Eating healthier can be fun!

As a parent I'm always looking for fun things to do with my kids. About 2 years ago, my husband and I found a farm online that grows organic produce. We decided that it would be fun to take the kids so that they can see how the foods that they eat are grown. Our first trip consisted of a strawberry tour which we traveled by a wooden wagon that was pulled by a tractor.

On our tour a farmer informed us about the different crops that were in season and we tasted carrots, sweet maui onions, and green beans straight from the soil. The best part of the tour consisted of the farmer allowing us to pick our own strawberries to indulge in while standing in the field! Our sons loved the fact that they could pick the strawberries, and they even received a basket full of them at the end of the tour.


Overall we had an amazing day that was educational for all of us. Since then we have gone on the watermelon tour, and attended the pumpkin patch where you pick your own pumpkins straight from the vine. Our sons love making pumpkin pie from the pumpkins that we purchase from the farm. In fact we won second place this year at my oldest sons harvest festival! We love going on the farm tours to see what's in season. My kids developed a new love for the garden that we now started one at home as well. Eating healthier can be fun! Here's where we went on our tours.

Tanaka Farms 5380 3/4 University Dr Irvine, CA 92612-2944 (949) 653-2100

 

List of Tours

~ Cookout Tours are from March - August and starting March 19, 2011 - August 28, 2011

~ Strawberry Tours are from March - June and starting March 17, 2011 - June 26, 2011

~ Watermelon Tours are from July - August and starting July 2, 2011 - August 28, 2011

~  Pumpkin Patch Toursare from the end of September to end of October. Starting Sept. 26, 2011 - Oct. 31, 2011

Flatulence and Broccoli: It's so worth it!

It is so much fun watching my two year old grow up! One of our most recent favorite things to do together is lie in bed at 8 pm and watch American Idol on Wednesday nights. Well…last night as we got comfortable in anticipation for terrible interpretations of Donnie Hathaway and Lady Gaga, I said "Amari, do you need help adjusting your pillow so that you can sit up like mommy?" She said, "yes mommy," and as she adjusted her body, she let out a loud fart! I did not want to say anything to make her feel like it was something unnatural. A few minutes later, as she slid down on her pillow, I asked her again, "do you need help sitting up?" She said, "yes mommy!" and again, as she moved so that I could fix her pillow, she loudly passed gas, this time releasing a smell like no other!

I could not for the life of my figure out why she had so much gas….then I remembered that for lunch, I sent her to school with her favorite; chicken nuggets and broccoli flowerettes. It is a common known fact that veggies such as broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts increase flatulence in those who enjoy them…more noticeably in young children and pregnant women.



Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables including cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens and kale are rich in antioxidants, which help protect against both cancer and heart disease. Population studies have shown that people who eat a lot of broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables have lower rates of cancer than those who don't. We don't know what constituents of broccoli and other crucifers are responsible for these protective effects. It may be a compound that occurs naturally in broccoli and cabbage, indole-3 carbinol (I-3-C), or the carotenoid pigments these vegetables contain. Other possibilities include vitamin C or sulforaphane, a compound thought to increase production of an anti-tumor enzyme that is most concentrated in three-day-old broccoli sprouts. Most likely, the cancer-protective effects of broccoli and its relatives result from a synergistic interaction of these and other components of the vegetables.


Despite their healthy profile, some high-fiber cruciferous vegetables have bad reputations as gas producers due to their content of an indigestible sugar called raffinose (Larger amounts of raffinose are found in beans, which are notorious for inducing flatulence). Methane-producing bacteria in the colon feed on raffinose and release gas in the process. There's nothing you can do to broccoli and other crucifers to cut down on the gas they induce. Extra cooking just makes them unpalatable and destroys vitamin content (incidentally, cooking broccoli in aluminum or copper pots also destroys vitamins and ruins flavor). The extent to which your body produces gas depends on the types of bacteria in your colon that break down foods for digestion - we all are born with unique assortments of gut flora.

