Sugar...the Truth

Last night I watched the best "60 Minutes" I've seen in a long time. It spoke wonders for my cause, as a health coach. The truth behind sugar...it is truly killing us. Now, we have the studies to back up what some of us have been saying for years. Even some of the doctors doing the studies and research were surprised by the results. The question is, will the government intervene now like they did with fat? Will our health crisis start to change with a reduction in fat and sugar? Do you consider the sugar you like to eat a "cocaine high?" Could it be true? Seeing the difference in how sugar impacts my own children's behavior, I couldn't agree more with this research.

Here is a link for video, "Is Sugar Toxic?" Take a look, let me know your thoughts.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7403942n&tag=contentMain;contentAux

If you have concerns about your sugar intake, I'd be happy to provide a free health history consultation. As always, "Keep it simple, make it healthy."

My newest find. SUMO Mandarin Oranges

A few weeks ago while in California, I went to the Whole Foods in Long Beach. Awesome Store!!!! Anyway, the were sampling this orange called a "Sumo." DELICIOUS!!!!! It is local to California. Similar to a mandarin orange but over twice the size. No seeds. Best of all... Easy to peel. I found them at my local Whole Foods in Cottonwood Heights, UT. Best of all, my kids love them and they can peel it all by themselves. Simple and Delicious.

Till next time... Keep it simple, make it healthy.

A Delicious Breakfast

A Kiwi Green Smoothie

This juice was invented by my 7 year old daughter. She loves green smoothies, so I decided to let her 

invent her own. She used green grapes, her brother added two big handfuls of spinach,

she added green kale, a fuji apple, a pear, a whole kiwi, a half of lime,

a drizzle of agave nectar, almond milk, and lastly...frozen yogurt.

YUM...YUM!

Child inspiration

You have to love it, as a mother, when your 10 year old daughter adds, can I have an EXTRA salad???? Of course. This is her salad...spinach, alfalfa sprouts, cherry tomatoes, sunflower seeds, carrots, an onions. Yum, yum. Topped with her favorite dressing. What an inspiration to us all.

My New Toy... I got a VITAMIX

I finally did it. I purchased a Vitamix for my business. After watching demonstrations for years at Costco and by friends, I bought one. For Saturday night dinner we made the best Tortilla Soup ever. It was fresh and light, but most importantly my kids loved it!  We added red peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, avocado, corn, onions, cilantro, and limes to hot chicken stock. Once mixed, we added chunks of cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. Yum, Yum. My four children thought it was very flavorful and full of color. Remember...keep it simple, make it healthy. Kids will love it.

EAT YOUR BREAKFAST

Alright, it is Monday morning and you are in a rush already. Your kids are trying to find all of their school stuff and make sure they have lunch. In all the chaos, someone yells out..."Where's Breakfast?" Do you, grab cold cereal? A Carnation Instant Breakfast? Maybe a pre-made waffle you can re-heat in your toaster? A cup of coffee? Or just a piece of fruit? 

STOP!  Think a few seconds about this...What you feed your children for breakfast will impact their entire day at school. Your entire day at work. As a mother, I would want my kids to be awake, ready to learn; not on a temporary sugar high from Frosted Flakes. 

Okay. Now that you have thought about it, what can you make that only takes a few minutes? Whole grain waffles, apple pancakes, warm oatmeal, or a smoothie. I've provided some quick steps below to start the day out right.

Breakfast Tips

1. Plan out breakfast like you would another meal. Include your kids ideas. Write it down on your calendar.

2. Give yourself atleast 30 minutes for breakfast, longer if something has to bake.

3. Can you prepare it the night before or maybe freeze it? 

     Tip: I love to make a large batch of whole grain waffles and apple pancakes. I cook them and put them in freezer bags. When my kids want them for breakfast or a snack, they just pop them in the toaster. By making them yourself, it is healthier than buying processed foods.

4. Use websites like allrecipes.com or foodnetwork.com to find great and new recipes for breakfast.

5. In addition to having something filling like waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, or eggs, make sure you include a large portion of fruit. We should be eating a minimum of 4-6 servings of fruit a day. 

    Tip: Keep your fruit pre-cut in the fridge. This way your can just add it to their plate anytime of day.     Also, change it up by paying attention what fruits and veggies are in season.

6. If your children want cold cereal, make it a whole grain cereal, with little to no sugar if possible. My kids love Kashi cereal and they are full of whole grains. It maybe a little more expensive, but because it is whole grain they will fill up quicker and eat less. 

7. Sit down and enjoy eating together.

There is nothing like a Veggie Stir-fry for dinner. Mix in your favorite veggies with some sesame oil and rice wine vinegar. Yum, Yum! My kids love edamame in its pod because they can take it apart at the table and have fun with their food. We also added yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, and green peas. What are your favorite veggies???? Want some crunch, add some water chestnuts. Serve hot on top of a pile of brown rice. Top with toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!