KITCHEN SOLUTIONS - THE BENEFITS TO USING HERBS IN THE KITCHEN

Herbs are a fragrant and flavorful way to put some extra zing into what you are already preparing.  They have very few calories and absolutely no salt!  So you can add as much as you want and be totally guilt free in doing so!

Here are some suggestions:

THYME - Try adding thyme into stews, soups, salads (or in the dressing).  Just 2 teaspoons of thyme and you are getting almost 20 percent of your daily iron intake needs.  Thyme is often used in teas and/or cough syrups to ease dry coughs and to soothe a sore throat as well.

BASIL - Basil is commonly used in pizza, spaghetti sauces (or marinara sauces), and other popular Italian dishes.  Two teaspoons of basil, and you get 5 percent of your daily requirement of magnesium.  Magnesium is a mineral that helps to maintain muscle and nerve function.  It also helps to keep heart beats steady, supports a strong and healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong.  (It is also said that magnesium helps to curve those chocolate cravings.)

CILANTRO - Cilantro is a very versatile herb.  You can use cilantro for salsas, tacos, salads, or add to fish dishes.  By using cilantro with meat dishes, you can reduce the potential for bacterial contamination in the meat.  (This herb was used more than 2,000 years ago, by the Romans, to preserve meat!)  Cilantro is also used to help promote healthy digestion.

ROSEMARY - Rosemary is delicious in chicken dishes!  Try using rosemary in marinades to help cut down the risk of cancer.  The antioxidants, found in rosemary, may help combat potential carcinogens created when meats are grilled or broiled at temperatures above 400 degrees Fahrenheit.  

DILL - Try using dill to wake up your tuna (or on grilled fish)!  Dill is also wonderful on potatoes.  Using this herb can help your body maintain healthy cholesterol levels.  There is also evidence, that suggests, that dill may also help relieve indigestion.

PARSLEY - We often think of parsley as just a garnish, but parsley is actually much more than that.  Parsley can be added to salads, dressings, dips, marinades and more.  Two teaspoons of dried parsley is 150 percent of your daily vitamin K requirements.  Vitamin K is important for healthy blood clotting and bone health.  Parsley is also high in vitamins A and C!

Adding herbs to your dishes will add delicious flavor and more importantly help to promote good health in your family.  With picky kids and picky husbands that can be quite challenging!

HEALTHY EATING HABITS/SNACKS FOR KIDS

Sometimes getting our children to practice healthy eating habits, can be a bit of a challenge.  There are ways to incorporate healthy eating and still have your children enjoy it!

I believe the key to teaching your children how to eat the foods that are good for them, is to start them early on.  If kids start out eating healthy from the start, they will most likely continue that trend for the rest of their lives.  And what could be more important than the health of our children?

Here are some healthy snack ideas for your kiddos:

1. Cheese - Cheese is very healthy as a snack and my kids just love it.  I like to buy the string cheese made with part skim milk.  This cuts down on the fat content a bit, but still has all of the benefits that cheese has to offer.  Cheese is loaded with protein and calcium.  So this snack also helps contribute to your child's daily calcium intake.
2. Yogurt - Yogurt is another snack that is packed with calcium, and depending which one you buy, also has vitamins as well.  I like to buy the fruit yogurts.  You can also sprinkle in a little granola for added texture, flavor, and vitamins/protein/fiber.
3. Peanut Butter - Peanut butter is very versatile.  You can use it to make a sandwich, top crackers, use it as a dip for fruit, etc.  It too is loaded with protein and is a good source of fiber.
4. Eggs - Eggs are also a great source of protein.
5. Sweet Potatoes - Sweet potato fries seem to be getting more popular every day!  You could also make sweet potato chips.  Sweet potatoes are packed full of Vitamin A, and are also a great source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and folate.
6. Baked Breads - There are so many varieties of breads you can make with fresh fruits and/or vegetables.  Try making some banana, zucchini, or pumpkin bread.  You could also make muffins to make them more fun for the kids!
7. Whole Grain Cereals - There are so many whole grain cereals out there today that make a great snack for kids.  Honey Nut Cheerios are one of my all time favorite snacks for toddlers.  They are also a great on the go snack!
8. Hummus - Hummus comes in a variety of flavors and is packed with nutrients.  I like to get pita chips and use the hummus as a dip.
9. Fruit - I always buy a variety of fruit from the store.  Different fruits have different nutrients/vitamins but they are ALL good for you and your kids.  Kids can never have too much fruit.  Some of our favorites are apples, oranges, grapes, strawberries, and bananas.  Now that summer is well on its way, melons will be coming into season.  The whole family loves cantaloupe and watermelon.
10. Smoothies - This is just another way to enjoy fruit.  There are so many varieties of smoothies that you can make.  It is completely up to you and what you like.  Take your favorite variety of fruit and simply mix it with some ice and/or yogurt.  Just put it in the blender and you have the perfect snack (or even a meal) for at home or on the go.  I have even seen prepackaged smoothie kits.  At my local grocery store they have some in the freezer section where the fruit and smoothie mix come in the bag.  The fruit is frozen so no need to add ice.  You simply put the amount you want into the blender, add the smoothie mix and some water/juice and blend.  It is done in a matter of seconds and there is plenty for me and my kids.
11. Trail Mix - You can buy trail mix already made or you can also make your own.  Trail mix is full of a variety of nuts and dried fruits and it is packed with nutrients.  This is another on the go snack and will help keep you and/or the kids energized.
12. Raisins - Raisins are a great source of fiber and potassium.  My kids are not too big on just going for a hand full of raisins so I like to buy the cereals that have raisins in them.  But you can also add raisins to your trail mix, baked breads, or even dips (such as peanut butter).
13. Salad - All of my kids like salad to some degree.  They love the lettuce with low fat ranch dressing.  I am slowly but surely beginning to incorporate adding other vegetables as we go along.  I personally love a great salad full of vegetables!
14. Carrots and Ranch - My kids LOVE baby carrots with low fat ranch dressing.  Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene and are very good for the eyes.

There are many ways for children to eat the things that are good for them and to also enjoy what they are eating.  Instilling healthy eating habits now will help ensure your kids have a long and healthy life.