Broccoli is so good for you that it's worth making an effort to minimize their gas-producing effects so you can enjoy their health benefits. You can try eating yogurt, kefir, or buttermilk regularly, to boost the friendly bacteria in your colon. Taking probiotic supplements, like lactobacillus GG, might be an even better way to do this. Lemon juice with meals can also be helpful. And limiting high-fat foods can reduce bloating and discomfort and help the stomach to empty faster, allowing gases to move more readily into the small intestine. You can also try taking Beano before eating your broccoli. Available at health food stores, it is made from a plant-derived enzyme that breaks down raffinose before it enters the colon, thus reducing gas production. Maybe next time I send Amari to school with broccoli, i'll include some yogurt!

In addition, you might experiment by eating very small amounts of broccoli every day, gradually increasing your intake to see if you can build up tolerance to it. Finally, fennel seeds can help expel gas from the digestive tract - try chewing and swallowing a half teaspoon at the end of a meal. Indian grocery stores sell sugarcoated fennel seeds as digestive aids.

Top 5 reasons to go Organic:

1. Toxin Free-
Non-organic products are treated with artificial preservatives, pesticides, and additives.

"We oppose the use artificial flavors, preservatives, and food coloring. Instead, we rely on nature to provide everything necessary for the optimum development of a child."

2. Infants are susceptible to pesticides-
Infants & children come into contact with pesticides through non-organic foods.

3.Organic foods are beneficial for the environment -
 Organic foods reduce the chemical levels that are released into the environment.

4. We breathe what is injected into the air-
Some pesticides are harmful to humans and animals

5. Creating a better tomorrow-
Organic farms produce less waste, and conserve more energy.

Bare Blendz supports local organic farmers in order to provide the best ingredients for your little one.

Get your Olive Oil!

Bare Blendz is excited to introduce its premium baby food to you very soon. Another product the Bare Blendz brand will feature is Olive Oil. That's right, good old Olive Oil! Our team is searching for the very best spray bottle and Olive Oil distributor to conveniently package premium olive oil to provide to those babies with extra calorie and fat content needs. Simply spray the olive oil on their food for them to enjoy. Convenient huh??

Children need More Fat (the good kind, of course): It is now recognized that children under three require more fat intake as at least forty percent of the energy they consume comes from fat.

Extra virgin olive oil is a favorable means to providing some of these essential fatty acids as its ratio of linoleic acid to linolenic acid is similar to that of breast milk, and it’s low in polyunsaturated fats.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms too!: It is also advisable that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers consume more fat, primarily monounsaturated fat as in olive oil, to pass on essential fatty acids and vitamins to their newborn children during postnatal development. Of course, this doesn’t mean eat more sweets — general dietary guidelines should be followed as usual.



Helps Bones Grow Strong: Bones need a large amount of oleates. The oleic acid contained in extra virgin olive oil appears to have a positive influence on growth and bone mineralization during infancy and childhood.

Body Care: Olive oil can be used to moisturize the body, and it’s especially great for infant care. I know of some mothers who look for organic olive oil products to moisturize their children’s sensitive skin. As a solution for cradle cap, apply olive oil to the scalp and leave for 1 to 2 hours before bath time. Then gently brush with a soft brush and/or comb the hair with a very fine comb and finally wash the hair. Do 2-3 times within 10 days.

Symbolic Rituals: In some cultures, olive oil is a symbolic means of welcoming children into the world by rubbing them from head to toe in olive oil and giving them a light massage. As part of the baptism process in the Greek Orthodox Church, children are anointed with hallowed olive oil throughout their body.

Barley and its Benefits

This morning as I was mixing my 10 month olds oatmeal, i was about a tablespoon short of the amount needed. I looked in the pantry to see what other box we had on hand, and it turned out to be Barley. I thought this would be a good opportunity to present the health benefits of barley and why it is such a common choice for infant nutrition.

Barley has been used for human consumption for the longest time. This is not only because it adds a unique delightful flavor to dishes, but because it adds nutritional value to the food we eat.


