Bare Blendz says Goodbye

In 2008, two sisters came together to embark on a mission of good health. As mothers, they wanted to offer the gift of healthy food to one of the most under mentioned populations in the dietetic world...infants.

With some financial success and a great deal of community support, the day has come to say goodbye! After four years of baby food production, the sisters will be moving on to other ventures and opportunities, and maintain a great memory of a small business that encouraged communities.

Jessica will continue practicing as a private and group dietitian. She can be reached at 213-712-5627. Jaimie has a practicing consulting firm that specializes in non profit management. She can be reached at 818-235-8750.

Bare Blendz would like to say a final thank you and wish you all good health and prosperity. As always, let food be thy medicine and remember that health is wealth.

Signing off- Jessica Handy and Jaimie Lewis

Frozen Mango Yogurt

Frozen Mango Yogurt

This is a quick, delicious, and healthy treat for the entire family!

Ingredients:
- 4 cups of frozen organic mango's (Vitamin C rich)
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt ( protein and calcium rich)

directions: place both yogurt and mango's into the blender or food processor until it reaches a smooth consistency.
(makes 6 servings)

**Try adding a handful of spinach to your frozen treat for a little boost of iron

Enjoy!

Cocoa-Oat Truffles

Try these yummy finger snacks! You and your toddler won't be able to keep your finger off!






Makes about 20 truffles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
  
• 1 cup finely chopped pitted dates
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch ground nutmg
• Pinch ground cinnamon

place oats in the bowl of a food processor and process until finely ground. Add dates, 2 tablespoons cocoa, almond butter, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon and process until finely ground and sticking together. Place remaining cocoa powder in a shallow bowl. Roll truffle mixture into balls about 2 teaspoons each, pressing firmly for mixture to stick together. Roll truffles in cocoa powder and chill until ready to serve.

Protein rich, calcium rich, dairy free, low sodium, vegan, wheat-free

1 truffle: 90 calories (35 from fat), 4g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 11g total carbohydrates (2g dietary fiber, 6g sugar), 3g protein.

Sweet Benefits!

                                                             

Apricots were the star of the show this week as our team produced more fantastic blendz in the lab.Our newest blend has the sweet flavors of apricot, peaches, and apples that's sure to please a crowd. We love apricots as it is satisfying to the palette, and a healthy treat.

 Here is a list of the health benefits:

-Rich in fiber/aids in food digestion when your little one is constipated.

-Iron & copper is present in apricots which helps treat people who suffer from anemia. When digested, the fruit helps in the formation of hemoglobin.

Other benefits include:

-Reduces oily skin when applied to the body & relieves eczema...no wonder why apricot is found in facial scrubs.

-The oil of an apricot has been known to relieve asthma.

-The natural oils that are present in an apricot has been known to relieve an earache.

The next time that you enjoy a tasty apricot think of all the health benefits that are packed in the amazing fruit. See you at the market!

Nutrient Combination for Optimal Absorption

Like peanut butter and jelly, some things in life just work better together. While our bodies take in nutrients from foods even when eaten alone, some nutrients are better absorbed when eaten together.

Iron and Vitamin C: Adding vitamin C source to a meal increases absorption of non-heme iron (plant based iron foods) up to six-fold which makes the absorption of non-heme iron as good as heme iron (meat based iron foods) absorption.

• Spinach and strawberries
• lentils and bell peppers
• Millet and butternut squash or brussel sprouts

Vitamin D and Calcium: Having a sufficient amount of vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption. If you live in a sunny place just 10-20 minutes in the sun each day will allow your body to make sufficient vitamin D. If you live in a area that is cloudy most of the time supplementation is more than likely necessary. Other than canned salmon, milk and fortified cereals there are few food sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin A, E, D, K and Fat: All of these vitamins are fat soluble therefore should be eaten with fat rich foods to aid in absorption. Just a small amount is sufficient, such as drizzled olive oil. Avocado and nuts contain both fat and a fat-soluble vitamin.