Fresh Baby's Peas & Carrots Blog

Diabetes Awareness: Preventing Obesity

Diabetes Awareness Month is November. One of the best ways to prevent diabetes is preventing obesity, and encouraging healthy eating habits. 

The most current statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 17% of kids between the ages of 2 to 19 are overweight. These kids have a bigger risk of developing heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and psychological problems. They may also be subject to bullying at school and suffer from poor performance academically.

These kids also have a higher chance of becoming obese adults. According to the CDC, nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and what’s interesting to note is that about 6 million people don’t even know they have it. The CDC reports diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the US and it can lead to major complications such as blindness, leg amputations due to poor tissue perfusion and kidney failure. Millions of people have a love-hate relationship with food and constantly struggle with their weight.

Fresh Baby was founded, and continues to operate, on the belief that all parents want to raise healthy children, but when it comes to healthy eating habits, they often lack the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to be effective. Our line of products provides you with tools and knowledge to create healthy eating habits that last a lifetime. Obesity is a 100% preventable disease, but it takes work. The payoff is a healthier body, a healthier mind, an improved self- image, and significant savings in health care costs. Let’s work together to raise a nation of healthy eaters. Tips For Raising Healthy Eaters According the National Weight Control Registry, people who lost 30 pounds or more and kept the weight off for more than five years had the following daily habits.

The earlier you instill these habits in your kids, the less likely they will ever have to struggle with their weight.

1. Eat a healthy breakfast. Download our free Healthy Breakfasts Tip Sheet as a handy reference for planning a healthy start to your child’s day.

2. Limit the amount of junk food and sugary drinks you keep in your house. Read our Junk Food Juveniles article for information to help you raise a healthy eater. And, our Healthy Food Choices article is full of ideas to encourage healthy food choices.

3. Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep is very important because it helps you manage stress. If your body experiences too much stress, your cortisol levels rise. High cortisol levels have been shown to increase abdominal fat.

4. Engage in physical activity every day. Physical play and exercise keeps us all fit. Look at our MyPlate Placemat for activity ideas for kids age 3 – 5.

5. Pay attention to portion size. Kids and adults require different amount of food. We’ve developed an Adult Portion Plate and Kids Portion Plate to give you a blueprint for eating healthy at every meal. Try our Portion Storage Bags to store leftovers, soups and single serving meals.

Start with setting easy goals to replace unhealthy eating habits with healthier habits. For example, if a bedtime snack of cookies and milk is the norm, try replacing it with a cup of milk and a few slices of apple. Little changes can help to make a big difference in developing healthy eating habits for a lifetime.

Fresh Baby's Cheryl Tallman Dishes on Childhood Obesity

Q: According to the annual report The State of Obesity (a collaborative project of the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), for the first time in a decade, data show a downward trend in obesity rates among young children from low-income families in many states. What are your thoughts on this and what do you think Fresh Baby’s role is in reducing childhood obesity through your collaborative efforts?

 A downward trend in obesity numbers is encouraging.  There are enormous resources being applied to this epidemic.  Obesity is a complex problem and low-income families are more prone to obesity.  Fresh Baby focuses on improving the eating habits of both parents and their children. Poor eating habits are a key contributor in the obesity epidemic.  We work with public health programs, including the US Department of Agricultures Women Infant Children (WIC) program and the Health and Human Services Head Start programs.  These programs provide support to low-income families with children under 5 years old. Research has shown that children's eating preferences are established by age 3, so these programs are on the front line of combating obesity. Fresh Baby develops nutrition education materials for classes that teach good nutrition and making heathy food choices. The hard work, dedication and success of the people in these programs are key to our nation’s ability to prevent a major health care crisis.

Q: As a company, how did Fresh Baby become interested in child nutrition and encouraging healthy eating for babies and young children?