Health Benefits of Barley
Intake of barley is very likely to help you maintain your overall health in the long term. These whole grains are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential for our health. More importantly, barley is one of the richest sources of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber aids in proper excretion of waste products in the body, while soluble fiber (known as beta glucan) mixes with liquid, binds to fatty substances and allows them to leave the body. Barley is also seen to be rich in tocotrienols, which is an antioxidant which helps lessen risk for contracting heart disease and cholesterol problems.


Wheat and Barley
The health benefits of wheat and barley are very comparable, and some claim that they are one and the same. However, barley is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, while wheat is only rich in the latter. While both can help prevent "roughage" during excretion, barley also helps promote general heart health.

All forms of barley contains almost all vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fiber that your body needs. However, the value of barley nutrition and its effect on your health depends largely on the type of barley that you consume.



Kinds of Barley

Barley nutrition today comes in all forms possible. The grain, the leaves and the extract of barley are all used as food sources. Here are some of the most widely used forms of barley nutrition:


•Hulled barley. Barley in its hulled form contains the most amount of nutrients. However, hulled barley takes a lot more time to soak when used with usual dishes.



•Barley Grass. Barley grass, most especially on the young leaves, are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Though it does not contain as much dietary fiber as can be found in barley grains, it contains chlorophyll which can help detoxify your body from harmful toxins.



•Barley Green Powder. Due to the superior medicinal benefits of barley, many companies now produce barley powder which are made from pure barley grass. Most of them have delightful flavors and superior solubility that people take them as barley juice.



•Barley Flour. Flour made from barley can be used as substitute for wheat flour or even cake flour. The flour that is produced from whole barley is a lot more nutritious than flour from pearl barley mainly because the bran in the former is still left intact.



•Barley Water. The main claimed benefit of barley water is in supporting the kidneys especially in times of stress. It is also used as a therapeutic water for those who have kidney and bladder ailments.


•Pearl Barley. Pearl barley is what you can find in groceries. These are hulled barley which have been processed to remove the bran.


As you can see, barley nutrition comes in all forms, so it is easier for us to take advantage of its nutritional benefits.

Cinnamaldehyde...or Cinnamon for short.

Oh Cinnamon, how I love thee!

My kids...not so much.

I put it on everything especially when I make Malt-O-Meal for breakfast, it gives it that cinnamon bread flavor that I adore so much. However, if you take a nice sized spoonful of this spice, you might get a jolt of heat and thats why my kids dont like it so much, its "spicy" they say. Thats where the Cinnamaldehyde comes into play. This is the oil that is present in the spice that gives it its hot and sweet flavor.

What most may not know though is that cinnamaldehyde is one of the strongest natural antiseptics around and is proven to treat chronic infection, and even colds. Catechins are compounds in cinnamon as well that lend it in being an effective combatant against indigestion and even nausea. Eugenol in the oil serves as a painkiller and aids in the relief of headaches and even toothaches for the young ones.

 I am sneaky though...very sneaky. I put it in my boy's applesauce , give it good stir and they inhale it! That Malt-O-Meal that I load up with cinnamon...gone in 5 minutes. The key is to find the herbs, fruits, vitamins and nutrients that will benefit their bodies the most...

...and sneak it in their tummies!

Hide them in muffins, blend boiled softened carrots into pizza sauce prior to making their veggie pizza boats, sprinkle pancake batter with wheat germ and cinnamon...the list goes on, but whatever you do, keep it "spice-y."

Love this Rockin Melon!

When I was pregnant with my little guy, I found that I often craved cantaloupe.I could have this tasty treat any time of the day, and often enjoyed it juiced from a local farmers market. 

Cantaloupe was a favorite in our household that stayed on the grocery list. Although cantaloupe satisfied my sweet tooth, I was not aware of all of the benefits that this sweet fruit offered. 

