A Little Poison Won't Hurt, Will It?

The following information is from Donna Stewart Online.

If you suffer with asthma, allergies, have young children and/or care about our environment, this information can help you more than you know!


Did you know:

• Of the approximately 100,000 chemicals on the global market, less than 10 percent have been tested for health effects.(1)
• 35,000 items found in a typical grocery store are mostly manufactured products; manufactured with a single goal in mind: to bring the companies’ shareholders the highest return.(2)
• Centers for Disease Control research on over-exposure to environmental chemicals has found that most of us are walking around with a significant “body burden” of chemical residues … with known toxicity to humans.(3)
• The asthma rate has tripled in the last twenty years with over 30 million people currently afflicted.(4)

 

It is possible to make steps, even small steps at first, to make a differece.
It is important to make investments for ourselves,
the environment and our children that will have positive impacts long term.

 

 

 

Melaleuca’s EcoSense products are not sold in any retail stores, so if you are
interested in learning how you can get them, get in touch with me on Facebook or email me!

 

 

 

 

 

1. Statement of the 8th Global Civil Society Committee to the 24th UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum, Nairobi, Kenya. Irish Doctors Environmental Association [IDEA]. 2007.

2. Lappe’, Anna and Bryant Terry. GRUB: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen. The Penguin Group. USA. 2006. p. 6

3. The Third National Report on Human Exposures to Environmental Chemicals. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. July 2005. See also an analysis of the CDC study in Chemical Trespass: Pesticides in Our Bodies and Corporate Accountability. San Francisco, CA: Pesticide Action Network of North America. 2004. Available at

4. Trends in Asthma Morbidity and Mortality. American Lung Association. April 2004. See also: Is Your Home A Healthy Home? Barry, RM. RM Barry Publications. Littleton, CO. 2004

Sunscreen

I came across this article from last summer---

Sunscreens Exposed

Did you know any of this information?!

I've recently heard/read all sorts of information about products being banned all over the place- especially in Europe- for the ingredients in them. 

Sunscreen is something we lather on, especially in the summer!  Little "O" man definitely has to have it on. 

What I picked up most from this article is when you're looking for sunscreen this summer, pay attention to ingredients.  Mineral sunscreen is probably what you're going to want to stick with. 

If you're interested in Melaleuca's sunscreen~ let me know~ I can hook you up!  It protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays and it's active ingredients are avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene.

I've learned that we really do have to become smart shoppers~ not just cost wise, but ingredient and product wise as well!! 

Your health and your body are so important!!  It's the only one you've got!  Take care of it! 

Brand Loyalty

Brand loyalty...

What makes you loyal to the brands you use in your house?  

Is it that it's what your mama and grandma used?  Is it what your hubby has been used to all his life, so you don't want to rock the boat?  Is it just because it's what you're used to buying?

Or do you buy what's on sale or what you have coupons for? 

Does packaging or display have anything to do with it?

Have you ever stopped to really take a look at what you're buying?  Read the labels, do your own research, check out the manufacturers? (I mean really check them out- not just trust what they advertise on TV)

OR you might be scared that if you stop to take a look at these things- you might see something you don't want to see or know!  Sometimes we would rather be ignorant so we don't have to think.

Take a few minutes to really look at your buggy the next time you're out shopping.  Pay attention to what you're exposing yourself and your family to- whether it's food or household products.  Yes- cheaper products help out the pocketbook now- but really how cheap are you getting off?  For example, cheaper body wash means you have to use more lotion, which means you'll run out of both a lot quicker, so you'll be back buying the same product within a couple weeks.  And so many detergents and cleaners are filled with toxic chemicals and water- how clean are countertops really?

You may say "Well I'm not brand loyal- I've become awfully budget-savvy and have learned the ropes on making my own supplies!"  While there are lots of GREAT home recipes and natural products to use, I have a team member who has done extensive research on homemade products such as laundry detergent- check out all she has to say about them:


www.stayhomeforkids.wordpress.com

What about you?  Do you consider yourself brand loyal or would you be willing to even just HEAR about another way to shop?!  It's a lot easier and can be budget friendly as well!  I'm telling ya- anything that keeps me from going to one more store without my 3 kids in tow has got my ear turned!  I can't even fit three kids in the big ole shopping cart, much less what I'm shopping for!  I love having the UPS guy deliver my Melaleuca box each month!

Email me, leave a comment, or visit my team page- that will get you in touch with me, too!!

The Bandwagon

No...I have not jumped on any bandwagons, but I have noticed on Facebook many who are!  So, for those of you considering jumping on a bandwagon in hopes of making some extra money- I want to offer you a few questions to ask of the company/people you're teaming up with!

1.)  Is there a large "buy-in" fee?  Meaning- do you have to buy a lot of product to get started?  If you're goal is to get out of debt by joining, make sure this doesn't bring you into more debt!  Not a good jump start!

