Recently, there’s been a lot of debate over whether or not the Smart Choices program–a labeling system that seeks to indicate to consumers that a food is healthful–is actually helpful for families looking to eat a more nutritious diet. With the Smart Choices label being slapped on sugary cereals like Froot Loops and Cocoa Puffs, many health officials saw Smart Choices as deliberately misleading, and as of last week, it was announced that the program would be phased out.
How to make seriously smart choices when it comes to feeding your family? Consider these three simple rules from The ABCs of Natural, which encourage consumers to avoid the following:
Artificial flavor, color, or preservatives. A University of Southampton study linked consumption of artificial flavor and color to hyperactivity in children.
Bromates. Chemical compounds used in flours as dough conditioners to achieve pleasing texture and appearance. Exposure in high amounts can be toxic to humans and animals.
Corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is used as a sweetener and in particular has been suspected as a cause of obesity. When manufactured by a chemical process this sweetener is not natural.
Want to learn more? Check out ahealthywayoflife.com, where you can download a copy of the book for free.
The Project Green Search is looking for the next eco-friendly “it girl”—and we know just who it should be! Click here to vote for our friend and green mom extraordinaire, Corey Colwell-Lipson, today! Hurry, voting ends at midnight!
Readers of the New York Times might already be familiar with the paper’s unsettling story about Stephanie Smith, a young woman who was paralyzed from the waist down after eating beef tainted with E. coli. The article points out that selling ground beef tainted with E. coli has been banned since 1994—and though Smith’s case is an extreme example, federal health officials say the harmful bacteria is still causing tens of thousands of people to fall ill each year. How to ensure the meat your family eats is safe? Consider these tips:
Choose whole cuts of beef. Ground beef is a mishmash of low-grade cuts of meat which come from parts of a cow that are more likely to be in contact with feces—and therefore, E. coli. What’s more, since a single package of ground beef can come from multiple sources, it’s difficult to trace the origin of harmful bacteria. Whole cuts of beef, on the other hand, are higher-quality, and come from a single source.
Meet your (meat) maker. If possible, seek out meat from a local producer. Small farmers often eschew large-scale meat production practices like crowding cows or leaving them in dirty conditions, which translates to safer beef. What’s more, the beef is more likely to be free of hormones or antibiotics, and could even be grass-fed.
Go organic. If a local farmer isn’t an option, choose all-natural, certified-organic beef. It’s produced under stricter (read: safer) standards, can be traced back to an original source, and guarantees that the cow was not fed animal by-products.
Cook smart. No matter what kind of beef you buy, it’s essential that proper precautions be taken in the kitchen. First, be sure to thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage. Also, store raw beef away from other foods and thoroughly wash hands, cutting boards, and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. Finally, cook beef to a safe internal temperature (check with a meat thermometer) to ensure any bacteria is destroyed.
I recently visited the Natural Products Expo, a trade show for natural and organic products, and discovered a slew of cool products that should help you in that ongoing struggle. Many of these or similar products can be found in your local health food store; others can be special ordered or should be coming soon.
Kelley’s Top Ingredient Picks
Raw Honey. I didn’t realize honey was such a processed food until I kept seeing so much raw honey. Apparently, the sweet stuff is usually heated to ensure that it flows easily into those little containers we buy at the store. Pasteurization destroys almost all of the enzymes, antibiotics, and vitamins that are naturally present in honey. Raw honey comes straight from the hive, with bits of honeycomb, pollen, and propolis. The health benefits range from lowering cholesterol to fighting colds to aiding digestion, among many others. It is even recommended for topical use for wounds and burns! I liked Wee Bee Honey, Honey Bunny, and Really Raw Honey.
Coconut water. I was familiar with coconut milk (and ice cream) for those avoiding dairy and soy, but I had never heard of coconut water, which only comes from green coconuts. Coconut water is a healthy, natural alternative to sports drinks. It’s completely free of additives—coconut water is naturally a little sweet, rich in electrolytes, and has more potassium than a banana. My faves were Zico, O.N.E., Amy & Brian, and Vitacoco .
Agave. It’s everywhere! This all-natural, low glycemic index sweetener, is not only available in maple, amaretto, and hazelnut flavorings, but can also be found in these yummy products: Pamela’s Products gluten-free cheesecake, Flavrz drink mixes, and Organic Valley’s new low fat yogurt. What’s more, did you know that raw agave is also available? To be converted into an edible nectar, agave is heated to a high temperature for a short time, producing a light colored liquid ideal as a multi-purpose sweetener. Raw agave is either treated with enzymes or gently warmed over a period of time. Raw agave is darker in color and has a richer flavor similar to molasses or maple, and is available from Wholesome Sweeteners.
Teas. I couldn’t believe how far teas have come since Celestial Seasonings’ “SleepyTime” tea. It seemed as though every tea vendor offered not only black, green, white and herbal teas, but also promised everything from antioxidants to probiotics, detox, superfruits, heartburn relief, and even superior performance in the bedroom. My favorites included GoodEarth’s Yumberry Superfruit Tea, Bigelow’s Pomegranate Pizzazz Herb Tea, and Stash Tea’s line of Iced Green Tea powders- just add to a glass of cold water and stir!
-Kelley Daveney is a partner of Eat, Drink Marketing, a marketing group based outside Boston, MA. Reach her at kelley@kelleydaveney.com.
I’ve been there too. “Mom, I’m hungry right now! No, I don’t want an apple or a cheese stick!” It’s always a struggle to balance good-for-you with what they (or you) really want. Although my husband and I are still “head of household” on paper, I often feel that my 4 and 6 year old kids are the true power brokers.