While researching I found that cantaloupe is high in folic acid, vitamins A, and C.Folic acid is necessary for our body to improve new cells as vitamin A promotes strong bones, helps our vision and  guards us against bacterial, viral, parasitic infections. Vitamin C has been proven to fight against heart disease, cancer, and cataracts. 

Wow, who would have thought that this delicious fruit that I craved carried so many nutrients. This is a great fruit for babies, and children to enjoy.I believe that this fruit is a keeper!

Toddler Self-feeding: Is it the Spoon?

Recently, our two year old championed the art of potty training. We thought that we would never see the day that she would ask to go potty rather than hugging the banister and doing her do. Now that that milestone has been achieved, we return to the "less messy" milesones; using a spoon to eat without all of it ending up on her clothes and sleeping in her bed without waking up yelling for mommy and daddy as if we'd abandoned her!

Last night, rice, baked chicken and broccoli were on the menu. Amari is very good at using her hands to pick up most items and tends to avoid the spoon all together. When it calls for it, she will try but if she cannot get a mouth full of rice or whatever the delectable item, she gets discouraged and asks for help. So last night there I was, just as all the nights before, feeding her with her toddler spoon, those items that continued to litter my floor. When I encouraged her to try again, she yelled, "No mommy, you do it!" Now we have tried several spoons on the market. Those with rounded edges, those that curve and even small metal ones. Nothing seems to work! Some say that the type of spoon matters, but I feel like it’s the process in which we introduce utensils that concerns our children most. Here are some easy instructions on how to encourage your toddler to use a spoon or fork. I will report back when Amari has mastered it!





Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baby spoon
• bowl
• thick yogurt
• favorite dry cereal
• Soup

1. Spoon half a cup of thick yogurt into a bowl in front of your toddler. Hand him one spoon while you keep another.


2.Let your baby play with her spoon while

you use your own to feed her the yogurt. If she decides to put her spoon in the food as well, let her.

3.Fix yourself a small bowl of yogurt to eat in front of your toddler. Make sure he also has a bowl and spoon in front of him. Watching you eat will show him what to do. Even if he doesn't understand how to scoop, simply touching the spoon to thick yogurt will transfer food to his mouth.


4.Place one piece of dry cereal on your toddler' s spoon. This will teach her the right way to hold the spoon without dropping it's contents. Using dry cereal is much less stressful than using liquid.

5.Pour some soup into a bowl. Give your toddler the bowl and a baby spoon. Let him use the spoon to transfer liquid from the bowl to his mouth.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid moving your toddler' s spoon with your hand. Let her do it herself.
• Give your child finger food to go with the yogurt. This will prevent him from getting frustrated.
• This method could take weeks or months to perfect. Don't give up.


Read more: How to Teach a Toddler to Use a Spoon | eHow.com

Picky Eaters

Do you have picky eaters in your household? As a mother of three boys, I encounter days where my kids refuse to eat healthy foods. Although they may decline nutritious treats, I have found a way to sneak them into the foods that they love to eat.

 Last week my husband and I made pizza and hid our Bare Blendz carrot puree into the pizza sauce and they didn't have a clue. They loved it so much that they wanted seconds! Our variety of baby food can be used even for the pickiest eaters, and they will never know how nutritious the meal really is.

"Because I Children Mommy!"

So…yesterday, Amari and I made a run to Babies R Us to purchase a child safety gate for her baby sister. On the way home, I veered into the rearview mirror after hearing a light smacking noise to see my two year old picking French fries out of her car seat and eating them. When I abruptly asked her, "Amari, why are you eating old French fries, no no!" She then said, "because I children mommy!"



It had me thinking…why do kids enjoy potatoes so much? Amari was not eating the Cheerios or apple skins that she often spits out. There was something about those once crispy starches that invited her to taste again, no matter the concern that it may cause stomach trouble.

Whether mashed, baked or roasted, people often consider potatoes as comfort food. Amari would be quick to agree. They are an important food staple and the number one vegetable crop in the world. Potatoes are available year-round as they are harvested somewhere every month of the year.

