag of goodness at a time. Making healthy meals always seems way more time-intensive than it needs to be. I get big ideas, or the sensation that it is faster to pop some chicken nuggets in the microwave and throw some carrots and fruit on a plate. BUT, I have figured out some super quick tips to whip up healthy meals in seriously a matter of minutes. Feel free to shop my favorite rice in the photo above! I use it for my quick and health meals, and it is AMAZING! First Tip: Rotisserie Chicken Our local grocery store has delicious rotisserie chicken. Like super good, and very affordable. It is literally just a dollar or so more to buy it fresh and already made. We get two at…

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The Best Organic Protein Powders for Kids Who Are Picky Eaters

Protein shakes are such a wonderful way to give your children the protein, vitamins, and nutrients they need! Especially if you have picky eaters like I do. Many toddlers and kids go through stages where they don’t like a majority of foods. It reminds me of being pregnant. It comes and goes, yet as a parent, you worry about them getting enough nutrients to their brains and bodies. If it were up to my kids, they would live off of chocolate milk, toast, and donuts. If I cook their eggs just a little bit too long, they won’t touch them. If there’s a small brown spec on the banana, no way. I’ve found protein shakes to be a great help in easing my frustration with meal times, as well as giving me peace of mind about how much nutrition they are getting. Choosing the right protein powder is very important.…

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