2.)  Is there a support system in place, or will it be up to you to make your business happen?  Any new endeavor is always made more positive by having someone there to help show you the ropes!  Odds are that if your enroller just enrolls you and doesn't offer any training or support- then it will be up to you to to make it happen and that you're possibly a threat to their market!

3.)  Do you feel like you can ask questions like these:  ask your enroller how much they have made?  what is the customer retention rate (how many customers reorder each month)?  what is the average salary (no bonuses included) at each achievement level?

4.)  When you step away from the hype- is your enroller (or even their support system) knowledgeable about the products?  If it's consumable- what do they know about the products?  Can they direct you to legit information about the products.  If it's non-consumable (such as jewelry, candles, cookware, etc), what is the company's satisfaction policy?


I hope that if you're looking for an opportunity to make some extra money or even replace an income that you find what you're looking for!  Remember, that a company that promises money quickly- is probably going to go away quickly!  Building a legitimate home business takes time and consistent effort!

If you'd like more information about what I do to work from home, please let me know!  I can assure you that I would not be involved with a company or lead you to a company that I couldn't back up with 100% support!  If what I do isn't for you, maybe I can help lead you in the direction of something that you might enjoy!

Best of luck to you and your quest for...whatever it is!

Hernando Farmer's Market

How many of you LOVE Farmer's Markets???  

This is the first year that we have really been all about them and made our grocery list based off of what we can get there versus what we get at the store.  Hubs has really started changing his diet to consist of more organic and fresh foods, which is what we all really need to be eating anyway--- right?!  (Check out this website for more info on what Hubs is shooting for!)  And with our boys- I want them to grow up being healthy eaters!  My oldest could eat chocolate, cookies, and ice cream all day long if I let him!  The youngest will eat whatever you put in front of him- so I need to be so purposeful in what they eat!

I had the opportunity to take my Melaleuca business down to the first annual Earth Day Celebration in Hernando a couple weekends ago!  They were celebrating green living, of course, so I thought what better way to get my business out there!  If you were there and have visited my blog- I sincerely apologize for not having it better updated!  Feel free to email me for more information on becoming a preferred customer!  {lgd625(at)hotmail}

I'm hoping to set up a booth a few times this summer down there, so come check out what I have to offer in the line of safe eco-friendly products for your home!!  But of course, we plan on visiting weekly!  If you're in the DeSoto County area, check out Hernando's Farmer's Market and Cedar Hill Farms.

Whew!!

Hey Folks of the Blogging World!!!

So sorry to have taken such a hiatus!  Unintentional...but so many other things going on right now- it hasn't exactly been on the top of my priority list!

Anyway- one of our team members posted this video to facebook recently- my husband and I have talked about it before, but I had never seen it!






It's amazing what all we can miss when we're so focused on such specifics!  Not that those "specifics" in life aren't important- but what all are you missing out on?!  I know lots of times I'm so focused on mine and my family's needs, that I forget to pay attention to what's going on in my friends' lives and how I can minister to them.

My Reasons "Why"

What are your top five reasons for doing what you do?  This can apply to anything in life, but I will give you my top five for choosing to work with and continue to grow with Internet CEO Moms!

1.)  Support.  We have weekly training where our leadership team trains us on topics relevant to each of our businesses:  internet marketing, bulding your contact list, creating a vision for your business, and (my favorite training) was on the difference in our company and MLM companies.  I have a list of at least 5 business partners I know I can contact at any point during the day who are willing to help me out- no matter how big or small!  They want me to succeed- and not just for their own success, but because they care!  Can't you always tell the difference in a person who is simply doing things out of selfish ambition and the ones who are genuine?!

2.)  Working from Home.  As I was growing up, my mom was always at home with my brother and me.  Once I had kids of my own, it was no question in my mind that I would be at home with them as well.  I have my degree in elementary education and I love teaching!  But at this point in my life, I love being at home with my kids more! The reality of being at home hit us that first fall that I was no longer teaching full time!  I was fortunate enough to get a part-time job at the same school I had been working at, and it was a great opportunity!  But I still wasn't home full-time like I desired to be!  Well, with education budget cuts and all the craziness revolving around education, my job was deleted.  Luckily, I had already found Internet CEO Moms, and my potential to grow with this team of moms was endless!  I do still teach part-time with a homeschool group, but even that allows me more time at home and the freedom to grow my Internet CEO Moms business while I am at home with my precious boys!

3.)  Family.  Like I said in #2, family is why I want to be at home!  But even beyond that- Internet CEO Moms is something that my husband is proud of and very supportive of!  I did try another home business before, and while I did earn decent money for my time away from my husband (this was before our kiddos were around), if I really wanted to succeed, I was going to have to spend at least 2 nights away from home doing home parties.  There are some who welcome that break- but for me and my family, our nights that we are all home are sacred! (Plus, I quickly ran out of my customer base.  With Internet CEO Moms, because I use the internet, my contact list is always growing- on top of just the people I personally know!)  Some of my best contacts and ideas for contacts come through my hubby!  He loves the products we use in our home just as much as I do- and he is all in!  There wasn't much he could do to support me in my previous business attempt, other than wait up for me when I got home from my parties.  When I recently had an in-home presentation, it was at our house, my potential customers brought their own families, and my husband was there to help where needed!