I thought I would take this funny, yet disturbing event with Amari to discuss the proper storing and picking of potatoes. Surely, day old French fries out of a car seat is not the way to go!


While potatoes are often conveniently packaged in a plastic bag, it is usually better to buy them individually from a bulk display. Not only will this allow you to better inspect the potatoes for signs of decay or damage, but many times, the plastic bags are not perforated and cause a build up of moisture that can negatively affect the potatoes.

Potatoes should be firm, well shaped and relatively smooth, and should be free of decay that often manifests as wet or dry rot. In addition, they should not be sprouting or have green coloration since this indicates that they may contain the toxic alkaloid solanine that has been found to not only impart an undesirable taste, but can also cause a host of different health conditions such as circulatory and respiratory depression, headaches and diarrhea.



Sometimes stores will offer already cleaned potatoes. These should be avoided since when their protective coating is removed by washing, potatoes are more vulnerable to bacteria. In addition, already cleaned potatoes are also more expensive, and since you will have to wash them again before cooking, you will be paying an unnecessary additional cost.
Since new potatoes are harvested before they are fully mature, they are much more susceptible to damage. Be especially careful when purchasing these to buy ones that are free from discoloration and injury.

The ideal way to store potatoes is in a dark, dry place between 45°F to 50°F between 7-10°C) as higher temperatures, even room temperature, will cause the potatoes to sprout and dehydrate prematurely. While most people do not have root cellars that provide this type of environment, to maximize the potato's quality and storage, you should aim to find a place as close as possible to these conditions. Storing them in a cool, dark closet or basement may be suitable alternatives. Potatoes should definitely not be exposed to sunlight as this can cause the development of the toxic alkaloid solanine to form.



Potatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator, as their starch content will turn to sugar giving them an undesirable taste. In addition, do not store potatoes near onions, as the gases that they each emit will cause the degradation of one another. Wherever you store them, they should be kept in a burlap or paper bag.
Mature potatoes stored properly can keep up to two months. Check on the potatoes frequently, removing any that have sprouted or shriveled as spoiled ones can quickly affect the quality of the others. New potatoes are much more perishable and will only keep for one week. Cooked potatoes will keep fresh in the refrigerator for several days. Potatoes do not freeze well.


Read more at http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=48

Ay Caliente!!

As sisters, we make it an effort to get together now and then for fellowship, food and fun! One of our most recent gatherings was a pasta night where we each contributed a dish. At this time, LaKiesha was just about 9 months pregnant with O'Ryan...She decided to make this incredible ricotta pasta.

As it heated up, I could not wait to taste it. The aroma with that and my bolognese along with jessica's fragrantless salad created an anticipation to eat like no other! As we sat down, her husband Louis was the first to take a bite. After tasting the ricotta pasta, he made this "o" shape with his mouth and exclaimed, "baby, this is HOT!". What LaKiesha failed to mention was that she packed the pasta with these chilis that she grows at home! I must say, the pasta was amazing, but it was very hot! LaKiesha then went on to tell us that "O'Ryan likes spicy food, and peppers have a great benefit!"



She was right!!! Not only do organic peppers add great taste to our dishes, but they contain superior healing agents that promote your health.Plant compounds called capsaicinoids create the heat in peppers when it touches your mucous membranes.

Different peppers produce a slightly different burn, from mild to very hot. The hottest peppers of the genus capsaicin, such as cayenne and jalapeño peppers, produce a sensation of fire in your mouth.When that fire hits, like it did with Louis, your mouth sends a signal to your brain which releases natural pain relievers and endorphins. It’s good to go for the burn, but do so in moderation.



Cayenne is a very popular hot pepper. Its long pod and biting seeds boost fiery flavor and support your immune system too. Specifically, the vitamin A, or beta-carotene, in cayenne and other organic peppers protects your digestive system and wards off infections.Fresh or lightly cooked red peppers such as cayenne also contain vitamins E, C, and B complex vitamins.