I recently visited the Natural Products Expo, a trade show for natural and organic products, and discovered a slew of cool products that should help you in that ongoing struggle. Many of these or similar products can be found in your local health food store; others can be special ordered or should be coming soon.
My Top Picks:
Organic B.R.A.T. Diet: I wish this had been around when I was trying to get my kids to choke down Pedialyte. Sweetened with apple and banana puree, it is designed to naturally promote electrolyte balance. It’s based on the B.R.A.T. Diet (stands for the diet your mom fed you when you were recovering from an upset stomach: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce & Toast- only this version is gluten, dairy, soy and corn free) and it really tastes good. This won the show’s “Most Innovative Product Award”. (bratdiet.org)
Red’s All Natural Burritos: Turkey Mole, Chicken, Big Green Veggie and Steak. (redsallnatural.com)
evol. Burritos: Eleven mouthwatering varieties including Cilantro Chicken, Breakfast Skillet and Tofu & Spinach Saute. (evolburritos.com)
Native Water: Water from the Berkshires bottled in an earth-friendly plastic bottle. The bottle “returns to the environment within 1 to 5 years” due to the “Ecopure” FDA-approved substance. I can’t wait for this bottle to become mainstream! (earthfriendlybottle.com)
Ayala’s Herbal Water: water lightly and deliciously flavored with lavender mint or cinnamon orange peel (and other flavors). I just loved the originality and the taste. (herbalwater.com)
Golden Valley Natural Winchester snack bars: This company has a full line of beef jerky, which scared me off initially. However, the Beef and Berry (dried beef & cranberries) and Pork & Fruit (dried pork, cherries & apple) sounded awful but were great! I was also surprised to really enjoy their turkey jerky and Fruit Stix. (goldenvalleynatural.com)
Vermont Cookie Love: if you don’t want to make cookies from scratch, or yearn for some interesting new varieties like mocha or pumpkin chocolate chip, look no further. It’s frozen dough shaped like a burrito. (vermontcookielove.com)
–Kelley Devaney is a partner of Eat, Drink Marketing, a marketing consulting group near Boston, MA. Reach her at kelley at kelleydevaney dot com.
SIGG reusable water bottles are safer than plastic ones because they don’t contain BPA-or so most eco-conscious consumers thought until the news broke last week stating otherwise. While in the past, SIGG has reported that its bottles present no detectable level of BPA, the company refused to answer whether or not bottle liners actually contain the toxin. So when the company recently announced that it’s new reusable bottles will be completely BPA-free, questions began to arise regarding the older bottles.
As it turns out, SIGG bottles manufactured before August 2008 contained a liner that housed trace amounts of BPA. In response to the controversy, SIGG CEO Steve Wasik explained that the company was being honest in its disclosure because the bottles didn’t actually leach the chemical. “I believe that the BPA conversation has changed dramatically in the last 12 months. Last year, the primary concern was that of BPA leaching from bottles. Since that time the dialogue has evolved such that now some people are concerned about the mere presence of BPA and some states are considering legislation,” he says.
SIGG is now offering its customers BPA-free replacement bottles, however, won’t be footing the bill for shipping costs. To learn more about the exchange, check out mysigg.com.
If you are in the New York area this weekend, go check out the “Let’s Get Healthy” Workshop held at Brooklyn’s Children Museum Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am-1pm. KIWI will be there handing out magazines and treats! This Play Lab series workshop focuses on children being active and healthy in their everyday life. Their new exhibit, Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action demonstrates the important of both animals and people living their lives in a healthy and happy way and eating well. Please bring your kiddies to this wonderful event and jump start their knowledge on these important subjects. Admission is $7.50 for adults and free for museum members and children under 1 year of age. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is located at 145 Brooklyn Avenue (at St. Marks Avenue), Brooklyn, NY 11213. For more information on this particular workshop or a list of summer events, please visit Brooklyn Children’s Museum.
-Brittany, KIWI Staff and healthy lifestyle advocate
KiwiLog is currently in the process of updating our blogroll. If you’re a mom or dad blogger, or have a blog about earth-friendly living, we’d love to know about it! Please share your links in the comments.
Ice cream trucks are a hallmark of summer, but what about a fresh produce truck? The Veggie Van is just that, brought to the people of central Ohio through The Greener Grocer, a food market that seeks to promote local and artisanal products from small-scale farmers.
A sort of farmer’s market on wheels, The Veggie Van delivers fresh, sustainably-grown local produce to Ohio communities. In keeping with their mission to spread food justice, The Veggie Van accepts food stamps, as well as works in collaboration with Local Matters, a not-for-profit dedicated to increasing the availability of fresh, local foods to central Ohio residents.
What a cool concept! When you think about it from the angle of a ice cream truck, we love how The Veggie Van offers healthy snack options–biting into a perfectly red, ripe strawberry beats a sno-cone any day. What’s more, it’s well-known that lower-income areas often have less access to fresh fruits and vegetables, so the fact that The Veggie Van is seeking to address this issue in an innovative way is really commendable!
Microsoft has launched a program that is geared towards home owners to see their energy stats as they fill out questions about their energy consumption. It takes your information creating your own energy profile and gives you feedback on how to reduce your energy usage as well as recommendations. A major concern with this program is that it is only geared towards homeowners and doesn’t focus on apartment owners/renters which misses out on major urban locations. Aside from this issue, the program is easy to use and available at HOHM. Check it out and see how you can reduce your carbon footprint!
In an effort to help consumers learn about the chemicals often lurking in conventionally-grown food, The Pesticide Action Network recently launched WhatsOnMyFood.com, a website that seeks to spread awareness of the harmful effects of pesticides on our health and environment.