4.)  Internet Training.  I have learned so much about marketing my business on the internet!  Now, I've been blogging for a while, but I have found so much information through my training with Internet CEO Moms.  Social networking is HUGE and has been such a great source of contacts for my business.  But not only have I learned how to market my business, but the best thing- I haven't put in loads of money into advertising!  I have decided that I am not going to put anymore than about 10-15% of my check into advertising.  (Because let's face it- the money I am bringing in is money that we NEED!)  So our internet training is one of the most enhancing parts of our business!

5.)  Compensation and Bonuses.  Let's face it--- the biggest reason I even considered working a home business was because we needed some extra income!  We have been married for about 6 years, have 2 young children, hubby has a good job, but with my desire to be at home, we need extra income!  There is no time-pressure, but there are great bonuses for those who work the business in a certain amount of time.  If you would like more information about our compensation plan, let me know!    

So, I would encourage you to sit down and think about the things you are doing in your life.  Create a list of 5 reasons that explain why you're doing what you're doing!   I'm telling you- this activity has been a GREAT exercise for me and discovering my "why"!

A Great Article...

This is a great article by founder of Internet CEO Moms- Donna Stewart.  Hope you enjoy! 

The Detriment of Front End Loading with a Home Business

Author:

Donna Lessard Stewart
Here are 5 questions to ask to help with understanding the detriment of Front End Loading.

1. Does the company require a large investment of product to start? Large, meaning $500   or more to get started.
2. What kind of commission do you earn when you get someone to start with a large order of product?
3. Are the majority of commissions earned on the initial purchase of a new member?
4. Can you buy your status? Meaning can you purchase a certain amount of product to 'Get to' or 'Maintain' your status with wth business?
5. Are you advised that you can recoup your money from your big product purchase by retail selling?

I know, I know. Some of you reading this may be saying, 'What\'s wrong with any of those statements?'


I say, 'A lot!'


Now, stay with me here for just a moment.


So many companies make most of their revenue on 'Front End Loading'. Sad but true.


What is Front End Loading? Basically it means the majority of product(s) sold are to the 'Distributers', not the end consumer. The company makes the majority of their profits from new distributers buying a lot of product up front or to 'Get To' or 'Maintain' a status.


Even if the new distributer is unable to retail sell the products, the company still makes money because it has already been purchased by the distributer, not an end consumer.


Most companies that front end load their members, will give a nice commission to the distributer that gets someone to buy in with a big order. This creates a major promotion of the 'big buy in' when someone starts.


The distributer is excited about their new venture of starting their own home business, and eventually realizes that they are unable to retail sell the products and they are stuck with it. Unfortunately, this happens all the time.


Sure, most companies have a return policy, however, it is typically a short time frame. By the time the distributer figures out they are unable to retail sell it, the time frame to return the product(s) has lapsed.


When this happens, many distributers try to give the products away as a method to lure potential customers and business partners. They may get a few, and the entire sad cycle begins again.


The company earns their profits while the distributer does not.


Now, lets dive a little deeper.


Let\'s say you have achieved a status of … let\'s call it 'Queen Bee'.


As a 'Queen Bee' you are required to have $1000 dollars worth of product purchased (from you or your customers) in any given month. (This does NOT include your initial buy in.)


So, you\'ve joined and paid $500 to start and have products on hand. You need to go out and produce another $1000 worth of product purchases (sales) in a given month to be a 'Queen Bee'. And you do it!! YEAH!! You\'re a Queen Bee!!!


You earn XYZ amount of commissions, you\'re happy and on your way to achieve the next status of 'Ultimate Queen Bee!!'


To achieve 'Ultimate Queen Bee!!' you need $2000 worth of product purchases (sales) in a given month and one of your customers (business partners) needs to achieve, 'Queen Bee' and have at least $1000 worth of product purchases (sales) in her business for the month.


Now you have your sales in line for the month, however, your business partner is 'short' about $500. Hmmmm…what to do??? How do you get her to work so you can advance to 'Ultimate Queen Bee'?


Well, your business partner could call the company and purchase that $500 worth of product herself to get to status of 'Queen Bee', which means she could advance to 'Queen Bee' and YOU would also advance to 'Ultimate Queen Bee'!


Soooo, you pressure your business partner to either go out and have parties and make the sales or just buy the amount of products needed to reach the status and ‘hopefully\' sell them next month.


Do you know what happens down the road?


You have a lot of people getting to and maintaining 'Queen Bee' by personally buying the amount of products required. (In hopes of retail selling)


You have a lot of people getting their business partner to buy products to maintain their status.


Hardly any, if any product is getting sold to the end consumer.