Although its best not to feed your baby these hot peppers, there are mild peppers that are safe to include in their diet. Very mild and sweet organic peppers have plenty of health benefits, too. Dark green poblanos and red, green, and yellow bell peppers offer the benefits of high fiber, and they’re low in fat, calories, and sodium.



Read More at:
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-peppers/

"Loqua-huh?"

About a year after moving to beautiful Pasadena, California, Jessica sent out a blast text that read "Can you spot the loquat thief?" She sent this question along with the picture shown below.




After reviewing the picture, I could not for the life of me see the "thief". I thought maybe it was an individual in the background. After embarrassingly sending a message back saying, "I don’t get it", she exclaimed, "are you serious?" then proceeded to tell me about the cute little bushy tailed squirrel having a snack in the tree - a snack called a loquat. My next question was "Loqua-huh??" It was the first time I had ever heard the word loquat! Immediately I associated it with kumquats and assumed it was a fruit. And so began the conversation. Jessica had not known that the tree in her front yard was a loquat tree. She was very excited and began inviting people over to pick up bags of them and at one point, even made a loquat icecream!

For some mysterious reason our corner of Los Angeles has an abundance of loquat trees (Eriobotrya japonica) that, at this time of year, produce prodigious amounts of fruit that mostly goes to waste. Many of these trees live in public spaces, the parkway and people's front yards making them prime candidates for urban foraging i.e. free food.



The tree itself has a vaguely tropical appearance with waxy leaves that look like the sort of plastic foliage that used to grace dentist office lobbies back in the 1960s. In short it's a real tree that looks fake with fruit that nobody seems to care about.

I plan to take advantage of this beautiful abundant tree fruit and make one of these yummy treats this weekend! Granted Jess and the squirrels have not eaten them all yet! I challenge you to find your local loquat tree and get to exploring this delicious fruit!




http://food.lizsteinberg.com/tag/loquat/

Creating the Bare Blendz Signature Combinations Menu

In case you missed our earlier facebook post, in December of 2010, the founders of Bare Blendz became Certified Food Handlers and conducted a recipe and taste test of the Signature Combinations Menu. After 9 hours of peeling, steaming, blending, mashing and tasting, we are very proud of our menu, and are excited to unveil it to the world! No artificial sweeteners were used and all of our combinations included 4 or less ingredients! Here are some pictures from that exciting evening!

Next on our list is completing our shelf life testing and getting the ingredients approved by the farmers markets. We have selected an incredible labeling company that will surely make us trend setters in the arena of food packaging. They are an eco friendly/green label printer here in California. Our Graphics team is in the lab this week sending our official package design to them for printing later this month! One of our major goals is to use eco friendly materials as often as possible in addition to patronizing local businesses and farmers. Doing so stimulates growth in the local economy and also lets them know that we appreciate what they do!

Another exciting announcement is that we will be producing out of a certified commercial kitchen in Pasadena! Stay tuned....

Ewwww...Brussels Sprouts!!!!!

So....for YEARS, Jessica has been trying to get me to love brussels sprouts. She brings them to family functions, even hands out bags of them at taco night! The saying is true, if your first time eating a food is not a success, typically, you tend to not like that food or give it a second chance. Needless to say, Jessica prepared for me a half done batch of them, and from that point forward, i HATED THEM. Well, recently, i gave them a second chance. I noticed how cool they looked in the produce department at trader joes, so i purchased a bundle.



After boiling them for 15 minutes and then sauteing them in a pan with olive oil for a few minutes, these little treats are pretty tasty! And so it began....the conversation to add brussels sprouts to our ingredients list!

Bare Blendz has made it a special mission to include this yummy round veggie on our Signature Combination's Menu. Although many people frown at the very idea of these little "sprouts", there are potentially many benefits to eating them. We have creatively made a flavor combination that will be undeniable to your baby! Recently tested and loved, we cannot wait to introduce to you our Brussels Sprout & Apple Puree!

