Store shelves are packed with treats, pumpkin-themed items are in abundance, and everyone knows Halloween is around the corner. From corn syrup-packed candy corn, to chocolate-filled skulls, bats and eyeballs, this is the time of year when kids are most tempted by holiday treats. Halloween need not be the demise of dietitians or healthy dieters. […]
Bones and Sponges, what do they have in common? I am teaching lessons on nutrition and healthy eating to the campers at JCYS Grand Slam Tennis Camp in Highland Park this summer. Last week, my lesson was about calcium and healthy bones. We did a relay race and the kids ran to fill up a […]
Photo: isayx3 from FlickrRecently, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) established new guidelines for Vitamin D. Also known as the “sunshine” vitamin, vitamin D is essential to maintain bone health. The vitamin functions to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in our body in order to keep our bones strong. Consuming too little vitamin D […]
Protein is essential to a child’s diet for many reasons. For one, protein builds and repairs tissues such as skin and muscles. Protein also makes antibodies that fight disease and enzymes that aid digestion. With picky eating habits, or restrictive allergen-free diets, making sure your child is getting the right amount of protein can be […]
The term probiotics literally means “for life”, and is used to describe beneficial bacteria that colonize in the gut. Probiotics have been shown to provide health benefits such as enhancing immune function, assisting with lactose intolerance, and reducing the risk of certain diarrheal illnesses. Some studies also report that certain probiotics can play a role […]
I had the great opportunity to speak at the law offices of Mayer Brown right here in downtown Chicago on healthy nutrition for kids. We had an excellent discussion about how to plan healthy meals for children, common nutrient deficiencies, and I answered questions on how to manage picky eating. See article below! http://h20cooler.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/mayer-browns-parenting-group/ Ask […]
You may have been hearing a lot of hype about Vitamin D lately, for good reason. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and healthy bones. Many times labeled “the sunshine vitamin”, exposure to sun causes the body to make Vitamin D. Avoiding the sun or using sunscreen may prevent getting enough Vitamin D from […]
Here’s a question for you….when did you introduce solids (rice, oatmeal or mixed cereal) to your infant? A ) Before 4 months B ) Between 4 and 6 months C ) After 6 months Use the “Comment” section to answer this question. Let’s see if your responses are consistent with the latest research on solid […]
The habit of snacking when you’re not hungry is common, especially when food is around. When you are taking care of children, snacking during food preparation can be tempting. As many new moms are trying to get back to their pre-pregnancy weight, these little bites here and there can actually prevent weight loss. But really, […]