People get stuck with products they don\'t need or use and are unable to retail sell it. They are unable to get their money back because the return policy time frame has lapsed.


Yet, the company continues to make money while many, dare I say most of it\'s members lose their money.


Be Careful Out There

To Your Success,






Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-business-articles/the-detriment-of-front-end-loading-with-a-home-business-4135778.html
About the Author
The decision to work from home may be a great choice for some people. With today\'s economy and lack of financial security, starting a home business has proven to be a viable option for many. With over a decade of having a successful home business, not only have I been able to create financial security for my family, but I have helped so many others to do the same. I hope to continue to help others to achieve what ever their goals may be.

Take Good Care of Yourself

Your physical health is the most important thing you possess.

Think about these gifts:

You have a heart that beats over 100,000 times a day without you having to think about it.

You have eyes that instantly make over 10 million different color distinctions.

You have muscles that if they were to work together and pull in one direction, would equal tons of pulling power.

And this entire process is operated by a body that’s made up of about 98% water and a three-pound lump of matter we call our brain.

Ultimately, the factors that influence your health and vitality most are your choices.

Current research shows that many of today’s major health concerns are directly related to lifestyle choices which are preventable or minimized by developing good health habits.

When you consider some of the biggest health concerns we all face today, what are some that come to mind?

Weight Issues, Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Stroke, Depression

Asthma, Allergies, Osteoporosis

The statistics on the increasing incidence of these health concerns – and their causes – are troubling.

As you know, there is nothing more powerful than our body’s own inherent ability to heal itself…as long as we provide it with what it needs to maintain optimum health:

Air, Water, Proper Nutrition, Sunshine, Exercise,Love, Laughter

Internet Ceo Moms can show you how to take a more pro-active role in your physical vitality – simple lifestyle choices that don’t interrupt your life, only enhance it. Through scientifically developed, patented products, and education about wellness at the cellular level, you’ll find it easier than ever to be Preventive – vs. Reactive – in the area of health and wellness for you and your family.

Internet Ceo Moms is really about two things - Your Health and Financial Wellness. Which could you live without? Which could you use some help with? What about everyone else out there? The market potential is endless, as EVERYBODY wants Health and Financial Wellness, not to mention the time freedom to enjoy both!

**by Donna Stewart- founder of Internet CEO Moms!  

Laundry Secrets

No...I'm sad to say I don't have any-- besides some fantastic products that leave my laundry smelling so fresh and work wonders on stains!  Now...if only they put all the laundry away...

Anyway...

I feel like I am constantly sorting and doing another load before I've put up the last 2!

Our bedroom  floor looks RIDICULOUS!  But this just seems to be the best place to sort that's out of everyone's way!  And the hideous recliner??  All of those clothes are clean!  {going to put those up now...}

excuse the *cute* little camera hog!

So...type A:  what are your secrets??  Everyone else...tell me I'm not the only one!

Helpful Little Tip...

First of all- I posted a delicious potato soup recipe over on my other blog last night- it's SOOO good and SOOO easy! 

Secondly- I am sitting here at my desk at school (where I teach part-time) and my lamp is terribly dusty!  And it reminded me of something my mom figured out just recently...excuse us if we are a little behind...and if you already knew this- excuse our ignorancy...

Dust your lamp shades with a lint roller! 

+

 =

DUH!

Doesn't that sound like something you should have already thought of?!  And doesn't it sound like a great product for an infomercial?!  You better count me in on your millions if you steal my idea!! 

{{food for thought}}

Welcome!!

Just a quick WELCOME to my new business partner, Gina!!  You can check out her blog here!

Have you started a new home business this year?  Have you had one in the past that didn't work out so well for you?  {{{been there...done that}}}  I'd LOVE to share with you how my business with Internet CEO Moms and Melaleuca is so much different from everything else out there!  I am a part of the greatest team of moms and work-at-home ladies out there!  I have so much support and training to pull from- there's no way I could NOT succeed with this business--- the only thing getting in my way is...well...ME!

Join us, why don't you?!  You will be so glad you did!

7 Days In

We're seven days in to 2011!  Can you believe it?!  I know I sure can't!

So...how is your year going so far?  Mine so far has been a good reflection time.  Goals I have (and I'm not really a goal-oriented person), strides I want to make, things I want to accomplish.

Thankfully- I have already started living out two of my goals!

1.) Create a healthy lifestyle for my family.
The first way I am doing this through using safer products.  I know that by using products that are green I am not exposing my kiddos to all the harsh chemicals and dangerous substances that other brands offer.  And this isn't just through my cleaners!  I'm using safer laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, bath products, and even vitamins that are specially formulated to break down to be used more efficiently in the body!
Now--- I am working on being a better PLANNER for meals.  There are some weeks that I do GREAT!  Then there are some weeks (like this week-- that I don't do so great!)  {{real life moment...we were driving around last night desperately searching for a DECENT place to eat.  I hadn't planned a meal because I had friend's jewelry party to attend- and Thursdays are my "end of the week" day where I'm just worn out!  Luckily we found a meat and 3 place open and ate some yummy food!  Much better than fast food!}}  But my hubby and I have both agreed that despite how hectic our schedules can get- the better planned out we are- the healthier we eat (and the more money we save!)