Synthetic pesticides play a huge role in conventional farming practices, and have been implicated as a cause for range a range of illnesses including autism and Parkinson’s disease. PAN is committed to working towards the reduction of pesticide use, as well as collaborating with partner companies to voice their collective opposition against the use of chemicals in our food.
Case in point: the average American child receives more than five “servings” of chemical residues in their food and water each day, according to WhatsOnMyFood?. Further, the website allows you to search by food or pesticide to learn what’s potentially hiding in your meal. It also offers ways for concerned parents and families to take action in the fight against the use of these hazardous materials.
As for us? We’re going organic whenever possible. What about your family?
KIWI is looking to speak with some moms about the ways they keep their family healthy. Post-dinner walks? Lots of whole grains? If you’re interested in sharing, leave your e-mail address in the comments!
If you’ve ever wondered about what it might be like to sleep under the stars, now’s your chance–The North Face has designated June to be National Camping Month!
Throughout the month, The North Face will be holding free educational events and community activities in an effort to encourage families to spend time enjoying the outdoors through the simple act of camping. A press release for the company stated that according to the Outdoor Industry Association, there was an 11.6% decrease of participation in outdoor activities among kids ages 6-17 between 2006-2007. Hopefully, The North Face’s initiative will help foster enthusiasm among kids to spend time in nature!
Whether your family spends a night sleeping in the backyard or plan a whole weekend escape to the natural world, make the effort to camp this month!
Going green has gained enormous support and popularity around the world so what comes next? An environmental film festival… Duh! On June 5-6, the Ketelhuis Cinema in Amsterdam will offer environmental films, interviews with directors, and world premieres for the eco-minded. Strawberry Earth is the host and Green Choice will be using green power for the entire event. The film festival is donating funds to make the location a greener environment. The Ketelhuis Cinema will also contribute funds to Greenpeace for the next ten years! “Besides getting an eco-education, your money also supports a really cool local project.” (Treehugger.com) Learn more about this film festival.
KIWI’s May/June issue is now available at newsstands! We’ll help you kick off summer with planet-friendly party ideas, natural sun safety for kids, and lots of great recipes for sustainable seafood and super protein alternatives. Pick up a copy with your family this weekend before hitting the beach!
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. Beaches fill with umbrellas and sandcastles, swim clubs open for the season, campgrounds flood with tents, and the smell of barbeque pervades neighborhoods. Start your holiday weekend with our bbq favorites and the natural condiments to go with them.
Between the Buns All-Beef: For a plump, hearty, tastes-like-it-came-off-the-grill treat, try Applegate Farms Great Organic Hot Dog. Made with 100% organic grass-fed beef, this dog has half the fat as many traditional varieties, but all the flavor as your childhood faves.
Pork & Beef: Juicy, with hints of both sweet and salty, Organic Prairie’s Uncured Hot Dog gives a great snap as you bite into it. For the youngsters, try Niman Ranch Fearless Uncured Franks for Kids. These dogs are made with antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, plus the mild flavor and thin shape make them a great choice for little mouths.
Vegetarian: Want a dog, but not meat? Packed with protein, LightLife’s Veggie Dogs, made with organic ingredients, and all-natural Yves Good Dog boasts a delicious hickory flavor. Plus, there’s no saturated fat or cholesterol in these dogs, making them one summer snack that won’t ruin your diet.
Poultry: Organic Prairie Uncured Chicken Hot Dogs and Uncured Turkey Hot Dogs are skinless, made from organic meat and boast a smoky and hearty taste, but contain much less fat than pork or beef dogs.
Tasty Toppers Ketchup: With Annie’s Naturals Organic Ketchup, delight in the same traditional ketchup taste that you love but without the high fructose corn syrup or pesticide-ridden tomatoes. Or try a new twist on an old classic with Wholemato’s Spicy Organic Agave Ketchup, a thick adaptation with a smoky flavor that’s sweetened with agave nectar.
Mustard: Available in a jar or a squeeze bottle, Eden Organic Yellow Mustard Stone Ground with Apple Cider Vinegar is essential for any condiment lover. Gentle hints of vinegar and garlic harmonize in this smooth-textured mustard.
Sauerkraut: Tree of Life sauerkraut contains only organic cabbage, water and salt, making it mild enough for even the youngest family member to enjoy.
Relish: For a refreshing summer treat, top your dog with the crunchy Del Monte Organic Sweet Pickle Relish. Its tangy taste will be sure to put your tongue into overdrive.
– Cricket Azima, KIWI Food Editor and lover of bbqs
From Treehugger.com: “The good folks at Global Green USA have teamed up with Jake Gyllenhaal to launch the “National Green Schools” initiative with a Green Service Day at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles, helping students to clean up the school’s edible garden. The “National Green Schools” initiative is aimed at raising general awareness of the benefits of green schools and the critical need for building and modernizing all schools with healthy, high performance green classrooms.”
KIWI also has a website dedicated to greening schools: myhealthyschool.com. Sign up to join our email list or become part of our teachers’ advisory board.
– Stephanie, KIWI staff and fan of Jake Gyllenhaal and school gardens
Here at KIWI, moms are very important to us and to the future of our green babies. Give your mom an easy, inexpensive Mother’s Day gift by nominating her for our Moms of the Revolution contest. Share her story on how she is revolutionizing the way kids in your community eat. Revolution Foods and KIWI have teamed up for this wonderful, inspiring contest and it does not come as a surprise that others are appreciating how important this contest is. TreeHugger, a well known website focusing on going green, has just mentioned our MOTR contest and we could not be more thrilled! Thanks for your support TreeHugger! Check it out.
