Because Nothing Should Weigh a Child Down

Author: livelight

Protein Power!

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Protein is important for your body cells, hair and nails, for healing an injury, and building bones, muscles, skin, and blood. You need protein in your diet along with carbohydrates and fats, and vitamins and minerals. Getting enough protein from your food is not usually a problem. But getting protein from better sources is!

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The Skinny: How to Read a Food Label

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Food labels can be totally bewildering. Just because something says “low fat” doesn’t mean it’s not fattening. Confused? You’re not the only one. We’ve put together a tip sheet on how to shop smart so you go home with groceries full of healthy, nutritious ingredients.

  1. Start with the serving size. See how many servings are actually in the container. For example, an Arizona iced tea bottle usually has 2 ½ servings in it. Would you drink less than half the bottle and then put it away for another day?
  2. Calories. Check how many calories are in each serving. Let’s say there are 100 calories per serving in the drink you are about to drink. But there are 2.5 servings in the container. Multiply 100 by 2.5, and you’ll see that there are actually 250 calories in the container. This can be tricky! 1 container does not mean 1 serving.
  3. Fats. Try to make sure the foods you eat are low in total fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol. The Trans fat should say zero. Saturated and Trans fats raise your risk of heart disease.
  4. Sodium. Even though the food or drink might not taste salty to you, it can still be full of sodium. Sodium raises your blood pressure and you should not eat more than 2400 mg total in a day.
  5. Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates (or “carbs”) are important for giving your body energy, but try to limit the amount that comes from sugars. Sugar makes your blood sugar level rise, and turns to fat when you don’t use it. Check for anything that ends in “-ose” in the ingredients- that means sugar! Dietary fiber should be high. Fiber helps move your digestive system along and prevents heart disease and cancer.
  6. Protein. Most of us don’t have to worry about not getting enough protein, but try to have your protein come from foods like skinless chicken, turkey, fish, and beans, and not red meat like beef and pork.
  7. Vitamins and minerals. The goal is to get to 100% of what is recommended for each.

Amazing Oven Baked Sweet Plantains

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8  servings, ½ each/Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 very ripe plantains ( when the skin is yellow with spots of black they’re perfect)
  • cooking spray

This recipe couldn’t be easier. And it’s hands down delicious. Plantains are terrific with beans and rice, which make a tasty, easy and healthy meal for the whole family.

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. Coat a nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray.
  3. Cut the ends off of the plantains and peel.
  4. Cut each plantain on the diagonal into 1/2 inch slices.
  5. Arrange in single layer and coat tops with cooking spray.
  6. Bake, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until plantains are golden brown and very tender.

    Nutrition Information: Per serving, >½ plantain

    Calories Protein  (g) Carbohydrate  (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
    110 2 28 0.3 2 3.5

Raving About Red Beans and Rice

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Red beans and rice is a fantastic one-pot meal. A little goes a long way — and can easily feed a big group. This recipe is also a great way to get lots of vegetables onto the plate without turning off the picky eaters at the table.

6 Servings/Total Time:  2 hours

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dried small red or kidney beans, picked over and rinsed, soaked overnight, and drained
  • 6 1/2 cups water 3 bay leaves
  • 1 1/4 cups assorted brown rice, rinsed and drained
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon each  ground allspice, ground cloves, cayenne pepper and ground bleep pepper
  • 1 cup vegetable stock or broth 1 tomato, cored and diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 1 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (fresh coriander)

Preparation

  1. In a large saucepan over high heat, combine the beans, 4 cups of the water and the bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially and simmer until the beans are tender, 60 to 70 minutes. Drain and discard the bay leaves.
  2. While the beans are cooking, combine the rice, 1 tablespoon of the oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the remaining 2 1/2 cups water in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
  3. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
  4. In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and celery; saute until the vegetables are softened, 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, about 1 minute.
  6. Add the allspice, cloves, cayenne, the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  7. Stir in the cooked beans, the vegetable stock, tomato, thyme and hot-pepper sauce.
  8. Cook until the vegetable mixture is heated through, 6 to 8 minutes.
  9. Divide the rice among warmed individual bowls. Top each serving with beans and sprinkle with the cilantro.

Nutritional Information: Per Serving

Calories Protein (g) Carbohydrate (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
382 14 63 9 11 517

Recipe Alert! Best Jerk Chicken

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Everyone loves jerk chicken and we love this jerk recipe. It’s tasty, it’s easy and it’s sure to please everyone at dinnertime.