2.)  Find a business that I can work from home with and truly succeed. 
Yay!  I'm so glad that I have found Internet CEO Moms.  Not only do we represent a great company whose products are necessities, but they have the greatest business plan out there for ANYONE who would like to have a home-based business!  This plan doesn't require any home parties, deliveries, or taking orders.  It does require working HARD to make it work for you!  Because let's face it- most "get rich quick" plans are schemes and you end up out less than you made.  And I personally don't have free weeknights to go into people's homes to do parties (although I do love 31 gifts and Premiere Jewelry and Pampered Chef--- it's just not practical for me).  Now I will tell you that while home parties are not required- it can all be done online- I love opening my home up and presenting these products and letting potential customers see first-hand how well these products work!!  In fact- feel free to email me to find out when I will be doing this, if you're interested!
And this doesn't have to be just for moms!  Say you AND your hubby want to get involved, or you know of someone who is at a dead end at their current job.  Send them my way and I'll be glad to share our business plan with them and how they can have their business up and going by month's end!  Remember- it isn't easy street- it's working hard, being disciplined, and setting goals (which is what I'm working on- right?!).

So make this YOUR year!!  

Start living your life---  don't let it live you!  

Christmas Shopping and Giveaways

What all are you shopping for this year?  Are you all about the deals?  Here's a list of some of the cool deals/blogs/giveaways I've come across....

Shutterfly- giveaway 50 free cards if you blog about them (check out my other blog)
How Does She, Love Stitched- Silhouette giveaways--- have you seen these machines?!  Go HERE to see them.  Makes me crafty just thinking about it!
*and here's another list of all the places giving these away...HERE at The Idea Room.
Canvas People - I just uploaded one of our Christmas pictures to the Canvas People and can't WAIT to get it!  Best of all--- I only paid shipping ($14.95) for an 8x10 canvas- full price they are $50 bucks!  I found this HERE .  (and now...after looking around I found the "free shipping " code!  ugh!  At least I got the canvas for free, huh?!)
Also, if you're in the Memphis area...check this out.

Okay--- that's all I have right now...do you have any good deals or giveaways you want to let us all in on?!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

If you're a member of the greatest GREEN company out there--- don't forget one of your membership benefits---

MARKETPLACE!

It's a great place to go today for all of your holiday shopping- from the convenience of home-- not out with all the other crazies!  {sorry if you're one of those--- my husband is too--- but he did finish up shopping for all the men in our life today while out!}  But I am having the luxury of shopping in my pj's while little one is napping, and getting so many of those same deals online!

HAPPY SHOPPING FOLKS!

Those Darn Fitted Sheets!

Okay-- so not too many things around the house can get me aggravated (besides the fact that no matter how many times the dishes get done, there always seems to be more to do!) but those darn fitted sheets used to always give me a fit!  Most times they ended up wadded into a big ball (because we have a king size bed) and thrown into the top of the linen closet until needed.  Now I'm not one who irons my sheets, but I did hate it when I would pull out said sheet and it would be terribly wrinkled!  So my dear aunt one day showed me and my mom her trick.  Maybe you know it already- but for the rest of you fitted-sheet-haters- don't be scared-- you show that fitted sheet who the domestic queen of your house is!! 

*Note- I used a crib sheet because it was the easiest thing to take pictures of*

the crumpled fitted sheet

Okay- turn one side inside out...

fold in half....

tuck it into itself.  then turn one corner out and....

tuck it into the other corner.

now you have a rectangle of sorts.  all of your fitted sides should be tucked into each other in one corner.

smooth out and fold up!  there you have it folks!  a nice fitted sheet, folded correctly!

So- hope that helped and wasn't too confusing!  First time taking pictures of a process like that!  Maybe next time I'll go into picnic and do some cool pics with instructions and arrows and all that cool stuff!

Now--- go fold some sheets! 

How Do You Do It?!

EXERCISE!

How do you do it??  I can't ever seem to find the time or energy or "get up and go" to get out and get going!  I have tried to convince my dear hubby that we need an elliptical or treadmill, but he has repeatedly told me it would be a waste of space and eventually turn into another place to hang clothes! I mean, he could be right- but seriously- I can't leave the house during naptime, by night time when hubby is home I am just plain pooped, and I would have to get up before the rooster crows to do it in the mornings!  I guess I like my sleep too much??  (Of course if I were more disciplined, I'd be in bed before 10 and might could handle it.) 

I would like to convince myself that my everyday activities are enough- carrying a hefty 8+ month old around (which is really just making my hips out of whack), running up and down the stairs, and just the everyday hustle and bustle.  But I know that if I were to go outside right now and run to the end of the street and back- I.might.just.die.  I mean let's face it- none of us are as young as we were ten years ago!  I mean, for Pete's sake- I'm finding gray hairs in my always-turning-darker-no-longer-blonde hair!! 

