Category Archives: Food

Food

Healthy Snacking for Children With Diabetes

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Mother feeding food

Getting your child with type 1 diabetes to eat healthy snack food might seem an impossible task. But, with a little planning you might find that your child’s eating habits and blood sugar levels improve significantly. Here are four helpful strategies toward that end.

Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand

Your kids will eat most of their food from what you have available at your house. If you stock lots of snack foods like chips, cookies and soda in your pantry, chances are good that your child will eat more of these foods than he or she should.

Not only do these snacks lack nutritional value but foods high in fat and sugar are likely to cause a roller-coaster of ups and downs in blood glucose levels.

Eating healthy snacks starts at the grocery store. Make a point to buy healthy food that could be turned into wholesome snacks. Think peanut butter on celery, whole grain crackers and cheese, or low-fat yogurt as alternatives to processed foods that come in a box. A variety of fruits and some vegetables can often satisfy a child’s craving for something sweet if they are presented in an appealing way.

Be Creative

Instead of simply handing your child an apple or a cup of grapes to eat, encourage them to be creative with the snacks you give them. For example, try creating a collage or a face on a dinner plate by combining small portions of healthy snacks. A thinly sliced apple can act as the outline of the face; a couple small dollops of peanut butter for ears and some shavings off a carrot for hair. Nuts, low-fat yogurt, red and yellow peppers, celery, whole grain crackers and cheese are all versatile in their creative usefulness and tasty.

Once you get your children started on this idea the possibilities for food creations are endless.

Model Preferred Eating Habits

The best way to teach your child to eat healthily is to choose your own snacks wisely. They will often eat what they see modeled for them by parents.

Another way to be a good role model is to be mindful of portion sizes. Match your snack portion sizes to theirs. Get into a habit of discussing the number of carbohydrates that are in each snack so that your child will learn to associate snacks with blood sugar awareness. This will also help them understand the concept of carbohydrate counting and why it is important for them to learn.

Don’t Fight Over Food

Children may resist snacks you push on them. Instead, give them some measure of control over their food by offering healthy choices. Offer a limited number of options, such as a peanut butter sandwich, string cheese or a helping of yogurt. This is when not having unhealthy snacks in the house works to your advantage.

Save the less healthy snacks like soda, chips and cookies for special occasions and only serve in small quantities. This will help to keep your child’s palate tuned to healthy foods without seeming too restrictive.

About the author: John M. Caviness is a successful content marketing manager at the service where you can ask to “write my essay”. This job gives him an opportunity to express his opinion and thoughts on different topics including children development.

Food

Easy Tea Time Snack Ideas for Busy Moms

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Cooking Mom

by Dr. Shanthi Thomas

Juggling work and family perfectly is a super power that all working mothers would like to have.  The good news is that it is possible to be a sort of super mom, if you know certain life hacks that make life easier. Topmost among these life hacks is the skill of producing mouth-watering snacks that kids would love. Here are top easy teatime snack ideas for busy moms.

1. Easy Bread Pizza

Who said pizza has to be bought? You can make your very own pizza at home within half an hour.

Ingredients

  • 6 slices bread
  • 2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 c. pizza sauce
  • 1 tbsp. Parsley
  • 1/2 c. mini pepperonis

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Spread the pizza sauce on each slice of bread.
  • Top with mozzarella and mini pepperonis.
  • Bake until cheese is melted and pepperoni is slightly crispy.
  • Now garnish with parsley.

Lo and Behold! Your own bread pizza is ready.

2. Fruit Salad

On a hot tiring evening, nothing refreshes your kids like fruit salad. And it is super healthy! Apart from the fruits mentioned here, you can add any other that you wish.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 c. freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 c. honey
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Kiwis – 3 (peeled and sliced)
  • Orange – 1 (deseeded and wedges cut in half)
  • Apples – 2 (peeled and chopped)
  • Mango – 1 (peeled and chopped)
  • Grapes – 500 g

Directions

  • Whisk together orange juice, lemon zest and honey.
  • Pour the sauce over the fruit and toss gently to blend
  • Chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours until ready to serve.