– Brittany, KIWI staff and wishing all moms a happy mother’s day
Well, we want to know how! Simply enter our contest and you could be the next Mom of the Revolution. 5 Moms will be selected to be featured in KIWI Magazine, receive a free KIWI subscription, and a one year supply of healthy lunchbox snacks for their family. One of the 5 Moms will win the GRAND PRIZE OF $3,000 in cash to help fund their own healthy School Lunch Revolution.
At the beginning of April, I made an overwhelmingly huge list of health and environmental goals that I hoped to reach by the end of the month. Needless to say, I’ve found myself falling short, and getting sort of disappointed. I really do want to never buy disposable anything! I really do want to eat fruits and vegetables with every single meal. I even really do want to reduce my dependency on traditional conventional care products like shampoo, but sometimes that has meant looking like a real greaseball–and I’m a busy lady–I can’t look like I just rolled out of bed, at least not too often!
I recently came across a great blog called Tiny Choices that, not surprisingly, focuses on the little things we can do every day to make our lives a little greener. While the blog’s content is interesting and informative, it’s the title that I found most inspirational. Instead of tying myself to lofty goals that I often can’t attain, I need to concentrate on individual moments, or Tiny Choices, if you will. I need to not take a huge handful of napkins from the lunch counter when getting takeout instead of saying no disposables ever again. I need to remind my partner to turn off the light on many separate occasions instead of saying never leave the lights on again.
What about you? We’ve already talked about big Earth Day-inspired goals. What about your Tiny Choices?
Peas and fava beans are everywhere in many of California’s farmers’ markets. In Texas, the growing season is in full swing, with strawberry season already giving way to early zucchini and yellow squash. We aren’t yet quite as lucky here in the Northeast, but the first of the spring lettuces are starting to pop up.
Personally, I’m looking forward to making some great salads full of leafy greens, fresh shell beans, some chopped dates for sweetness and a few walnuts for crunch. Drizzle on some lemon tahini dressing and I’m good to go! What about you? What are your plans (present or not-too-distant future) for spring’s delicious offerings?
Did you get fooled today? I did. I am a frequent Whole Foods Market website reader. Today, for a limited time only, you can purchase organic air for only $6.99. Or get an exclusive recipe for toast. Very clever Whole Foods Market…you fooled me!
Traditional Medicinals, a tea company featuring all-natural, herbal brews, helps new moms and moms-to-be achieve health and balance. Their organic Pregnancy Tea combines a blend of herbs like alfalfa and spearmint used by women for centuries to nourish the womb and prepare it for childbirth. Breastfeeding mothers can benefit from Organic Mother’s Milk, made of anise, fennel, and coriander. And all women will get a boost from Women’s Liberty, which promotes healthy hormonal balance according to Chinese medicinal practices. Learn about all their teas at traditionalmedicinals.com.
Change we need, indeed! And on this first day of spring, we’re going to get it, thanks to Michelle Obama and 23 Washington DC fifth graders. Together, they will break ground on the South Lawn for the nation’s first White House garden since that kept by Eleanor Roosevelt during World War II.
With over 55 different edibles being grown, including hearty greens, lettuces, peppers, tomatillos, berries, herbs, as well as two beehives for honey, the organic garden will be a chief source of food for the first family. It will also provide a valuable learning experience to participating students who, along with the President, will do their part in planting, weeding, and harvesting. Even more important, the White House garden will serve to influence mainstream America on the value of local, sustainable food. (The entire garden set up cost around $200–who says it’s too expensive to eat well?)
Michelle Obama is taking this opportunity to advocate the necessity of good food for our children. She’s encouraging parents to get healthy with their kids by upping their fresh (locally produced, if possible) fruit and vegetable intake, limiting processed foods, and preparing more meals at home. Interested in starting a garden of your own? Learn all about it from Kiwi Community’s article on family gardening.
-Marygrace, KIWI intern and organic gardening supporter
Purple and Carrot, discuss. Purple carrots can now be found in a fruit & veggie drink for kids. First Juice, Inc. just introduced two new flavors, blueberry+purple carrot and peach+purple carrot. And, if you are wondering…yes, purple carrots are real! Furthermore, their darker complexion brings antioxidants similar to blueberries and red grapes.
It is sold in an 8 oz. reusable and recyclable, spill-proof, BPA-Free sippy-top container that is convenient for parents on-the-go. The First Juice 32 oz. bottle is great for refills.
In an effort to foster community and help parents help each other, we’ve rounded up some of the best offerings from eco-minded mom bloggers. Here they are!
-Eco Child’s Play reviews Bringing Home Nature by Doug Tallamy, a book aimed at helping families create their own native backyard habitats.
-Is it better to purchase a conventional, second-hand crib, or buy a new one that’s certified greener or safer? Green Baby Guide discusses.
-Not sure what to do with the piles of boxes you have in your garage? Looking to get some boxes on the cheap while still avoiding waste? Visit Mom Goes Green.
-Inhabitots explores attachment parenting, as well as the merits of an arm’s reach co-sleeper. Learn more about attachment parenting and other sleep training methods in the March articles by Moms Meet.
-Mom Go Green is gearing up for warmer weather with an outdoor bat house. It keeps mosquitoes at bay, and provides some fun nighttime entertainment!
We want to honor the hometown activist in all of our communities – the Moms of the Revolution. Tell us how you (or a mom you know) are revolutionizing the way kids in your community eat.
5 Moms will be selected to be featured in KIWI Magazine, receive a free KIWI subscription, and a one year supply of healthy lunchbox snacks from Revolution Foods for their family. One of the 5 Moms will win the GRAND PRIZE of $3,000 in cash to help fund their own healthy School Lunch Revolution.
