PREBIOTICS, different from PROBIOTICS, are found in certain foods and provide nourishment to probiotic bacteria. In other words, prebiotics are food for the beneficial bacteria living in your gut. In addition to stimulating growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria, prebiotics have many health benefits for the host (YOU!). The most well-known prebiotic is fiber, which ...

<< MORE >>

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 in reducing allergies in children, managing relapse of some inflammatory bowel conditions, and just keeping healthy people ...

<< MORE >>

 

Game day is approaching. THE most important day of the year for football fans, not just for Saints and Colts fans. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest "holidays" for most households. To many, this day brings together friends and family, but it also may be the highest calorie consuming day of the year. To help curb your caloric intake, see below for some great recipes that won’t overfill your fuel tank. Remember to ...

<< MORE >>

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 me to speak about nutrition at your next meeting!

I recently started writing for AllergySense.com. Check out my latest post.

http://www.allergysense.com/blog/2009/11/05/top-10-superfoods-for-celiacs/

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 the sunlight alone. As we near the winter months, keeping your Vitamin D status in check is essential.

So how do you get Vitamin D?

Good food sources include:
Fortified cow's ... << MORE >>

I am sure many of you have heard about this fantastic dark green vegetable, but how many have tried it?  This fabulous member of the cabbage family is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and beta carotene (form of Vitamin A). For every 3 ounces, there is even 2 grams of fiber. This "superfood" also has some powerful antioxidant properties which may help to prevent cancer.

I was inspired to try this recipe from a friend of mine, and I was blown away. Try it, I think you will love it as well. A ... << MORE >>

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 feeding.

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, a bite here, a nibble there, does it matter over the course of a day? Actually yes! Eating the leftovers on your child's plate is not a good habit to start. Despite the nutritious meals you are making, (AND I KNOW YOU ARE AIMING FOR NUTRITIOUS MEALS, BECAUSE YOU ... << MORE >>

In order to meet your child's nutrient needs, there are a few foods that are a MUST for everyday nutrition. Meaning, EVERYDAY your child should eat these foods or comparable substitutes to ensure he/she is meeting the RDA for important nutrients including calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin C.

1) Milk. Until the age of 2, all children should consume whole milk (Vitamin D fortified). If there is a milk or soy allergy, choose a substitute such as enriched rice milk which contains exactly the same vitamin and mineral content ... << MORE >>