Category Archives: Babies

In The News: Papaya for Cancer Treatment

Researchers have found that papaya leaf extract has dramatic tumor-fighting properties against breast and cervical cancer. papaya

University of Florida researcher Nam Dang along with researchers at The University of Tokyo documented papaya’s anticancer effect in a report published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Dang used an extract made from dried papaya leaves, and the stronger the extract, the better the results. This is exciting news because the papaya extract did not have any toxic effects on normal cells, avoiding a common and dangerous side effect of many cancer therapy regimens.

Dang and his colleagues in Tokyo showed that papaya leaf extract boosts the production of cytokines which help regulate the immune system.

Papaya has been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments in many parts of the world for centuries. This study focuses on the leaves, but the fruit is delicious and full of beta carotene and digestive enzymes. Eat it while pregnant to avoid constipation.

It also makes a great first food for babies!

Babies, Nutrition

Sardines!

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Proof that toddlers will try unknown foods, and maybe even like them:

Today my 17 month old ate sardines on whole grain bread, with a side of sauteed mustard greens and steamed carrots for lunch. I can hardly believe it myself- even I won’t eat sardines, though they are one of the healthiest fish options out there. With his first bite he said “mmmmmmmmm,” happily chewed and swallowed, then kept opening his mouth for more.

Try giving sardines to your child. I dare you! They are packed with vitamin D, omega 3 fats, protein, calcium, selenium, and vitamin B12.

Even though I don’t eat them, it made me feel really good seeing him consume all of that powerful nutrition.

Babies, Nutrition

Life After a Food Strike

Holly 3 Comments

I’ve heard so many moms say that their toddler used to eat really well, until she got sick and then they “lost her to sugar” or he wouldn’t eat anything while teething, and then he became really picky. After hearing this over and over, I just expected it to happen. Sure enough, one day he just stopped wanting to eat anything. Then I realized he was getting molars- no fun at all. Now at this point I had a theory to prove- I could just give him junk knowing that no child would turn down sugar or fried food no matter how bad he feels. “At least he’s eating something,” right? Or I could trust he is instinctively doing what his body needs to feel better and keep offering him nutritious foods, hoping that he will resume eating them when he’s ready. I’m so glad I did this! The report? The molars are in, and this week he has eaten wild Alaskan salmon, quinoa, kale, broccoli, blueberries, dark chocolate, an orange, brown rice pasta with turkey bolognese, sprouted bread, organic spelt pretzels, whole wheat tortillas, strawberries, broccoli water, vegetable soup, sweet potato black bean burger, scrambled eggs, an apple, herbal tea,barley, kasha, oatmeal, lots and lots of hummus, salsa, a pear, guacamole, sweet potato hash browns with onions, raisins, Plum Organics Fingerfuls, goji berries, unsweetened local organic yogurt with brewer’s yeast, a blueberry bran muffin, fresh squeezed orange juice, potato curry soup, corn bread, and bacon.

Whew! All that in the last 5 days and this doesn’t even include his daily smoothie! I’m glad I kept a food journal so I could share this list with you. Hopefully this will encourage you if you’re in the midst of a food-strike, mono-diet, teething, or cold. There IS hope- try not to give in to the temptation of feeding him candy or sweets or chicken nuggets just so he’ll eat something. Our job is to offer a variety of healthy, nutritious meals and snacks to our children at regular intervals throughout the day. They won’t starve. If this is the food that’s served to them (without the option of junk!) they will eat it, and perhaps even enjoy it!

Babies, Nutrition, Products, Recommendations

Plum Organics

Holly 3 Comments

I recently contacted Plum Organics and asked them to send me a sample of their products to test out and review. It’s such a small world- turns out I know the head of PR and marketing from school! Anyway, she sent me a sample of the fiddlesticks, babyfood pouches, and the fruity fingerfuls. I might have the only child on the planet who doesn’t like to eat “puffs” and most other convenience food, so I wasn’t sure what he would do when I let him try these new snacks.
The fingerfuls are freeze dried fruits and grain bits- and he loves them! The strawberry is his favorite flavor, and he feels so “big” and proud of himself when he opens the bag, pulls out a snack, and happily crunches away. The fiddlesticks are yummy too- and once again, they are discerning baby approved. These gluten free sticks are easy to hold, dissolve quickly, and are a little on the sweeter side, so they make a great healthy organic treat.
The baby food pouches are truly a godsend. My baby, who has never had the biggest appetite and usually takes 3 bites of food before he’s done (picture all of the open, half eaten jars of babyfood I would have in my fridge if I didn’t make most of it myself!) quickly flattened the first flavor and then motioned for the second. I will be ordering these by the case. They are great for car rides, or any other on-the-go activity.
The best part about them is that I can confidently give any one of the snack options to my child, because the quality of the ingredients and integrity of the company is top notch.
Thank you Plum Organics!

Babies, Nutrition

Broccoli Water

Holly Leave a comment

Doesn’t the title of this post sound so yummy? Well I try not to laugh, because my toddler LOVES his broccoli water! When you boil vegetables, lots of the vitamins end up in the cooking water because they are water soluble. So, save that water! You can strain it and put it in a cup for baby to drink right away (my baby loves warm drinks!), or refrigerate it to add it to soups or smoothies later. It can also be used to “thin” other vegetables that you puree. And remember to always serve your baby’s veggies with a little fat (butter or olive oil) so he can absorb the fat soluble vitamins!