It’s no secret that the healthiest, most delicious foods come from natural sources. Organic Valley’s milk, cheese, eggs, and meats are raised without antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides for authentic food that truly nourishes. A family farm co-op, Organic Valley aims for continual improvement and transparency, making their products food you can really feel good about. Coupon lovers click here.
–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of all things natural
In an effort to foster community and help parents help each other, I thought it would be a good idea to post weekly highlights of some of what’s going on in the mom blogosphere. Onto the first roundup!
-Eco Child’s Play talks eco-friendly childcare, as well as resources to find eco-certified childcare centers near you.
-bumGenius! BabyLegs are more than just cute leggings. Learn how else they can be useful at the Cloth Diaper Blog.
-Just in time for V-Day! Inhabitots has great Valentine’s cards made from recycled material for your child to share with her friends.
-Read about the pros and cons of hiring a sitter from Mama-Om.
-Easy ways to save on organics, courtesy of Mom Goes Green.
-The Tranquil Parent is looking for ways to ease her four-year-old’s doctor anxiety.
Helping build healthy bones by aiding in calcium absorption, vitamin D is an important nutrient that’s often hard to find in foods.Baby Ddrops are an easy way to provide your child with the daily recommended amount of vitamin D, minus the unpleasant taste or clumsy droppers that often accompany supplements. The unique bottle dispenses 400 IU of vitamin D in one easy drop, which can be used while breastfeeding, on baby’s pacifier, or mixed into a child’s food or drink. For $2.00 your next purchase, call 888-234-5656 and mention code KIWI!
– Marygrace, KIWI intern and promoter of vitamin D
Handmade valentines are truly gifts from the heart. A family fun project is making paper embedded with flower or veggie seeds. You’ll end up with Valentines that keep on giving. In addition to junk mail or other bits of paper, you’ll need some window screen, water and a blender. And if you’ve been looking for a way to recycle that dryer lint, you’ve found it! Learn how to make paper yourself or if you’re not into papermaking, seed-embedded cards can be purchased at GreenfieldPaper.com.
–Lynn and Corey Colwell, mother-daughter duo and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at CelebrateGreen.net.
Calling all sensitive skin types! We’ve teamed up with Lavera Organic to give KIWI readers 10% off on a soothing slew natural and organic skincare products (use promo code Kiwi09 at checkout). Lavera’s Mom and Baby Set pampers mom with a wild rose facial mask and moisturizer and keeps baby’s delicate hair and skin soft with almond shampoo and cream. Offering protection from harmful ingredients while creating effective products for allergy-prone and sensitive skin types, Lavera’s skincare line is a goldmine of green baby shower gifts.
–Marygrace, KIWI intern and lover of organic skin care
If you’ve read our Super Healthy Super Bowl suggestions, you’ll see that we are big fans of popchips!
They’re definitely a different type of chip. Neither baked nor fried, they apply pressure, and pop it’s a chip! Plus they’re all natural with half the fat of fried potato chips, trans fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol. They have five crunchy flavors (I love their salt and pepper flavor the best!). You can find them pretty easily at Whole Foods Market, Target and Jamba Juice, and many other stores (check out their website for locations near you).
Across the U.S. (43 states and 500 people, to be exact), peanut butter products are being checked due to a possible salmonella outbreak. Over 165 products have been recalled (a number that grows as you read this), and families all over are reading labels extra carefully as they shop.
So how do you avoid a potentially sticky situation?
First, don’t panic! Not all peanut butter products have been contaminated. The experts at the FDA and Centers for Disease Control have determined that the outbreak originated from one manufacturer, the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which has a plant in Blakely, Georgia. The good news? PCA doesn’t sell directly to consumers, so your jars of plain peanut butter should be fine. But products made with the peanut paste produced from PCA are at risk, including cookies, crackers, cereals, ice cream, candies, and pet foods. Major companies such as Keebler, Clif Bars, Trader Joe’s and Wegman’s have all been affected by product recalls.
To find out if your favorite foods are on the suspect list, search the FDA’s list of recalled products. If you’re not sure about a certain product, the FDA recommends you omit it from your family’s diet for the time being.
We’ve all heard over and over that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You want your kids to start their day off with a healthy, nutritious breakfast…everyday. But are they? One of the best ways to guarantee that your kids are eating a balanced breakfast is to eat it with them. Let’s call this our mid-January New Year’s Resolution. How many times a week can you eat breakfast with you kids? Our breakfast recipes can help you. Enjoy!
––Stephanie Singer, KIWI staff and lover of breakfast
Peanut butter and jelly. Cookies and milk. Some things just go together, winter and chapped lips being another classic pair that can be added to the list. Instead of reaching for a tube of the iconic (and petroleum-laden) Cherry Chapstick we all wore in middle school, soothe your lips naturally with one of these eco-friendly picks.
-Lip balm by Pangea Organics is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids in a range of sophisticated scents like Pyranees lavender with cardamom and Egyptian fennel with grapefruit and sweet orange. Fellow KIWI blogger Stephanie loves Italian red mandarin with rose.
-Available in tins (for which I can personally vouch last forever), organic Badger Balm does double-duty by working in dry skin, too.
-A popular favorite, Burt’s Bees offers lip balms that heal and moisturize. I love the warm clove scent of their medicated variety, as well as the subtle pink tint left by a swipe of the replenishing balm.
Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI intern and avid lip balm collector
When it comes to food, we recommend eating organic. That being said, the realities of life don’t always allow us to be 100% organic. So when you have to give up something, where should you start? According to the Daily Green, here is a list of 10 fruits and vegetables that’s you don’t necessarily have to buy organic (all the time). Why don’t these need to be grown organically? Well, most of the following “face fewer threats from pests such as insects or disease, so fewer pesticides need to be used OR have thick skins that protect the fruit from pesticide build-up.”