So my question is this- how do you do it?  When do you find the time?  Are you consistent with it?  Please tell me I'm not the only one!!!!

Don't read this.......

unless you want to be convicted on yours and your children's eating habits!!  Wow!  Some pretty heavy stuff- but SUCH a good read!  {borrowed from fellow internet ceo mom}  Feel free to leave your comments and let me know what you think!  What are your family's healthy eating habits??

9 Foods Not to Give Your Kids

By Joe Wilkes

If you've followed the news on childhood obesity lately, you know the state of affairs is pretty grim. Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past two decades, and most signs point to the next generation being the first whose life expectancy will be shorter than their parents'. Much of the blame for this trend has deservedly been laid at the feet of the producers and marketers of unhealthy food aimed at our youngest consumers, whose parents face an uphill battle: trying to pit fresh, healthy foods devoid of mascots or sidekicks against superheroes and cartoon animals in a struggle to tempt their children's palates and stomachs.

Since most kids have hummingbird metabolisms that adults can only envy, it's often easy to give them a free pass and let them eat whatever they want. But eventually those metabolisms slow down and the pounds settle in. Also, as physical activity decreases and processed food intake increases annually, kids aren't burning calories the way their parents might have when they were their age. And even if the kids aren't getting fat, they are establishing eating habits they'll take into adulthood. As parents, you can help foster a love for healthy eating and exercise that will last your kids a lifetime—hopefully a long one!
Eating can so often be a classic power struggle where kids try to finally locate their mom and dad's last nerve. (I can remember family dinners with my brother and parents that could teach Hezbollah a thing or two about standoffs.) There are a number of strategies you can use to mitigate this type of deadlock. One is to let your kids help with the selection and preparation of the food. If they picked out the veggies at the farmers' market and helped cook them, they might be less inclined to feed them to the family pet. Another is to frame eating vegetables and healthy food as being its own reward. Otherwise, by offering dessert as a reward for finishing vegetables, you create a system where unhealthy food is a treat and healthy food sucks. With these thoughts in mind, let's take a look at some of the most unhealthy foods being marketed to your kids today, and some healthier alternatives you can offer to replace each of them.
Note: The following recommendations are for school-aged children. Infants and toddlers have different specific nutritional needs, not addressed in this article.

1. Chicken nuggets/tenders. These popular kids' menu items are little nuggets of compressed fat, sodium, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and in some form chicken. Depending on the restaurant, chicken might not even be the first ingredient. Oftentimes, the nuggets or tenders are made of ground pieces of chicken meat and skin, pressed into a shape, flavored with HFCS and salt, and batter-fried in hydrogenated oil (the bad, trans-fatty stuff). Then, as if that weren't unhealthy enough, you dunk it in a HFCS- or mayonnaise-based sauce. With all the fat, salt, and sugar, it's easy to understand why they're tasty, but the nutritive value weighed against the huge amount of calories and fat consumed is incredibly lacking. Even healthier-sounding menu items can be deceiving, like McDonald's^® Premium Breast Strips (5 pieces), which pack 665 calories and 40 grams of fat—and that's before you factor in the dipping sauce. (By comparison, a Big Mac^® with sauce has 540 calories and 29 grams of fat.) Instead: If you're cooking at home, grill a chicken breast and cut it into dipping-size pieces either with a knife or, for extra fun, cookie cutters. Make a healthy dipping sauce from HFCS-free ketchup, marinara sauce, mustard, or yogurt. Let your kids help make the shapes or mix up the sauce. Try and go without breading, but if you must, try dipping the chicken breast in a beaten egg, and then rolling it in cornflake crumbs before you bake it. It'll be crunchy and delicious, but not as fatty.
   
2. Sugary cereal. I can remember as a child, after going to friends' houses for overnights and being treated to breakfast cereals with marshmallows that turned the milk fluorescent pink or blue, feeling horribly deprived when faced with the less colorful and sugary options served up in my home kitchen. But now I can appreciate my mom and her unpopular brans and granolas. True, they didn't have any cartoon characters on the box or any toy surprises, but they also didn't have the cups of sugar, grams of fat, and hundreds of empty calories that these Saturday-morning staples are loaded with. Instead: Read the labels and try to find cereal that's low in sugar and high in fiber and whole grains. Remember, "wheat" is not the same as "whole wheat." Also, avoid cereals (including some granolas) that have hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. Add raisins, sliced bananas, berries, or other seasonal fruit to the cereal for extra flavor and nutrition. Again, letting your child help design a healthy bowl of cereal from choices you provide will get you a little more buy-in at the breakfast table.
   