3. Cheese Garlic Bread

A must-try recipe that gets you a yummy snack in 10 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 1 baguette (any other bread will do, but the texture will be different.
  • Butter – 4 tbsp (softened to room temperature)
  • salt – ½ tsp (if using unsalted butter)
  • Grated mozzarella + cheddar – 2.5 cups
  • chilli flakes – 3 tbsp
  • garlic – 6 to 8 cloves (minced)

Directions

  • Pre-heat your oven to 180C.
  • Slice the baguette into about ¾” thick pieces.
  • Mix the butter and minced garlic along with salt (if you are using unsalted butter).
  • Spread a thick layer of butter on one side of the bread pieces evenly.
  • Add the grated cheese on top liberally.
  • Garnish with chilli flakes.
  • Bake for about 5-6 mins in the pre-heated oven until the edges of the bread slices turn crispy and the cheese melts. (Do not over-bake)

There you go! Hot, cheesy garlic bread is ready in 10 mins!

4. Broccoli Balls

Who said broccoli is difficult to eat? This powerhouse of nutrition can be made into yummy balls following this recipe.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups grated broccoli
  • ½ teaspoon garlic
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds, soaked in water
  • ¼ cup almond meal
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • Salt to taste

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 F.
  • In a shallow pan, sauté the onions.
  • Once the onions are translucent, add the grated broccoli and salt to the pan. Cook until the moisture evaporates. Remove the pan from the heat.
  • Add breadcrumbs, the spices, and almond meal. Stir everything well.
  • Add the soaked chia seeds and combine well.
  • Divide the mixture into 10-12 equal-sized balls.
  • Place the balls evenly on a lined baking tray and bake for 25 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, turn the baking sheet around and bake for 10 minutes more.

5. Savory Herb Whole Grain Crackers

Looking for a healthier and sugar-free alternative to store-bought crackers? These whole grain crackers will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons mixed herbs like oregano and basil
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • Salt to taste

Directions

  • Make stiff dough with the sesame seeds, salt and water.
  • Roll out the dough thinly, and cut it into strips.
  • Bake at 450° F for 10-15 minutes until crisp.

6. Momos

Momos are steamed dumplings that are a favourite in many Asian countries. It is healthy, and very easy to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 head of broccoli, finely shredded
  • 1 cup bean sprouts, chopped
  • Minced chicken or beef
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Directions

  • Make soft dough with the flour, adding water.
  • Roll it out thinly into a round shape.
  • Add the filling made by mixing broccoli, bean sprouts, chicken/beef, salt, and pepper. Bring the edges together to form a small pouch.
  • Place the momos in a steamer and steam for about 20 minutes, until they are cooked.
Food, Kids Health

What Are Common Eating Disorders?

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Common Eating Disorders - Thinking Lady

by Dr. Shanthi Thomas

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that require medical and psychological intervention. Young women are predominantly the victims of eating disorders, though anyone at any age can fall prey to these. These disorders often begin as an obsession with one’s body, weight and shape, and quickly develop into much more complex conditions. These conditions can be overcome with therapy from BetterHelp. There are six most common eating disorders.

1. Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is by far the most well-known of the eating disorders. People affected by this view themselves as overweight, even though they are dangerously underweight. They constantly watch their weight, and severely restrict their food intake. 

The common symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa include the following:

  1. Being underweight
  2. Having restricted eating patterns
  3. Intense fear of gaining weight
  4. Self-esteem being dependent on body weight and shape
  5. A distorted body image

Anorexia Nervosa is of two types: a) the restricting type and b) the binge eating and purging type. Individuals with restricting type lose weight through fasting, dieting and rigorous exercise. Individuals with binge eating and purging type eat large amounts or very little. After they eat, they purge by vomiting, taking laxatives or exercising excessively.

