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 >>

US Mills asked me to help with their gluten-free diet information. Check out their website here....
http://www.usmillsllc.com/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/1413

The gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease, an auto-immune condition that affects the small intestine which prevents absorption of important nutrients.  Are you affected by celiac disease? Anyone you know have it? Ask your friends if they know someone with celiac disease, it is more common than you think.

Check out my latest article in IMPACT - University of Chicago Celiac Disease Spring Newsletter. http://www.celiacdisease.net/assets/documents/0409CeliacCtr_News.pdf

Is your infant ready for table foods? How do you know?
Many parents have questions about this and don't know where to look for answers. Read more...

When an infant has moved on from baby foods, and has become an independent eater, many parents are stumped on what to feed their baby. Check out this list of nutrient packed items for your little one.  Read... 

 

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