Momma U R fat...I love U

I get sweet little love notes from my daughters. Yesterday a note came across my desk. The note read, "Mom U R fat". I looked over to see a wide grin from my daughters face. She was smiling. She wasn't smiling in a "I got you" sort of a way. She was smiling in a "Mom U R fat and I love you" sort of way. Children are sweet and honest; dang them! I wasn't sad or offended by my daughters note but it did make me wonder how she came up with, " mom U R fat". I am pleasantly plump. I do brag about how I've lost 50 pounds by simply eating healthy. I do say that I want to be fit. But I never say, "I'm fat" I'm very careful with the words I use regarding weight and body image. I don't want my daughter to notice that some kids are thin while others are well..fat. Fat is a mean word. It is a lazy word.

So....how did " fat" became a part of my little girls choice of descriptive words? READERS. That's right. Kindergarten- 1st grade readers. I can't stand readers. From the day she was conceived...well kind of; we have read wonderful, descriptive literature to her. We read about an hour a day and she loves when I read her chapter books. Kindergarten is an exciting year. Our children learn that sounds become words and words become sentences and they continue their personal reading adventure. The day comes when they can pick up a book and read simple sentences. Authors have decided that since they can only read a few words, we will make empty, meaningless readers for them to well, read.

The cat sat.

The cat is fat.

The fat cat sat.

My daughter-"The fat cat sat. That's not a story. Why is this called a story?

Mom- "Well, honey you're right. Not only is it lacking creativity. It's lacking a real story. And it's telling you that something is fat...the cat is fat.

Mom-"Honey, I am so excited that you can read. I love your notes....can you pick different words next time?"

My daughter- "Mom I love U."

My daughter does not think I'm fat. She loves the way I look. I love the way I look. Do I want to loose 40 more pounds by eating healthy? YES. Am I in a hurry to loose it? NO. Will I get fit by exercising and eating whole, real food ( not processed, manufactured food?) YES....

Will my daughter be reading her READERS...NO. She loves to pick out the words she knows from her "good" books. She is actually more encouraged to sound out the more difficult sentences in her "good" books because she wants to find out more about the exciting story!

Moral of the story....Women need to have a healthy body image. Are you pleasantly plump or petite or somewhere in the middle? and...read good literature to your children but if you do, don't expect them to like their dumb readers.....

Just know that you are beautiful!

More on body image and how our daughters are seeing themselves. The Dove Self Esteem Campaign for real Beauty

And if you are not a reader....one of our favorite women who is also one or our favorite authors and mentor to Blessed Nest writes this fun book. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Reading with Your Children (Alpha Books, 2007)—offers hands-on strategies for creating a literacy-rich home.By Helen Coronoto.

This is not a sponsored post. It was just the love note from my daughter, " Mom U R Fat" that got me thinking...about everything!LOL