The effects of Anorexia Nervosa can be very damaging to the body. Individuals with this condition may experience infertility, thinning of bones, brittle nails and hair, and grow a layer of fine hair all over her body. In severe cases, it can result in brain and heart problems, multi-organ failure or even death.

2. Bulimia nervosa

People affected by Bulimia Nervosa eat unusually large amounts of food followed by purging. It tends to develop during adolescence or early adulthood, and is more common in women. Usually, individuals with Bulimia are able to maintain a relatively normal body weight.

Common symptoms of bulimia nervosa include the following:

  1. Frequent episodes of uncontrollable binge eating
  2. Frequent purging behaviours
  3. Self-esteem being tied to body shape and weight
  4. Fear of gaining weight

Bulimia may result in the individual suffering from an inflamed or sore throat, worn tooth enamel, tooth decay, irritation of the gut and hormonal imbalances. In more severe cases, it may cause imbalances in the levels of electrolytes in the body. This can lead to stroke or heart attack.

3. Binge eating disorder

Individuals affected by binge eating disorder typically eat very large amounts of food in short periods of time. During the binge eating, affected individuals are not able to control their food intake.

Common symptoms of binge eating disorder include the following:

  1. Eating abnormally large amounts of food quickly, in secret, till they are uncomfortably full
  2. Lack of control during the binge eating episodes
  3. Feelings of shame and guilt when thinking about the binge eating behaviour
  4. No purging behaviors, such as vomiting, calorie restriction, excessive exercise, or laxative or diuretic use, to compensate for the binging

Naturally, people with binge eating disorder are often obese, which increases their risk of medical complications such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

4. Pica

Individuals affected by Pica crave and eat non-food substances such as paper, hair, chalk, soil, dirt, ice, wool, pebbles, cornstarch or laundry detergent. This disorder is most frequently observed in children, pregnant women and individuals with mental disturbances.

Quite naturally, individuals with Pica are at an increased risk of poisoning, gut injuries, infections and nutritional deficiencies. It can even be fatal, depending on the nature of the substances ingested.

5. Rumination disorder

Rumination disorder is a comparatively newly recognized eating disorder. People affected by rumination disorder regurgitate the food they have previously chewed and swallowed, then re-chew and re-swallow it or spit it out. This behaviour typically occurs within 30 minutes of having a meal, and it is voluntary.

Infants with this condition grow out of it on their own. If it is not resolved in infants, it can result in malnutrition and weight loss in course of time. However, children and adults affected by it needs therapy to resolve it. Adults who are conscious of this disorder may restrict the amount of food they eat, and this may lead to loss of weight.

6. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

This is a new name for a disorder long known to us, especially mothers. It refers to extreme pickiness or disturbed eating due to lack of interest in eating or distaste for certain textures, smells and tastes of food. It is most commonly seen in children but can persist into adulthood.  It is not just defiant children who are picky. Even perfectly well-behaved children can fall prey to this condition.

Common symptoms include the following:

  1. Avoidance of food
  2. Poor development for age and height and weight loss
  3. Dependence on supplements or tube feeding to make up for nutrient deficiencies
Activities, Food

Best Low-Cost Baking Recipes

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Baking Recipes

by Dr. Shanthi Thomas

Baking is generally considered an expensive, time-consuming and labour-intensive activity. However, as many people would attest, it is one of the most enjoyable and pleasurable activities known to man. If you don’t agree, just try baking a simple cake one day. The aroma that fills the house is just heavenly, and the cake melts in your mouth. Avid fans of baking should not get disappointed about the high cost of baking; it is possible to bake without ripping a hole in your pocket. Read on to find some low-cost baking recipes.

Peanut Butter Cookies

This is an easy-to-bake item that is healthy to boot! A perfect snack for a rainy evening!

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

  • Step 1

In a bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars together.

  • Step 2

Beat in eggs.

  • Step 3

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.

  • Step 4

Stir the second mixture into into butter mixture. Put the dough in the refrigerator for one hour.