Like many mothers, I became interested in what children were eating when I had my own child.  I was raised in a family where every night we ate dinner together. We also started our day together with breakfast. My mom is a great cook and she was always trying out new recipes on us.  Growing up, I did not think much of it and pretty much thought this was how all families lived.  When I started my family, I followed in my mother’s footsteps, making baby food for my son, Spencer, and then homemade family meals that we could all enjoy. I realized that not all moms had the same skills and/or confidence in the kitchen.  The concept for Fresh Baby was born from this “ah-ha” moment.

Q: What are some of the goals you have for Fresh Baby in the future with regard to reducing childhood obesity?

It is my hope that Fresh Baby becomes synonymous with Family-Friendly Healthy Eating.  If we can make an impact on the way families get their children started with healthy eating habits, then I believe we have fulfilled our mission. 

Q: What new Fresh Baby products on the horizon can you tell us about that help families make healthy choices for their kids?

Our tip cards are very popular and we are working on new subjects, including cooking in the kitchen with kids.  Getting kids involved in making meals is a very good habit and this card will offer kitchen activities for children of all ages.  We will also working to develop a line of breastfeeding accessories.  Breastfeeding is the first step in developing your child’s healthy eating habits. Dental disease among children is also a great concern, and we are developing new products that can help parents reduce the amount sugar in their children’s diets and develop better brushing habits too.

Q: Tell us about some of your products and how they aim to reduce childhood obesity?

Fresh Baby was founded, and continues to operate, on the belief that all parents want to raise healthy children, but when it comes to healthy eating habits, they often lack the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to be effective. Parents want to know things like:

• How much should I be feeding my child?
• How many meals does my child need in a day?
• What is the right balance of foods?
• And the questions go on…

At Fresh Baby, we provide those answers and try to making healthy eating easy and hassle-free.  We combine nutrition support and functionality to make products that can be used when food choices are being made, including at the market, in the kitchen and at the table.

 

Cheryl Tallman is the co-founder of Fresh Baby, creators of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit, and author of the So Easy Baby Food and So Easy Toddler Food: Survival Tips and Simple Recipes for the Toddler Years. Visit Cheryl online at www.FreshBaby.com for more delicious tips.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

August is National Breastfeeding Month. Breastmilk is called liquid gold because on top of providing natural immunity to fight infections, breastmilk also reduces the risk of obesity later in life, enhances brain development and intelligence, protects from allergies, reduces constipation and gas and decreases the number of ear infections, to name a few. 

Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding in our new tip sheet here!

Breastmilk storage tips

Summer Food Safety

Great memories have been made over summertime picnics with family and friends. Keep your memories happy by practicing food safety with outdoor dining. Bacteria counts climb in hot weather so you have to pay attention to the possibility of food borne illnesses. Here are some tips to enjoy safe outdoor meals in warm weather.

Read our Summer Food Safety Tips Article here!

A Healthy Independence Day Celebration

Show your patriotic spirit this 4^th of July and make healthy food choices with a variety of red, white and blue fruits and vegetables.  There are many colorful and delicious foods that can dress up your picnic or BBQ menus. My mom's Baked Bean recipe is linked below!

 

 

Red Foods:

Red foods are packed with lots of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium. Red foods also contain compounds called phytochemicals, which have been shown to have positive health benefits. Phytochemicals you might have heard about include flavonoids, lycopene, reservatol and capsaicin.

 

Our favorite red foods include:

 1. Strawberries - Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, potassium and folate. Strawberries are best fresh. For a special 4^th of July breakfast treat – make a red, white and blue yogurt parfait with vanilla yogurt, sliced strawberries and blueberries. (Food Guide: Strawberries)

2. Tomatoes -Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, potassium and Vitamin C. They taste great fresh off the vine and cooked in sauces, stews and soups. Try chopped tomatoes or fresh salsa with scrambled eggs. A plate of sliced tomatoes is a fantastic summer BBQ side dish -- sprinkle with sea salt and ground pepper then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. (Food Guide: Tomatoes)

3. Red Peppers - A bright red pepper contains potassium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Red peppers can be served raw as a snack or in salads, cooked in pasta and stir-fry dishes, roasted in soups and stews, or skewered and grilled with other summer vegetables.

