YOOtheme
close

Calendar

Events
Toxins in household dust may be harmful to kids
Most of the dust that coats your furniture and floors comes from outdoors and can pose a health threat, a new study suggests.
BPA in canned foods could harm children, group says
Measurable levels of the chemical additive bisphenol A (BPA) were found in a variety of canned goods, including some that claimed to be BPA-free, according to an analysis released this week by the nonprofit advocacy group Consumers Union.
Toxic toys? Health group finds high lead levels
Children's toys carrying the Barbie and Disney logos have turned up with high levels of lead in them, according to a California-based advocacy group — a finding that may give consumers pause as they shop for the holiday season.
Reduce Sugar and Fat While Adding Nutrition to Your Kid's Breakfast
Reduce Sugar and Fat While Adding Nutrition to Your Kid's Breakfast
You want the best for your child, but don't want to eliminate, completely, all of the "fun" sugary cereals either. There are ways to keep both of you happy by reducing the artificial sugar and flavors with yummy, nutritious substitutes. Picky eater? Not a problem You'll need some high nutrient, low observable ingredients to make a big impact. Start with the following to get started and add to your arsenal as you go:

Your child's favorite 'sugary' cereal 

A variety of healthier substitutes, ie. Shreddies, Cheerios, whole grain cereals, puffed wheat or rice, granola, bran flakes, Rice Crispies etc. 
Sliced fruit (whatever your child prefers) 
Dried fruit or nuts 
Stevia
Powdered flax seed 
Finely ground bran

Let your child choose their favorite (sugary) breakfast cereal. Many children (and let's be honest, grownups) enjoy looking at the colorful boxes with cool (and cleverly branded) characters. Mulling over their choices gives your child a sense of empowerment and adds fun of the experience of eating. Be patient and let them take their time.

After your child has picked their cereal, pour it into their bowl until it is about 1/3- 1/2 full. You can decide on the ratio of 'not-so-nutritious' to 'nutritious' based on the sugar/color/added flavors of the cereal. 

Do your best to 'match up' your child's sugary cereal with a similar healthy, nutritious cereal or fruit. For example:

*Fruit Loops can be paired with whole grain, regular or honey nut Cheerios;

*Frosted flakes can be paired easily with plain corn flakes;

*Golden Grahams can be paired with Life cereal;

*Cocoa Crispies can be paired with plain Rice Crispies 

You can also mix and match cereals for texture and flavor to keep things interesting. 

Before, or just after adding the milk, for an extra kick of nutrition, add a half or full teaspoon of finely ground bran or flax seed. Both will increase the healthful aspect of the meal, and your child will probably not even notice they are there.To really change things up, allow your child to have a half bowl of their favorite sugary cereal, and instead of making up the other half with a different cereal, even out the ratio in the bowl with fruit sliced into small bite sized pieces. A half bowl of sugary cereal with equal (or

 more!) parts fruit can be truly delicious, and is a great way to make sure your little one starts the day with a full serving of nature's 'candy'. Adding dried fruit or nuts also packs a bunch of 'good' sugars and nutrients without sacrificing any flavor.

If your ratio of sugary to non-sugary cereal has left your child complaining that the cereal is not sweet enough or just plain bland, add a little stevia (a natural sweetener). If you are in the process of 'weaning' your child from a sugar habit, this can be a temporary, happy medium for both of you.

Mix up your 'healthy' cereals with the sugary ones in the cupboard. Your child may surprise you by beginning to develop a taste for and/or picking them for breakfast on their own (mine did!). After you've been substituting for a while, your child may tell you how much tastier their cereal is. Adding different, healthy alternatives also adds new texture and richer, layered flavors. 

After your kid has been 'won over', let them know what you've been doing. It's important to instill an appreciation in your children that healthful, nutritious eating habits and lifestyle choices are things to enjoy and be proud of. This method can help...and make you feel great about giving their growing bodies what they need.