3. Lunch meat and hot dogs. Kids love hot dogs, bologna, and other processed meats, but these are all full of potentially carcinogenic nitrates and nitrites, sodium, saturated fat, and artificial colors and fillers. A study in Los Angeles found that kids who ate 12 hot dogs a month had nine times the risk of developing leukemia.¹ And more health risks are being discovered all the time. Leaf through any research about kids' nutrition, and you're bound to read about the bane of the cafeteria—Oscar Mayer's Lunchables^®. These and similar prepackaged lunches are loaded with processed meats and crackers made with hydrogenated oils. These innocent-looking meals can boast fat counts of up to 38 grams. That's as much fat as a Burger King^® Whopper^® and more than half the recommended daily allowance of fat for an adult. Instead: Get unprocessed meats, like lean turkey breast, chicken, tuna, or roast beef. Use whole wheat bread for sandwiches; or if your kid's dying for Lunchables, fill a small plastic container with whole-grain, low-fat crackers, lean, unprocessed meat, and low-fat cheese. This can be another great time to get out the cookie cutters to make healthy sandwiches more fun. For hot dogs, read labels carefully. Turkey dogs are usually a good bet, but some are pumped up with a fair amount of chemicals and extra fat to disguise their fowl origins. Look for low levels of fat, low sodium, and a list of ingredients you recognize. There are some tasty veggie dogs on the market, although a good deal of trial and error may be involved for the choosy child.
   
4. Juice and juice-flavored drinks. Juice—what could be wrong with juice? While 100 percent juice is a good source of vitamin C, it doesn't have the fiber of whole fruit, and provides calories mostly from sugar and carbohydrates. Too much juice can lead to obesity and tooth decay, among other problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests 4 to 6 ounces of juice per day for kids under six, and 8 to 12 ounces for older kids. Juice drinks that aren't 100 percent juice are usually laced with artificial colors and that old standby, high fructose corn syrup, and should be avoided. Your best bet is to make your own juice from fresh, seasonal fruit. You won't have to worry about all the additives, and it's another way you can involve your kids in the cooking process. Let them design their own juice "cocktail." (And if you were even considering soda, see "Top 10 Reasons to Give Up Soda" in the Related Articles section below.) Instead: Water is still the best thirst quencher. Explain the importance of good hydration to your kids, and try to set a good example yourself by carrying around a healthy reusable hard plastic or stainless steel water bottle. Get your kids used to carrying a small bottle of water in their backpack or attached to their bike. If they're very water averse, try water with a splash of fruit juice in it. But just a splash. The idea is to get your kids used to not having things be overly sweet, overly salty, or overly fatty. Another great beverage is milk. Growing kids need plenty of milk (or fortified nondairy milks, like soy or almond)—which is filled with nutrients, calcium, and (in the case of dairy and soy) protein—but they don't need too much fat, so choosing low-fat or nonfat options will help ensure that they get their milk without actually beginning to resemble a cow.
   
5. French fries. High in calories, high in fat, and high in sodium—and unsurprisingly the most popular "vegetable" among kids. Fries offer virtually none of the nutrients found in broccoli, carrots, spinach, or other veggies not cooked up in a deep fryer, and the fat they're fried in is often trans fat, the unhealthiest kind for the heart. To top it all off, studies are beginning to show cancer-causing properties from acrylamide, a toxic substance that is created when starchy foods like potatoes are heated to extreme temperatures. In some tests, the amount of acrylamide in French fries was 300 to 600 times higher than the amount the EPA allows in a glass of water.² Instead: Vegetables like baby carrots, celery sticks, and other crudités are great options, but if potatoes must be had, there are some options that don't involve melting a brick of fat. A scooped-out potato skin with low-fat chili and a little cheese can provide lots of fiber and vitamins, with even higher amounts if the chili has beans. You can also try making baked fries, using slices of potato with a light brushing of olive oil. Or the classic baked potato could be a hit, with plain yogurt or cottage cheese instead of sour cream and butter.
   
6. Potato chips, Cheetos^®, Doritos^®, etc. These are full of fat, oftentimes saturated, and way more sodium than any child or adult should eat. Some chips also have the acrylamide problem discussed in #5, French fries, above. Also, watch out for innocent-seeming baked and low-fat chips that contain olestra or other fake fats and chemicals that could present health issues for kids. Instead: Kids gotta snack, and in fact, since their stomachs are smaller, they aren't usually able to go as long between meals as adults. Cut-up vegetables are the best thing if your kids want to get their crunch on, but air-popped popcorn and some baked chips are okay, too. You can control how much salt goes on the popcorn, or involve your child in experimenting with other toppings like red pepper, Parmesan cheese, or dried herbs. Try making your own trail mix with your kids. They might be more excited to eat their own personal blend, and that way you can avoid certain store-bought trail mixes, which sometimes contain ingredients like chocolate chips and marshmallows that aren't exactly on the healthy snack trail.
   