If your child has food allergies, or special dietary needs, you can still visit friends and family and share the joy of the holiday season. But when food is involved (and when isn’t it?) it’s always best to come prepared. So here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Call ahead to explain your child’s allergies and offer to bring a safe dish.
Ask to serve your child first to make sure that the utensils and foods are not cross contaminated.
Remind loved ones not to fuss over what your child is eating. He or she wants to be part of the crowd and not singled out because of his differences.
If the host seems not to “get it”, feed your child at home and bring dessert or a snack.
Keep an eye out for candy dishes and nut bowls. If your child is very young, ask if they can be moved out of the little one’s reach.
Desserts in particular are a common cause of allergic reactions as they are often cross contaminated with peanuts or nuts and most will contain some of the top nine allergens. So, make a special holiday dessert that your child will love and bring enough to share so that she feels part of the celebration.
–Gina Clowes is the Founder of AllergyMoms.com and author of One of the Gang: Nurturing the Souls of Children with Food Allergies
Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to stop and appreciate what we have in union with friends, family and community. Involving traditions that focus on appreciation can be fun, easy, cost-free and may even outrank your grandma’s apple pie as the most anticipated aspect of the entire holiday. Here are some simple, cost-free alternatives.
· Create a gratitude centerpiece. Invite each guest to bring a small object that represents something for which they are thankful. As they arrive, they can put the object in a glass bowl in the center of the table, or directly on the table if you prefer. Once everyone has arrived, you can play with placement of the objects on the table, interspersing them with items from nature like acorns, leaves, and berries to make this collaborative tableau. Sometime during the meal, each guest can explain what their gift represents. You will not only have created a beautiful and unique centerpiece, but a new oral tradition.
· Box of thanks. Place small strips of paper and a pen at each place. Make or decorate a box including the words, “Thanksgiving 2008,” and set in the center of the table. Ask everyone to write on the paper strip, then read aloud, the thing they are most thankful for this year. After reading, place the strips in the box, where they will remain at the “heart” of the Thanksgiving meal. Next year, bring out the 2008 box and the host or hostess can read all the strips before putting out a new box for 2009. Imagine after 10 years, how the reminders of gratitude will multiply.
· “T” is for the Thankful Game. Depending on the number of guests, you’ll need a few words related to Thanksgiving, like Thanksgiving, gratitude, turkey dinner, cranberry sauce. Start the game by saying the word, i.e. Thanksgiving. The host begins by talking about something she is grateful for that starts with a “t.” The next person says something he is grateful for beginning with an “h,” etc. Once you’ve gone through the first word if you have more players or want to go around again, choose another word or word combination.
· Walk of appreciation. After enjoying your Thanksgiving meal, instead of grabbing a snooze on the couch, bundle up and take the family on a flashlight or candlelit walk around the block. During the first five minutes to walk silently together, thinking of all the things for which you are grateful. As the walk continues, share your gratitude list with each other.
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and the authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Celebrations, Holidays and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.NET.
Last weekend I went to the DC Green Festival, a joint project of Global Exchange and Co-op America. Hundreds of speakers and exhibitors convened at the DC Convention Center to educate thousands of people on the latest trends in the green movement. Attendees who stopped by our KIWI booth walked away with a KIWI Magazine amongst other goodies PLUS had a chance to sign up for our contests. Don’t worry. In case you missed this event, you can still participate.
Here’s the deal:
KiwiCrusaders: KIWI acknowledges excellence in school meals. Enter to win a prize of $3,500 for your school. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/kiwicrusaders/index.php
Next Great Young Chef Contest: Kids ages 4-17 are invited to create a recipe with our secret ingredient – Florida Crystals Organic and Natural Sugars. Parents, please upload a video of the chef in progress. http://www.kiwimagonline.com/contests/NextGreatYoungChef/
Great School Beaches Getaway: Teachers who sign up to receive enews on our new website, MyHealthySchool.com, will be entered to win a vacation package to a Beaches Resort location in Turks & Caicos or Jamaica. http://www.myhealthyschool.com/contests/Beaches/
Next stop on my Green Festival tour is San Francisco this Friday November 15th – Sunday November 17th. Please make sure to stop and say hello and tell your friends…
If you’re like many parents, you want your kids to enjoy Halloween, but you’re uneasy with the emphasis on candy.
Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. Over the last two years, we’ve discovered dozens and dozens of ways to enjoy Halloween without all the focus on loot. In fact, it’s not only possible, it’s becoming a trend! (And, we expect, one that’s here to stay.) Here are our five top ideas for celebrating a green Halloween. For the dozens more great ideas, check out www.GreenHalloween.org.
1. Focus on fun. Generally, when people think about Halloween, the first thing that comes to mind is candy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. How about planning a party with an emphasis on games that goblins of all ages are sure to enjoy. Dunking for apples is a classic—and hilarious to boot. You can also have your guests use non-toxic crayons to paint each other’s faces—with their eyes closed! Instead of trick-or-treating for candy, plan a Halloween scavenger hunt with your neighbors. Doing so at night with flashlights adds to the fun. Shakable flashlights makes the hunt eco-cool. Focusing on fun – rather than stuff is not only healthier and more earth-friendly, it makes for wonderful memories.
2. Choose treats you and your kids can enjoy. No, we’re not suggesting that you hand out candy that both of you can agree on. We’re encouraging you to choose from the many healthy and healthier goodies now on the market (with more being released every day), that are parent and kid approved. And with natural and healthy food and essentials stores popping up around the country like dandelions in the lawn (in a good way), finding treats like honey or agave sticks, fruit leathers, organic chocolate “bites” or all natural gum is a snap.
