Thanksgiving: The forgotten holiday

Don't forget Thanksgiving

                                            Over the river and throught the woods...


Dear Mommies,

As the leaves finally change and collect in piles on the ground, we enter into the final months of the year. But in the post Halloween rush, retailers plunge us head-long into Christmas. Thanksgiving is only a speed bump to many stores. Sadly, many are open on the holiday, luring shoppers with deals and promises of amazing sales.

Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays that we have. For many reasons.
      Practically speaking, we see many family members we haven't seen in years.
      We get to show off our culinary skills--and surprise a few people with darn good cooking.
      Our munchkins finally learn how to behave at a formal dinner.
      We slow down, take a day off and gather around the table.
      We express our gratitude for food, family and all the blessings we've received.
   
Has anyone ever been thankful for you, a mommy?

It's too bad there isn't more time between November 26 and December 25. We often need much more time to be thankful for everything. Including moms.

Relax, mommies. You've got this!

Shark Week & Goldfish

Dear Mommies,

Forget about Shark Week, let's concentrate on snacks.
Toddlers typically eat three meals and a snack. When they don't, or if they refuse, there can be some parental panic.

No worries: As long as they're thriving, picky eaters are simply testing the waters of food likes and dislikes.

Small finger foods, like goldfish-shaped snacks are often a life saver when it comes to your hungry little predator. They also munch on Cheerios, chopped fruit and pasta noodles.

If you think your baby is underweight, make sure you check with your pediatrician--weight is not always an indicator of poor health. BMI or body mass index, is a better benchmark. And it's probably better to have a slender child, than one that tends towards plumpness (see Toddler weight).

What's your toddler's favorite finger food?

Relax Mommies, you've got this!

Dieting & Memory

Just when you think you've made the right resolution for 2012, comes a strange new feeling of dizziness and "where did I put my car keys?"

It's your diet.

Fantastic you've decided to cut out sweets and sugar from your life, but the brain runs on sugar. Blood sugar can become too low as a result of not eating or from conditions like diabetes. A little bit of sugar can go a long way.

Include: Whole citrus fruits (not oj, it can send blood soaring with added sugars), berries and sweet potatoes.

Your brain will thank you.

SOURCES: American Diabetes Association, http://www.personadigital.net/persona/HumanBrain/BrainToxicChemicals.htm