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Produce Guide Part 1: Buying Local

August 29, 2012 by admin

I’ve never thought of buying locally grown fruits and vegetables until three years ago.My views changed when I learned the benefits of foods that are grown locally vs. foods that are flown in from other countries. I am thankful for the invention of our modern transportation system, you and I can enjoy foods that don’t thrive in our climate, like papayas, coconuts, and Goji berries just to name a few. But there’s a cost. You’ve probably guessed it; the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables is comprised. A lot of fruits are picked before they are fully ripe so they don’t go bad when they reach the stores. These “green” fruits are ripened in the transportation process and in the distribution centers. What’s more, fresh fruits and vegetables don’t normally keep that long unless chemicals are applied to help them stay and appear fresh.

So what are your options? Like me, I choose local farmers. A lot of farmer’s markets have popped up in recent years. In the area where I live, there are three farmer’s market all within a few miles. I would advice you to visit and ask them about their farming practices. Some farmers use pesticides while some choose to grow their produce free of chemicals. I mainly choose to buy from the organic farmers.

As a result of buying local, you will enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables that are naturally ripened which contain great flavors at their optimal nutritional values.

Filed Under: Healthy News

Produce Guide Part 1: Buying Local

August 29, 2012 by Betty

I’ve never thought of buying locally grown fruits and vegetables until three years ago. My views changed when I learned the benefits of foods that are grown locally vs. foods that are flown in from other countries. I am thankful for the invention of our modern transportation system, you and I can enjoy foods that don’t thrive in our climate, like papayas, coconuts, and Goji berries just to name a few. But there’s a cost. You’ve probably guessed it; the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables is comprised. A lot of fruits are picked before they are fully ripe so they don’t go bad when they reach the stores. These “green” fruits are ripened in the transportation process and in the distribution centers. What’s more, fresh fruits and vegetables don’t normally keep that long unless chemicals are applied to help them stay and appear fresh.

As a result of buying local, you will enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables that are naturally ripened which contain great flavors at their optimal nutritional values.

Parenting Tip

August 27, 2012 by Betty

“Mom, Chico did this…” “Mom, Mei did this…” Mom,…” “Mom,…” With three kids so close in age, I’m faced with daily bickering amongst the kids and power struggles when it comes to the area of obedience. While looking at some parenting tips, I came across this parenting tip from http://www.biblicalparenting.org/that gives me some ideas on how to address my issue. I hope to hear your comments on it.

Start of Article:

What Cues Do You Give Your Children?

An Action Point is the point when you stop talking and start acting or the point when children know you mean business. How do they know? You give them cues and your children know what those cues are. If you’re saying the same thing over and over again, how does your child know when the Action Point is near?

Think back on your own childhood. How did you know when your dad or mom meant business? Maybe they used your middle name or started moving toward the kitchen where that special utensil was kept. They might have gotten out of the chair or started moving toward you or given you that look.

For many parents, angry words or a harsh tone of voice become the cue children look for. Unfortunately, this harshness creates distance in the relationship. Look for ways to tighten your Action Point without anger.

Harshness isn’t necessary but firmness is. Firmness with children is an important part of the teaching process. Some parents associate firmness with an authoritarian style of parenting. And it certainly can be. We’re not suggesting that you become a sergeant with your kids. Even a relational parenting style often requires a point in which that child knows that the discussion is over and it’s time for action.

You might say, “Katie, please turn off the TV now.” The child’s name and the word “now” can become the cues that your Action Point is coming. Or you might preface what you’re going to say with the words, “Katie, look at me. This is an instruction.”

Be careful of multiple warnings as they can weaken the instruction process. One warning may be helpful to make sure the child has understood the instruction but then the next step should be a firm follow through. If you tighten your Action Point and are ready with the follow through, you’ll get angry less often and your children will respond more quickly. Start by clarifying the cues and following through sooner.

This parenting tip comes from the book Home Improvement, The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
This teaching is also available on CD or as MP3 downloads under the title, Eight Secrets to Highly Effective Parenting, live seminars taught by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

If this tip was sent to you by a friend and you’d like to continue to receive tips yourself, you can sign up at http://www.biblicalparenting.org/.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: parenting tips, What cues do you give your kids when it comes to disciplining? Disciplining style

The Healthy Taco Boat

August 24, 2012 by Betty

What comes to mind when you think of tacos? Most likely salsa, meat, some form of wrap or crunchy tortilla chips. As a mom who wanted to instill in her kids healthy eating habits, I am always on the lookout for nutritious alternatives. So this week I served up the Healthy Taco Boat made with baby Romaine lettuce leaves. In the boat were some shredded chicken and cheese topped with creamy avocados and home-made salsa. For those of you who are dairy free, just skip the cheese. BTW… the only place I found these cute baby Romaine lettuce hearts is at Costco. If the lettuce is limp, soak it in water for about 5-10 minutes to give it a little crunch.

My three kiddos loved it. Eat to your health!

Filed Under: Main Dishes Tagged With: Healthy Taco Boat made with cruncy Romaine lettuce leaves

Fun With Writing

August 24, 2012 by Betty

Yesterday afternoon, I decided to help my kids practice writing their letters. So, I brought out a small table that’s their height to the backyard, put on their smock, and pull out some of my husband’s shaving cream. I covered the table top with the cream. Can you imagine how fun this is going to be! I, then would hold up a letter and they would use their fingers to write that letter. After a little bit, they were laughing so hard and enjoying themselves with the lesson that I decided to sit and relax…did I say relax…