  • Step 5

Roll the dough into 1-inch small balls and put on baking sheets. With a fork, flatten each ball, making a crisscross pattern. Bake for 10 minutes in a preheated 375 degrees F oven or until cookies begin to brown.

Your delicious peanut butter cookies are ready.

Classic Pound Cake

This classic pound cake takes just seven ingredients, all of which are common pantry staples.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound butter
  • softened 3 cups sugar
  • 6 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  • Step 1

In a deep bowl, beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until it is creamy. The butter will become a lighter yellow color. This is to incorporate air into the butter so the cake will rise. It will take 1 to 7 minutes.

  • Step 2

Add sugar slowly, beating at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. The butter will now turn to a fluffy white.

  • Step 3

Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until yellow yolk disappears.

  • Step 4

Add flour to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. It is important to beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. The batter should be smooth and incorporated without lumps.

  • Step 5

Stir in the almond and vanilla extracts.

  • Step 6

Pour into 10-inch tube pan that has been greased and floured

  • Step 7

Bake at a preheated 300° F for 1 hour and 40 minutes or until a  wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in pan on a wire rack 10 to 15 minutes. After removing from the pan, cool completely on a wire rack.

Enjoy!

Easy Sugar Cookies

Nothing to beat easy and simple sugar cookies, with or without chocolate mints on top.

Ingredients

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  • Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a small bowl and set aside.

  • Step 2

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and the butter until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla.

  • Step 3

Now, gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets.

  • Step 4

Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven until golden. Remove to cool on wire racks.

Muffins

Here is a simple, chocolate chip muffin recipe, to which you can add fruit, chocolate or nuts.

Ingredients

  • 400g self-raising flour
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 125ml vegetable oil
  • 250ml semi-skimmed milk
  • 250g golden caster sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 100g chocolate chips or dried fruit such as sultanas or dried cherries (optional)

Directions

  • Step 1

Heat oven to 200C/180C. Line the muffin trays with paper muffin cases. In a large bowl beat two medium eggs lightly with an electric mixer for one minute

  • Step 2

Add the vegetable oil and semi-skimmed milk and beat until just combined.

  • Step 3

Add caster sugar and whisk until you have a smooth batter.

  • Step 4

Sift in the self-raising flour and 1 tsp salt then mix until just smooth. Do not over-mix.

  • Step 5

Stir in 100g chocolate chips or dried fruit if using.

  • Step 6

Fill muffin cases till they are two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until risen and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Leave the muffins to cool for a few minutes, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

In case you want to make chocolate muffins, swap 100g of the self-raising flour for 100g cocoa powder and 1 tsp baking powder.

Food

Ideas and Tips for Cooking With Preschoolers

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Cooking With Preschoolers

Cooking With Preschoolers – Help your preschooler develop their natural abilities through preschool cooking lessons. Periodic Preschool cooking lessons can prove to be a crucial factor that helps children to develop a healthy personality while they grow. Continue reading Ideas and Tips for Cooking With Preschoolers →

Food

How to Use Pomegranates? Fresh Pomegranate Recipes

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How to Use Pomegranates? Fresh Pomegranate RecipesHow to Use Pomegranates?

Pomegranates are one of the most nutritious foods in the world, being rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers, and so on. Many people tend to avoid eating them because they think it’s too time-consuming to separate the seeds from the shell of the fruit. But there are easy ways to do this. Continue reading How to Use Pomegranates? Fresh Pomegranate Recipes →

Food, Kids Health

About Recipes For Kids With Diabetes, Kid Friendly Diabetic Snacks

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About Recipes for Kids With DiabetesAll around the world incidents of diabetes is on the rise and now kids have also not been spared from its claws. Doctors have seen a rise in a number of kids with diabetes, either type 1 or type 2. Due to the rising cost of treatment,  secondary vendors want you to sell diabetic test strips to them for cash. Healthy meal and snacks are important for every child but for diabetic kids, it’s more important to keep an eye on what they eat. Continue reading About Recipes For Kids With Diabetes, Kid Friendly Diabetic Snacks →