The brussels sprout (Brassica oleracea) belongs to the family Brassicaceae. Like other members of the family, they are rich in the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin A, fibre, phytochemicals and vegetable protein. Vegetables such as the humble brussel sprout have been associated with preventing a number of cancers and preventing cardiovascular disease.

Health Benefits
Vegetables such as brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, which has been shown to prevent a number of different cancers. A study published in “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention” showed that eating cruciferous vegetables is associated with a lower risk of lung cancer. Further studies, have shown that other cancers may be reduced or even prevented with a consumption of cruciferous vegetables including brussels sprouts.

A study conducted in the United States and published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology” showed that a higher intake of both vegetables and fruit delayed the risk of death from both cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Storage and Cooking
Brussels sprouts should be firm compact and bright green. Work by Warwick University showed that storage at ambient temperature or in a domestic fridge showed no reduction in glucosinolate levels, the anticancer chemical.

Further work by Warwick University showed that after boiling for thirty minutes the loss of glucosinolate, the anticancer chemical, is as high as 58 percent for brussel sprouts. Even boiling brussel sprouts for only five minutes resulted in between a 20-30 percent loss, of the anticancer chemical. However, other cooking methods such as steaming, microwaving and stir frying showed no significant loss of glucosiolate.

Adverse effects
Care needs to be taken by individuals with thyroid problems as cruciferous vegetables such as brussels sprouts can prevent the formation of thyroid hormones. The thyroid enlarges to try and produce the hormone and can lead to the formation of a goitre.

Similarly to other cruciferous vegetables, brussels sprouts contain vitamin K, which has a role in blood clotting. Therefore, individuals prescribed anticoagulants need to take care.

Diet Recommendation
The American Institute for cancer research recommend that three-quarters of the diet should be filled with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans. No single food will protect or reduce the risk of cancer or other diseases and it may in fact be a combination of foods that protect individuals against diseases.



Read more at Suite101: The Health Benefits of Brussel Sprouts

Bare Factz: Colors

Bare Factz: We love color at Bare Blendz...

 

...which is why our selections are bursting with vibrance. Psychologically, colors create an amazing impact on us.

 

 Studies have shown an improved emotional development in children who are surrounded by colors, check it out by clicking on the Bare Factz: Colors title above!

Going Organic? Take your baby with you!

Imagine ingesting a chemical produced solely for the termination of insects and vermin, and now imagine that same chemical...inside of your baby!

Frightening isn't it?

Lets face it, your baby is your mini-you, so if you wouldn't take a bite of the insecticide flavored apple, you certainly wouldn't want your baby doing it either. Imagine the long term health effects this could have on you not to mention your child whose body is a fraction of your size which means the effects are greater, happen quicker and will have a lasting effect on their little systems.

 Thats why we chose to go Organic and thats why millions of others like yourself have followed suit. The benefits are amazing and the peace of mind you get knowing that you have decided to rid yourself and your babies of unnecessary chemical poisoning is priceless.

Some of the benefits of Organic living include:
  - higher energy levels
  - softer skin
  - firmer muscle tone
  - and even a freedom from HEADACHES!!

Going Organic is easy but many are intimidated by it. Dont be! The first thing you should do is your homework! Research and find out the health risks and benefits of Organic Vs. Non Organic, how to pick the right organic foods and products, and how to start your own Organic garden.

I started with a super informative eBook by Claus Stockholm entitled "The Ultimate Organic Lifestyle." Not only does he explain  EVERYTHING you need to know about organic foods, but he opens your eyes to other organic products, clothing and even organic cleaning. Check it out here and let me know if it has helped you as much as it has helped me!

Until next time, we at Bare Blendz wish you happy and healthy living for you and your baby!

Welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to view our Blog! We hope that you are excited about the opportunity for fresh baby food to enter your households as we are! Bare Blendz invites you to follow our blog to stay abreast the many updates and changes that we will be going through. We also invite you to check in with us to receive information and tips related to food, nutrition and your community.