3. Consider treasures. “Treasures” are non-edible goodies that trick-or-treaters will love. Think they won’t? While we have yet to meet a child who would rather have conventional candy once he or she sees alternatives, we know your experience will speak louder than ours. So, this year, try putting your conventional candy choice in one bowl and in the other, a mix of the types of treasures we suggest such as polished stones, temporary tattoos or seed packets. (Why not check the extensive list at Green Halloween and allow your children be your guide as to what they think will be most popular?) Offer the kids a choice and see what happens.
4. Less is more. When we were kids, receiving one piece of candy at each home was the norm. Today, trick-or-treaters receive handfuls. Not only is this costly for this generation’s health and the health of the planet, giving out supersized quantities is expensive, too. This year, try giving just one of whatever you select. Or, allow the children to choose, “just one special (make a big deal of this part) treat.” You’ll be as amazed as we were to find that when it’s done with fun in mind, reducing actually encourages children’s excitement and gratitude.
5. Give yourself a treat and remember that you don’t have to do it all to make a big difference. New healthy and green steps will be more sustainable if you can find ways to enjoy the process and celebrate your baby steps. So, this year, consider starting where you are and with whatever choice or choices inspire your family most. Whether you make your own face paints, hold a party in a retirement home or carve (and eat) locally grown pumpkins, it’s really all about the “spirit” of going green. Celebrate what works for you!
KIWI Magazine and Florida Crystals have launched The Next Great Young Chef Contest inviting kids ages 4 - 17 to show off their cooking skills. A panel of prestigious judges will help to pick the next generation of culinary experts. Two talented winners will appear on KiwiTV webcasts and in a special feature article in KIWI Magazine and win over $12,500 in prizes.
Be allergy-aware this Halloween with these helpful tips from Enjoy Life (www.enjoylifefoods.com).
1. Be proactive. If you know of children with food allergies, ask the parents what types of candies are safe. They will be thrilled to know you care.
2. Keep a stash of “safe candy” or fun trinkets (i.e. bubbles, silly putty, tattoos, stickers, spider rings, bracelets). Up to six percent of children have food allergies, so you’re sure to have several grateful goblins at your door.
3. Be discreet. If you know the child has food allergies, don’t ask “Oh, you’re the one with the peanut allergy, right?” These kids just want to fit in with everyone else.
4. Everyone loves ingredient labels. Give out candy with clear ingredient labels so parents and children can decide which candies are safe.
5. Don’t drop candy into his bag. Let the child select a piece of candy. He may know which candies are safe and which aren’t.
6. Listen to the child. If she says, “No thank you” it may be because there are no safe options. No need to make a fuss, but don’t try to get her to take a candy that may not be safe for her.
7. Parents know best. Don’t assume that peanut allergy is the only allergy. There are many types of food allergies so it’s important to let parents decide what type of candy is safe for their child.
8. Think of your guests. If you’re entertaining around Halloween, be careful with candy dishes and your children’s stashes of candy. Young children with food allergies may be easily tempted by “unsafe” candy if left unattended.
In the beginning, it was so easy to go to the movies with Sylvie. We hit the theater at 11 a.m. (“Devil Wears Prada” or “Matchpoint,” anyone?) and she nursed in the dark on and off. I became increasingly proud of my status of nursing mom, and in a shameful moment, I told off a woman in a Cosi sandwich shop who tried to get my friend to abandon the upholstered chair she had marked off with a paper bag and newspaper (looked like trash to us!). My friend needed to nurse and was going a little nutty herself, and I was irate. It was an ugly scene. I am not proud. I thought womankind had taken two steps back because this woman was not being supportive of my friend’s need to breastfeed. If she’s reading this, I am sorry! Blame it on the hormones!
By the time I left the hospital, baby Sylvie had bit my nipple and swallowed part of it. It was bleeding and raw. We both had yeast infections, which my doctor didn’t treat so the pain grew more and more intense. Not only was I angry at my doctor for not knowing anything about breastfeeding, angry at the hospital lactation consultant for pushing her social agenda of “keep breastfeeding no matter what,” but I was also angry at my girlfriends who never told me how difficult and painful it was. I was terrified of my sweet little baby every time she had to eat. So instead of being happy and elated, I felt angry, stupid, scared and alone. Great.. But I was not giving up!
After breast infections, house calls from the amazing boob doctor Dr. Mona Gabbay and the illustrious Susan Berger, emailing photographs of my breasts to them both, weekly breastfeeding support group meetings at Real Birth, begging and paying our post-partum doula Tara Brooke to sleep over, having my dear husband latch Sylvie onto me (which was like waiting for the perfect wave), banning my unsupportive mother from coming over for weeks, and even pumping for two weeks to get of the mental hang-ups I had created, at exactly eight weeks and one day, it stopped hurting. And we got into a rhythm. And no formula! I won! But don’t get me wrong—this was my Olympic Event and no one else’s.
I learned that women don’t tell their pregnant friends how hard it is because they don’t want them to stop trying, give up or be scared. It’s like a gang initiation rite. I now give the Sears “Breastfeeding Book” at any and all baby showers. New moms look at it with an “oh….” and soon-to-be grandmothers look at it equally suspiciously, hoping for cute Baby Gap outfits. But a month after the babies are born, they’re all grateful!
As parents and kids prepare for the beginning of another school year, it is a time of excitement and anxiety. For the more than 3 million kids with food allergies — and their parents — the back-to-school anxiety is particularly palpable. Understandable, considering that 1 in 5 children will have an allergic reaction while in school (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2001: 155: 790-795). What is a regular day for most kids is fraught with danger for children with food allergies. If the peanut-allergic child sits next to a child eating PB&J or the egg-allergic child eats the birthday cupcake brought in by a classmate, the results could be fatal.