4. Watermelon - You know it's summer time when you see watermelons. Watermelons are packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C and lycopene. A big slice of fresh watermelon is sure to put a smile on your little one's face at the family picnic! (Food Guide: Watermelon)

5. Red Beets - Red beets contain iron, niacin and potassium. Start introducing red beets to kids in salads or roasted with olive oil and ground pepper. Pickled red beets are also a good introduction and are terrific in a tossed green salad.

6. Red Grapes - Red grapes contain flavonoids, reservatol and quercitin to help keep your heart healthy and strong. Grapes are a great snack. Freeze them for a summertime treat.

7. Cherries - Cherries are considered a nutritional super food because they are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins and, they taste great! Remove the pits to make it easier for little ones to enjoy this delicious treat. (Food Guide: Cherries)

White Foods:  White fruits and vegetables contain anti-oxidants that can help prevent heart disease and stroke, vitamin C for skin, hair and joints, vitamin K and folate, and fiber to keep your digestive system healthy.  White foods can also help remove toxins from the body so your cells work properly and your body stays healthy.

Healthy white food options include:

 

1. Cauliflower:  Cauliflower supplies your body with vitamins C, K, folate and dietary fiber. Research also shows that cauliflower can help decrease inflammation in the body. Serve raw cauliflower as a crunchy, healthy appetizer or snack.  You can also grill, roast, steam or sauté cauliflower. (Food Guide: Cauliflower)

2. White corn:  Corn provides the body with beneficial anti-oxidants to help prevent disease and plenty of fiber for healthy digestion. Steam, boil or grill corn on the cob, or cut the kernels from the cob and add to side dishes, soups, stews, salads and casseroles.

3. Onions & Garlic: Both garlic and onions contain quercetin, which helps to keep your heart healthy and strong. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to side dishes for extra flavor and a healthy heart.

4. Parsnips: Parsnips are a good source of folate and B vitamins, which help prevent birth defects and lower your risk of heart disease.  Parsnips can be used instead of carrots in recipes or try and 50/50 mix of each food. Boil a 50/50 mixture of parsnips and white potatoes to make delicious mashed potatoes. 

5. Mushrooms:  This yummy little fungi is high in potassium, selenium and vitamin D, and rich in flavor.   There is a wide variety of mushrooms available including button, cremini, Oyster and Portabello.  Serve in sliced mushroom in a green salad.  Try grilling Portobello mushrooms and brush with Italian dressing just before serving. (Food Guide: Mushrooms)

6. Potatoes:  Potassium-packed potatoes help lower blood pressure and keep your heart strong. They also contain Vitamin C and fiber to keep your skin and digestive tract healthy.  Partially boil potatoes and finish them on the grill for a great addition to your summer BBQ. (Food Guide: Potatoes)

7. White Peaches:  White peaches are a great source of vitamin C and fiber and help keep your skin and digestive tract healthy.  Peaches also contain potassium, fluoride, iron for strong bones and healthy blood cells. Delicious and sweet, peaches make an excellent addition to summertime salads and baked goods.  Peaches are also wonderful as a snack or side dish.

8. Pears: Loaded with vitamins, minerals and cancer-preventing anti-oxidants, pears are a healthy and delicious food choice. Pears provide the body with vitamins A, C, B1, B2 and E, folate, potassium, iron, and fiber. Pears also have a low glycemic index, which means they can help control blood sugar levels. Slice pears and serve alone, or add to salads and smoothies. (Food Guide: Pears) 

 

Blue Food:  Blue foods are a great source of cancer preventing anti-oxidants and phytonutrients. The main phytonutrient, anthocyanidin, helps to decrease inflammation in the body’s cells and may protect against heart disease.  Blue foods also contain minerals including copper and iron, vitamins C, K, B-6, B-12, and fiber. Purple and black fruits and vegetables are also members of the blue food group. 

