flavor extracts

I found this product while reading a blog and thought I'd share it. They are fruit/flavor extracts and if you are like me, watching how much sugar you consume or how much you give your kids, I think its pretty nifty! 

Consuming fruits are good for you but you have to remember that fruits do have a lot of sugar. Yes, its natural sugar, but if you are insulin resistant or diabetic, too much fruits could be danger. I make smoothies for my boys almost everyday. I use a lot of berries, bananas, spirulina, chia seeds or throw in what ever I have. I seem to run out of bananas really quick and thought of trying one of these flavor extracts in banana flavor. They contain no sugar(bananas have a lot) and it will hopefully give it the same taste.

Please don't go out and substitute all your favorite fruits for extracts, fruits are good especially organically grown ones, but if you bake a lot or do a lot with fruit, try replacing one with one of these extracts. They have ones in chocolate, coffee and every other flavor you can think of!! 

I'm definitely gonna pick me up a few soon:)

Here's the link, check them out!

http://www.medicineflower.com/flavorextracts.html

BE WELL.

kid week...day 1:healthy snacks

Since all the kiddos are going back to school I thought I'd blog on some healthy snacks for kids. When kids come home from school they are hungry!! The last time they probably ate was at 11 or 12 for lunch, especially if you have younger ones!!  instead of tossing them a bag of chips or cookies here are some quick, easy and healthy snacks you can whip up for the kids.

plain or lightly salted rice cake with natural peanut butter (or almond butter)

 mixed nuts are great especially if they are raw, you can actually a little of your own salt or honey and bake them for a little in the oven to add flavor. Nuts are a great source of protein

smoothies are great especially now while its hot out. they are also a great way to "add" other healthy things in without your children knowing!! For example i put spirulina(super green food), chia seeds(plant based omega 3),flax(another plant based omega three) and even powdered probiotics(good bacteria) in my smoothies for my kids and they love them!!

simple piece of fruit is great and sweet, I am surprised at how many of my son's preschool classmates that didnt eat much fruit!! Wow, so simple and so yummy too!

lastly i have a peanut, almond or sunbutter granola ball (picture to come) You can use any low sugar granola, mix it with a little natural nut butter and some honey or agave syrup and roll them into balls, put them in the refrigerator and when you are ready to eat one take them out and enjoy!!

happy new school year to you all and BE WELL