Parents worry: Will the teachers remember my child’s specific food allergy? Will the Epi-Pen® be accessible on the playground or on a field trip? What if substitute teachers cover lunch time and will they be prepared to manage an allergic reaction? The reality is they just don’t know…and that’s not good enough.
I know these fears all too well. My son is severely allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. A couple years ago, before his first day at preschool, I met with the teachers and school director, discussed his allergies, signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and how a reaction should be managed. Two weeks into school, I walked him into class only to overhear the teacher tell another parent that the children would be making trail mix that day. I was astounded, as were the parents of the other two nut-allergic children in the class. At best, the children would have experienced hives and vomiting… at worst, anaphylaxis and death. And the questions followed: How can I make sure the people around my son are constantly alerted to his allergies? And, if there is an emergency, how can I ensure that they will know what to do?
The anxiety is shared by teachers, coaches, babysitters and others who care for allergic kids. They worry too: How will I remember each child’s specific allergies? How will I know if a child is having an allergic reaction? Will I be able to respond appropriately?
To keep your child safer this school year:
1. Clearly identify your child by his/her specific food allergies
2. Clearly label his belongings—lunch bag, backpack—with allergy alerts to prevent exposure
3. Make safe foods available for your child
4. Keep emergency medication available and accessible at all times; make sure that whoever is with your child is prepared to manage a life-threatening emergency
Communication is key… your child’s life could depend on it! Label your child’s lunch bag with his allergies to alert teachers and cafeteria staff. Get a kid-friendly allergy alert wristband that your child will actually wear. Provide the school with safe snacks for your child. Make sure that emergency medication and information is accessible at all times while your child is in school. By alerting others to your child’s allergies, making safe food available and having emergency measures in place, you can minimize the risk of an allergic reaction and maximize the chances of an effective response if one does occur.
Best wishes for a safe and successful school year!
–Robin Davison, MPH, JD, Founder of STAT kids, LLC (www.statkids.com)
My daughter Sylvie just turned two. For the past year, I’ve been trying to wean her, and guess what: I am failing. I am not in control.
This morning, my fearless toddler leaped out of her crib sideways as if jumping into a wave, all in an effort to coax me into the glider chair that has become my straight jacket. If I try to do anything else, she has a meltdown. What would happen if I got rid of the chair or put it in the family room so my husband could glide, drink beer and watch hockey? Well, we all know what would happen. I’d be sitting on the floor of Sylvie’s room while she wrangles my bra exclaiming “BOOBIE, BOOBIE, BOOBIE!”
So for a moment, I relax, and melt into her moody blue eyes that give me a special flirtatious wink, reserved only for me. A few minutes go by, I fall back into my morning panic, peek at the dog who is desperate to go outside and imagine the boob job I’m going to need in a few years.
I experience a hundred different emotions on a daily basis about breastfeeding. It consumes me. I have my highs and lows. Some days I feel empowered and loving, while other days I feel resentful and guilty. To be a Type-A control freak who is controlled by a baby comes with its own set of issues.
Looking for a fun and healthy adventure for you and the kids this summer? Try berry picking. Kids of all ages (and parents/grandparents too!) can benefit from taking a trip to a local “U-Pick” farm to engage in some wholesome and delicious fun.
Allowing children to understand how food grows will ultimately awaken their senses to enjoy their food more (they can pick and eat). After picking, keep a bowl of fresh berries on the table to allow for grazing throughout the day. Let your kids know that this is a great healthy snack that they can much on any time throughout the day.
In addition to tasting great, berries are very high in phytochemicals such as antioxidants and bioflavonoids. These types of nutrients have demonstrated a beneficial effect in numerous health conditions, including the prevention of oxidative and inflammatory stress on the lining of blood vessels and red blood cells.
When the cells in our body use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals, or by-products, which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as “free radical scavengers” and can help to prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals. Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, and cancer are all known to be, in part, caused by oxidative damage.
In a test that measures the antioxidant potential of a variety of foods—the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test—blueberries came out on top. Wild blueberries, such as those found all over New England, have the highest ORAC value, with the larger blueberries coming in a close second. Blueberries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision. And best of all, a cup of blueberries has four grams of fiber and only 83 calories!
Raspberries are rich in anthocyanins, which is a powerful antioxidant, as well as cancer-fighting phytochemicals such as ellagic, coumaric and ferulic acid. Raspberries have 8 grams of fiber and only 64 calories per cup.
While berries are great eaten alone, they can also be made into muffins, cakes, scones and even homemade ice cream. One of my favorite ways to eat berries is with a scoop of fresh, home made whip cream. Also, throw them in a dinner salad for an extra special treat.
–Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.
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SIGG reusable water bottles are safer than plastic ones because they don’t contain BPA-or so most eco-conscious consumers thought until the news broke last week stating otherwise. While in the past, SIGG has reported that its bottles present no detectable level of BPA, the company refused to answer whether or not bottle liners actually contain the toxin. So when the company recently announced that it’s new reusable bottles will be completely BPA-free, questions began to arise regarding the older bottles.
Ice cream trucks are a hallmark of summer, but what about a fresh produce truck? The Veggie Van is just that, brought to the people of central Ohio through 
In an effort to help consumers learn about the chemicals often lurking in conventionally-grown food, 
KIWI’s May/June issue is now available at newsstands! We’ll help you kick off summer with planet-friendly party ideas, natural sun safety for kids, and lots of great recipes for sustainable seafood and super protein alternatives. Pick up a copy with your family this weekend before hitting the beach!
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