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 Love, to the moon and back

Aged To Perfection

 Todays post written by Dr. Joanna

We all know the importance of eating a well balanced diet with a variety of foods. But did you know that certain foods have greater health qualities at earlier or later points in their ripeness? Here are a few foods you want to include in your diet at the ideal time of ripeness! 1) Kiwi fruits or Chinese gooseberries, are full of phytonutrients , flavoniods, and carotenoids. These fruits can help protect against disease, cancer, stroke and even respiratory disorders. Two medium kiwi fruits contain about five grams of fiber and twice as much vitamin C than an orange. They are also considered the lowest sodium fruit and are extremely high in potassium. When selecting kiwi fruits, gently apply pressure; avoid fruits that are very soft, bruised or have damp spots. Kiwis are highest in antioxidants and sweetest when fully ripened almost to the point of spoilage. It is thought that antioxidant levels may actually increase in the later stages of ripeness. So be sure you don't eat them too early! 2) When buying bananas, your selection should be based on when you will be consuming them. The greener bananas will last a bit longer while the yellow and brown spotted bananas will only last a day or two. Bananas are high in potassium and fiber. They are at their freshest when they are firm and bright without dark spots. Once the banana becomes over-ripe or soft sugar content actually increases. For those who are trying to control blood sugar levels overly ripe bananas may end up causing a spike in blood sugar which can be harmful to your cells. Do not store bananas in the refrigerator as this will interrupt the ripening process. 3) Berries are typically small fruits that have a high water content which makes their cell structures easily damaged. Berries are best eaten fresh as they tend to lose their juicy and slightly firm character through the freezing and thawing process. Berries are freshest during the spring and summer months. All berries can vary in the exact amount of nutrients they contain due to how much direct sunlight they had during the ripening process. Try to consume berries within the first two weeks after being picked to ensure the highest quality of nutrients and water content. Therefore, it is best to eat berries that are grown locally as they are more likely to be more recently picked. When choosing berries, look for ones that are uniform in size, plump, and vibrant in color. 4) Green tea is on the top of the list of antioxidant-rich products. The reason why green tea's active compounds are so abundant is because green tea is not fermented, unlike oolong and black tea. Many tea drinkers do not realize that green tea should not be strongly steeped; instead it should be lightly infused. Scolding hot water can burn the tea leaves which not only decreases the level of disease fighting qualities it provides, but may create carcinogenic properties which can cause cell damage in the body. Try pouring boiling water through the tea with a tea strainer to get the most out of each cup. 5) Dark Chocolate has been noted for its health benefits due to its high content of flavonoids. The highest amounts of flavonoids are found in raw cocoa, which makes it a great treat that can reduce the damage oxygen does in the body. Try having dark chocolate as raw cocoa or raw cocoa powder for the highest levels of flavonoids. GENERAL THOUGHTS: Try eating foods that are in season and fresh. We are all influenced by climatic changes, whether it is our mood or choice of foods. During the warmer months our natural tendency is to consume lighter and fresher foods. Visit your local fresh produce market for what is in season and freshly picked. This will also allow you to choose foods that are higher in phytonutrients and flavor. Eating fresh whole foods that are closest to its natural state increases digestibility and assimilation of nutrients into the body. As a quick reference try choosing the following foods with the appropriate season. Spring: Focus on leafy vegetables that show off its freshness. Include Swiss chard, romaine lettuce, parsley, basil, spinach, kale, and collards. Summer: Choose light cooling foods. Include summer squash, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, plum, apple, strawberries (or any berry), pear, and cilantro. Fall: Start choosing warming type foods such as sweet potato (yams), carrots, onions, garlic, ginger, mustard seeds, and peppercorns. Winter: Choose more warming foods with protein. Include root vegetables, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, eggs, corn, nuts, chicken, fish, beef, and lamb.

Be Well, Joanna Dolgoff, MD Dr.Dolgoff's Weigh ~Berry Image from this wonderful sustainable artisian farm

Free Summer Gift & Giveaway~Blessed Nest

FREE Nest Egg with purchase of our organic Nesting Pillow~
June 5-8, 2009

Purchase a Nesting Pillow this weekend and receive a Nest Egg (our take-along pillow) FREE.
A $42.00 value!

"The little extra something you need to use with your Nesting Pillow or on its own, The Nest Egg gives support for your head, arm, breast, or for a little extra height under baby's head. It's small and lightweight enough to take along for support and comfort on the go!"

The inside pillow is made with 230 thread count 100% organic cotton sateen and filled with organic buckwheat hulls (16" by 13" and about 1 1/2 lb.)

FREE Nest Egg $42.00 (a value) when you purchase a Nesting Pillow for $87.00	Shop Blessed Nest.com purchase a Nesting pillow at regular price $87.00 and get a Nest Egg FREE Just tell us in the comment section when you place your order which fabric you'd like. *additional shipping charges will only apply if the Nest Egg is going to a different address as the Nesting Pillow OFFER ONLY AVAILABLE THROUGH blessednest.com OR blessednestperch.com
offer good now until midnight 6/9/09

Giveaway

YoBaby Yogurt is everything you want & nothing youdon't


If you've read our blog for any amount of time you'll know that we don't just talk about our nest. Our mission and the filter that we run all of our products through; is "does it nurture"? We love to talk about other companies who have similar mission statements! Stonyfield Farms is not only on a mission to nurture; we think they are leaders in the organic market!

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YoBaby Yogurt is everything you want & nothing you don’t~Giveaway

6/11/09 Contest Closed~ Thank you for entereing!

If you've read our blog for any amount of time you'll know that we don't just talk about our nest. Our mission and the filter that we run all of our products through; is "does it nurture"? We love to talk about other companies who have similar mission statements! Stonyfield Farms is not only on a mission to nurture; we think they are leaders in the organic market!

Take some time to read their story ( bring tissue).

prize package

Stonyfield Farms has given us another opportunity to share with our readers, our fiends about their new product line and a chance to win goodies.

YoBaby Yogurt has a new look and improved nutrition…and it still has the same great taste! My babies got off to a great start with StonyField yogurt six years ago! YoBaby was the only brand I would buy and the only yogurt my girls would eat. What can I say? They've got good taste for yummy food.