8 servings, 1 breast or drumstick /Total Time: (excluding marinating chicken): 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground
  • 1½ teaspoons allspice, ground
  • 1½ teaspoons black pepper, ground
  • 1 tablespoon hot pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon hot pepper, crushed, dried
  • 2 teaspoons oregano, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons thyme, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 cup onion, pureed or finely chopped
  • ¼ cup vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 8 pieces chicken, skinless (4 breasts, 4 drumsticks)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Wash chicken and pat dry.
  2. Combine all ingredients except chicken in large bowl. Rub seasonings  over chicken and marinate in refrigerator for 6 hours or longer.
  3. Space chicken evenly on nonstick or lightly greased baking pan.
  4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.  Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30–40 minutes or until the meat can easily be pulled away from the bone with a fork.

Nutritional Information: Per Serving

Calories Protein (g) Carbohydrate (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
145 4 10 5 1.8 202

The Best Mac n’ Cheese on the Block

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Mac n’ Cheese is always a dinnertime winner. But, it’s often heavy on the fat and thin on the nutrition. This recipe cuts down on the fat, so your kids will get all the tasty mac n’cheese they love while making healthier choices.

10 servings, about ½ c each; | Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (whole wheat)
  • 1/2 cup egg substitute
  • 1 teaspoon no-salt seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup light or reduced fat  cheddar cheese (about 4 oz/cup)
  • 1 cup shredded light or reduced fat American cheese
  • 3 teaspoons light margarine (made from liquid vegetable oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cups skim milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt substitute

    Preparation

    1. Bring 1/2 gallon water to a boil, Add macaroni noodles and stir. As soon as the water comes to a rapid boil, cook for another 3-5 minutes until tender. Turn off heat, drain noodles and immediately rinse with cold water to cool the noodles. Drain and set aside.
    2. Combine egg substitute with the milk, then add all seasonings. Mix well.
    3. Mix all cheeses and margarine with the macaroni.
    4. Spray a four-quart casserole dish with vegetable spray.
    5. Pour macaroni-cheese mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Pour the egg-milk mixture over the macaroni.
    6. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.

    Nutrition Information: Per serving

    Calories Protein (g) Carbohydrate (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
    218 14 22 8 1 355

Real (and divine) Cornbread

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Cornbread is a great side with everything from chili to eggs to bbq chicken. Although it’s often made with heavy, fatty ingredients, you’ll never miss them with this tasty recipe. It’s a traditional cornbread that is made without flour, it isn’t sweet and it has a crumbly texture. If you’re looking for a more muffin-like texture, substitute flour for half of the cornmeal.

8 servings |  Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 cups yellow or white cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk or nonfat buttermilk

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Place oil in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or similar-size glass baking dish and transfer to the preheating oven.
  2. Mix cornmeal, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add egg and milk (or buttermilk); stir until just combined.
  3. Remove the pan from the oven and swirl the oil to coat the bottom and a little way up the sides.
  4. Very carefully pour the excess hot oil into the cornmeal mixture; stir until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the hot pan.
  6. Bake until the bread is firm in the middle and lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Tips & Notes  Make Ahead Tip: The cornbread can be made up to 3 hours in advance. Reheat, wrapped in foil, in a warm oven.

Nutrition Information Per Serving:

Calories Protein (g) Carbohydrate (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
172 5 24 7 3 228

Recipe Alert! Yummy Cheese Grits

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Who loves cheese grits? We do! They’re delicious and creamy and, if prepared with low-fat, nutritious ingredients, can be a wonderful, healthy meal. We found this terrific cheese grits recipe. Make it with the kids, you’ll be surprised by how quickly it’s gone!

2 servings, about 1 cup each | Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup nonfat or low-fat milk
  • 1 cup water
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup quick grits
  • 1/4 cup grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (light, reduced fat or low fat) , divided

Preparation

  1. Combine milk, water and salt in a saucepan over medium heat; heat until almost boiling.
  2. Reduce the heat to low, whisk in grits and cook, whisking constantly, until they start to thicken, 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons cheese.
  4. Cover and let stand until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the grits are creamy, 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Divide between 2 bowls, sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cheese and serve.

Note:

Try using regular grits rather than instant grits, as they are more nutritious. This would require about 20 minutes of cooking as compared to 2-3 minutes.

Nutritional Information:  Per serving, 1 cup each

Calories Protein  (g) Carbohydrate  (g) FAT (g) Fiber (g) Sodium (mg)
183 9 26 5 1 217