Toddler and Baby Snacks in a snap!

If you have a toddler, you know that at times feeding becomes a challenge. I have been making almost all of her baby food. The exception is when we go out for errands or are in a hurry to feed her and nothing is prepared. It can also be difficult to find some varieties of fruits and veggies that are organic at this time of year. I have found several brands of BPA free options that are delicious and nutritious for babies and tots.

Happy Baby has several varieties of organic meals. My favorites are the Amaranth Ratatouille and the Salmon Lentil. The time and cost to make both of these would be too great if I were to find all organic ingredients. Brooke also likes the Turkey! While she's moved on from these, occasionally I mix it with something new that I am trying to introduce to her.

She also loves the Plum Organics mixes of Blueberry, Pear and Purple Carrot as well as the Spinach, Peas, and Pear. She will now even eat our healthy version of Creamed Spinach made with Goat Cheese/Spinach puree since she was introduced to spinach at such a young age!! I sometimes mix these with her goat yogurt, brown rice or quinoa. Plum Organics also has a great selection of other flavors. They even have Gluten-Free Fruity Fingerfuls which is a cereal with either freeze-dried Banana, Apple or Strawberry.

She also likes the Ella's Kitchen "Green One" Smoothie Fruit which has organic Kiwi. I have never been able to find organic kiwi anywhere!!! They also have a Strawberry/Apple which she devours. Unless you find organic frozen strawberries, fresh are impossible to find in January unless you are in CA or FL. Ella's flavors are great to mix with plain goat yogurt once your baby moves on to solids.

Another quick snack that we always have on hand is homemade pickles. We cut up organic cucumber into bite size toddler pieces and soak it in rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, agave nectar, salt and garlic. She loves this snack and it eases her teething pain!

You can find the Plum Organics, Happy Baby and Ella's Kitchen at Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby, Whole Foods or your local market or online at Diapers.com. Getting toddlers to eat can be challenging, so if you find something they love, mix it with something new to help them get the proper nutrition they need. Here is a helpful reminder "The Dirty Dozen List" of what foods should definitely be organic from Environmental Working Group.

Neti Pots for a Healthy New Year!!

A few years ago I happened to be in Whole Foods and noticed a display of Neti Pots. They have been around for centuries but are now becoming more popular in the US. They were featured on Oprah and Dr Oz. I had already been using one so I was already hip to the Neti Pot Health Scene!

At first I thought it was a tea pot but as I began to read what it was all about, I thought I had to try it. Apparently it is popular among people who do Yoga. I do Yoga, but had never heard of it. It makes perfect sense since you want to breath deeply during Yoga. I did find a book written about the use of the Neti Pot. Maybe it will tell the full history more accurately for those that want to know.

I have been using mine off and on for awhile and definitely notice a difference in my breathing after I use it. I guess I should use it more often to avoid colds!! I add the Neti Pot salt recommended and add warm water. At first it is a little awkward, but then you figure out how best to use it. (over a bathroom sink preferably!!!)

Web Md explains it well. You can buy one online or at your local health food stores.