 

Healthy blue food menu options include:

1. Blueberries:  Considered one of nature’s best "super foods," blueberries give your body and brain a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Be sure to include these delicious berries in your breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.  Blueberries freeze well and are great added to smoothies, baked goods and jams. (Food Guide: Blueberries) 

2. Purple Potatoes:  Blue potatoes provide carotenoids and flavonoids anti-oxidants, which can prevent cancer.  Add color to your potato and vegetable dishes by using blue potatoes instead of white ones in recipes. (Food Guide: Potatoes)

3. Blackberries:   A tasty way to add fiber and vitamin C to your diet, blackberries are delicious in salads, sauces and baked goods.  Pick blackberries in season and freeze for an off-season treat.

4. Eggplant: Purple-skinned eggplant adds fiber and flavor to meals. Cut eggplant in circles, brush olive oil, sprinkle with salt, then grill the circles.  Grilled eggplant makes a nice side dish that is loaded with fiber and anti-oxidants.

5. Purple Cabbage:  Purple cabbage supplies the body with fiber, potassium and Vitamin C. Toss shredded cabbage into green salads or make crunchy coleslaw for your summer picnic table.

6. Plums & Prunes:  Plums and prunes (dried plums) are loaded with anti-oxidants and vitamins that help keep eyes, skin and organs healthy. Plums and prunes make a nutritious, low calorie snack on their own, or combine them with yogurt and cereal for a nutritious meal.

Red, White & Blue Menu Ideas:

 

4^th of July Breakfast Parfait: Layer sliced strawberries, blueberries and vanilla yogurt in a clear cup and serve with a spoon.

 

Patriotic Veggies Kabobs: Make colorful vegetable skewers with grape tomatoes, cubed purple potatoes (par-boiled), onions, eggplant and red peppers.  Brush with Italian dressing or teriyaki marinade and grill to perfection.

 

Independence Day Fruit Salad: Mix blueberries, watermelon, pears.  Squeeze with lime juice and sprinkle fresh, chopped mint.  Chill and serve.

 

White & Blue Chips and Red Salsa: Serve blue and white corn chips with fresh tomato salsa for a festive, healthy appetizer.

Try my mom's Baked Beans recipe here!

-- www.FreshBaby.com

 

Mango and Papaya

June just happens to celebrate two of our favorite tropical fruits - mango and papaya! Delicious! Here are some of our favorite recipes and tips!

Mango 

Ranking high on the list of nutrient dense fruits, the flesh of a mango is peach-like and juicy with a hint of pineapple flavor. The flavor is pleasant and rich and high in sugars and amino acids. Mangoes are one of the best sources of Vitamin A, and contain beta carotene. They are also a terrific source of Vitamin C!

Mango Milkshake

Ingredients:

½ mango chopped

½ cup of milk

½ cup of ice

1-2 tsp honey

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a blender and whirl until smooth. Serve.

Read more about mangoes in our special article here!

Papaya

The papaya is a pear-shaped fruit with a bright golden-yellow skin. The yellow-orange flesh is juicy and silky smooth, with a sweet-tart flavor. Papayas are low in calories and sodium and are excellent source of vitamin A and C, and potassium. There are also small amounts of calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin present in papaya. They contain a lot of water, making them a great thirst-quenching snack when playing sports or other outdoor activities.

Papayas contain a digestive enzyme that is used to tenderize meat. This enzyme, papain, is commercially harvested in large quantities from the skin and green fruit. but papaya juice has been used for centuries in South America to tenderize meat.

Papaya Salsa

 We love to use fresh salsas to change up the flavor of foods. Salsa takes a plain baked or grilled item from bland to gourmet with only minutes of prep work and no cooking. Salsas are also a simple way to add an extra fruit or veggie serving to your meal. Try this papaya salsa with grilled fish.

Ingredients:

1 papaya, seeded, peeled and diced

1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 small garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

1 Tablespoon lime juice

1 Tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a bowl, combine all ingredients and set aside at room temperature until ready to serve.

More papaya tips here!