YoBaby Yogurt is everything you want & nothing you don’t

• The only yogurt specially created for babies. YoBaby Yogurt can be introduced starting as early as 6 months.
• Organic & 100% natural – Made without the use of antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones, and toxic, persistent pesticides.
• More nutritious than ever. YoBaby yogurt helps develop and support {BIG blocks}
  • Brain – Whole milk which pediatricians recommend for children up to age 2 for healthy brain development
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• Our exclusive blend of 6 Live Active Cultures including L. Rhamnosus enhances digestion.
• Recommended by Dr. Bill Sears – America’s Pediatrician
  • “YoBaby yogurt is rich with nutrients, purely organic, and made with whole milk recommended for proper nutrition. Little ones love the taste, so I know it is an easy and fun food for parents to serve”
• Delicious! – Babies LOVE YoBaby! And, since we know a good thing when we taste it, YoBaby tastes as great as it always has.

Lucky YOU gets a chance to win a great prize package from Stonyfield Farms!

1 winner will receive a Yobaby bowl with lid, an organic Yobaby bib and 5 Yobaby coupons.

Enter to win!

1) leave a comment ~that's it! Making it easy on you aren't we?

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Healthy Kids~Movie Snacks

Today’s post written by Dr. Joanna

Movie Snacks

For some of us, going to the movies would not be the same without having our favorite treat or snack. The truth is, the snacks that are offered at the movies are not only bad for us but some may contain a whole days worth of calories! Let's review what is actually being offered at the movies: Avoid this 1 Large Buttered Popcorn (20 cups) 1500 calories 116g fat Nachos with Cheese (large, 4 oz) 1101 calories 59g fat Soft Pretzel (1 large) 483 calories 4.5g fat Hot Dog (1 dog with bun) 305 calories 4.5g fat Junior Mints (3 oz) 320 calories 5g fat Cotton Candy (2.5 oz) 300 calories 0g fat Milk Duds (3 oz) 340 calories 12g fat Sno-Caps (3.1 oz) 360 calories 16g fat Raisinets (3.5 oz) 380 calories 16g fat Gummy Bears (4 oz) 390 calories 0g fat Goobers (3.5 oz) 525 calories 35g fat Twizzlers (6 oz) 600 calories 4g fat M&M's (5.3 oz) 735 calories 31.5g fat Skittles (6.75 oz) 765 calories 9g fat Large bag of Reese's Pieces (8 oz) 1200 calories 60g fat Starburst (24 pieces) 480 calories 10.5g fat Coca-Cola with ice (large, 3 pints, 18.9 fl oz) 353 calories 0g fat Regular Ice Cream (1/2 cup) 220 calories 11 g fat Cracker Jack with peanuts (1 cup) 240 calories 4 g fat Shocking right? Most of the snacks that are offered may taste good but they are loaded with unwanted fat and calories. Many movie theaters are now offering pizza, chicken wings and other meal items which contain large amounts of unnecessary fat. To eat healthy, you often need to bring snacks from home. Here are some healthier options to try: Try This 94% fat-free air popped (3 cups) 100 calories 1.1 g fat Reese's pieces (1.4 oz bag) 200 calories 9 g fat Hard Pretzels (1 oz bag) 110 calories 1 g fat Low-fat Frozen Yogurt (1/2 cup) 140 calories 3 g fat Sweet & Salty Chex Trail Mix (1/2 cup) 140 calories 4.5 g fat Dry Cereal of Choice varied Baked Tortilla Chips (1 oz bag) 120 calories 0.5 g fat Baked Potato Chips (1 oz bag) 110 calories 1.5 g fat Fill up on a healthy meal before heading to the movies so that mid-movie hunger does not hit. Allow yourself to have one snack while at the movies. The best way to minimize extra calories at the movies is to bypass the concession counter all together! Bring your own snacks from home. If you did not bring your own snack be sure to choose the smaller portion sized snacks or get the kid size version. Popcorn is a great snack to have while at the movies as long as you choose the air-popped types that are low-fat. Notice the movie popcorn above can contain as many as 1500 calories, if you pop your own before heading out you will save over 1000 calories in one sitting! Eating popcorn is not only delicious but it is satisfying, crunchy, fun to eat and it's a whole grain! The fun part about bringing your own popcorn is that you can prepare it any way you like. Try adding garlic powder; paprika, cinnamon, Mrs. Dash or grated parmesan cheese for a little extra flavor. Here is a little tip: Spray the popcorn with butter-flavored cooking spray before adding toppings so they stick better. If you prefer something sweet, try having a small box of candy from the supermarket. Often times the movie theater only carries large size boxes of candy. Try choosing low-fat frozen yogurt, if available, instead of regular ice-cream; this switch will save you over 80 calories. If you like crunch, pretzels are always a healthy option! Another crunchy but healthy treat: baked chips such as 'Baked Lays'; just watch out for the oversized bags as the calories can add up quickly. Next time you are headed to the movies, think and plan ahead so you are never tempted to peruse the concession stand. Your wallet and waist line will thank you for it.

Be Well, Joanna Dolgoff, MD Dr.Dolgoff's Weigh

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