7. Fruit leather. Many of these gelatinous snacks like roll-ups or fruit bites contain just a trace amount of fruit, but lots of sugar or HFCS and bright artificial colors. Don't be misled by all the products that include the word "fruit" on their box. Real fruit is in the produce section, not the candy aisle. Instead: If your child doesn't show interest in fruit in its natural state, there are some ways you can make it more interesting without losing its nutritional value. For a healthy frozen treat, try filling ice-cube or frozen-pop trays with fruit juice or freezing grapes. Or buy unflavored gelatin and mix it with fruit juice and/or pieces of fruit to make gelatin treats without the added sugar and color (let it solidify in big flat casserole dishes or roasting pans—another good time for the cookie cutters!) Try serving some raisins, dried apricots, apples, peaches, or other dried fruits that might give you that chewy, leathery texture without the sugar.
   
8. Doughnuts. These little deep-fried gobs of joy are favorites for kids and adults alike, but they are full of fat and trans-fatty acids, and of course, sugar. Toaster pastries, muffins, and cinnamon buns aren't much better. The worst thing about doughnuts and these other pastries, aside from their nutritional content, is that they're often presented to children as acceptable breakfast choices. These delicious deadlies need to be categorized properly—as desserts, to be eaten very sparingly. And you can't have dessert for breakfast. Instead: Honestly, a slice of whole wheat toast spread with sugar-free fruit spread or peanut butter isn't going to get as many fans as a chocolate-filled Krispy Kreme^® doughnut, but at some point, you have to stand firm. Be the cop who doesn't like doughnuts. Doughnuts—not for breakfast. Period.
   
9. Pizza. In moderation, pizza can be a fairly decent choice. If you order the right toppings, you can get in most of your food groups. The problem comes with processed meats like pepperoni and sausage, which add fat and nitrates/nitrites (see #3, Lunch meat and hot dogs, above); and the overabundance of cheese, which will also provide more calories and fat than a child needs. Instead: Try making your own pizza with your kids. Use premade whole wheat crusts, or whole wheat tortillas, English muffins, or bread as a base. Then brush on HFCS-free sauce, and set up a workstation with healthy ingredients like diced chicken breast, sliced turkey dogs, and vegetables that each child can use to build his or her own pizza. Then sprinkle on a little cheese, bake, and serve. If your child gets used to eating pizza like this, delivery pizzas may seem unbearably greasy after awhile.
   

Someday your children will come to realize that caped men in tights and sponges who live under the sea might not have their best interests at heart when it comes to food. Until then, however, why not involve them in the process of selecting and preparing healthier alternatives? Some of these cleverly disguised wholesome foods might become their favorites. Who knows, they may even tempt some of the overgrown children among us!

• ¹Peters J, et al. "Processed meats and risk of childhood leukemia (California, USA)" Cancer Causes & Control 5: 195-202, 1994
• ²Tareke E, Rydberg P, Karlsson P, et al. "Analysis of acrylamide, a carcinogen formed in heated foodstuffs" J. of Agri and Food Chem. 2002;50:4988-5006

**After posting this article to my page, I received an email from a lady who works on the Lunchables team.  She provided me with the following information regarding the Lunchables line:

My name is Tiasha Stevenson and I work for the Lunchables team. I read your blog post about the 9 Foods Not To Give Your Kids. We appreciate the intent of your story and wanted to let you know that as a brand, we are always looking for ways to make our products better. As a result, we are constantly evaluating the nutritional profile of our food.

 

The piece mentions that Lunchables could have fat counts up to 38g per serving and that is not true. In fact, the new line of Lunchables offers more wholesome options like lean meats, spring water and even whole-piece fruit. 

 

Other enhancements of the line include:

• Turkey made with 100% turkey breast (a good source of protein)
• Bread made with whole grain
• Kraft 2% milk cheese (an excellent source of calcium)
• Unsweetened apple sauce
• DOLE Mandarin Oranges in 100% fruit juices
• Spring water

We are also working to include positive nutrients such as whole grains and fruit in our products. We now have 32 items that are made with at least 5g of whole grain including products with crackers, pizza crusts, and subs. Four of our offerings contain either unsweetened applesauce or mandarin oranges in 100% fruit juice. 

 

Did You Take Your Vitamins This Morning?!

Most of us didn't...

But did you know that our body doesn't produce the vitamins and minerals we need?  Did you eat your 5 servings of fruits and vegetables yesterday?  I know for me, life gets in the way- I ate lunch on the run yesterday-- and I was at home all day!  Getting enough nutrition isn't just good for our health- but it can really make a difference in how we FEEL!  So I'm putting a challenge out there for you-- take your vitamins and see how you feel after a week...after a month...after a couple months!  Especially with the holiday season coming up, we'll all need that extra dose of energy!  Fast food isn't designed to give us all the nutrition we need...but I know I'm just as guilty as anyone else at making that stop through the "eat more chicken" line and getting that fabulous glass of sweet tea or coke!  It's just too convenient!  So let's make a pact together- vitamins and more water...anyone with me?!

Check out some facts on getting the most out of your vitamins here.