These healthy Trader Joe’s products top our list for the new year

Whether you’re looking for a way to scale back on the junk, add some smarter snacks, or kick-start healthy habits in general, there are plenty of helpful options at your favorite neighborhood market. Fill up your cart in the fruit and veggie section and then add a few of our favorite healthy Trader Joe’s products to have at the ready. If you need some meal-prep help, check out our favorite Trader Joe’s meals you can make in 15 minutes or less.

Healthy Trader Joe’s Breakfast Products

Egg Wraps

Healthy Trader Joe's products like egg wraps will kickstart the new year.
Kate Loweth

We love these wraps as a breakfast burrito tortilla alternative or topped with fruit for a sweet crepe breakfast. Kids won't be able to tell the difference, we promise! Bonus: there's 4g of protein in each wrap. 

Peanut Butter Protein Granola

While you have to be careful when consuming granola since it’s normally high in sugar and fat, this peanut butter protein granola has 11 grams of protein per serving! Enjoy in small amounts atop yogurt for that extra protein serving your body is craving.

Organic Rolled Oats with Ancient Grains & Seeds

When it comes to a dense, nutritious breakfast, you can never go wrong with oatmeal. It packs a healthy portion of carbs and fiber, is rich in antioxidants, and can help lower your cholesterol and improve blood sugar control. Plus, it’s super tasty in homemade protein bars and in a smoothie, too!

Egg Bites

Trader Joe's

You love these little bites from Starbucks and now you can have them every day of the week at home. They come in a cheese, spinach, and kale flavor as well as bacon and cheese. Pop them in the microwave and serve with a dollop of salsa. 

Raisin Walnut Apple Bars

We love these little bars as they are packed with protein (10g per bar!) but they have the texture of a roll. Easy to eat on the go, these bars are packed with raisins, walnuts, and apples for a satisfying breakfast option. 

Healthy Trader Joe’s Snacks

Papdums

These lentil and chickpea crisps will be your new favorite snacks. One warning: You might just eat the whole bag in one sitting. They have a lovely light Indian flavor with the texture of Pringles. Great served with your favorite hummus. 

ABC Bars

We love these for kids' lunches as they have 4g of protein and taste great. The chocolatey dough enrobes the almond butter center and feels like a treat. 

Roasted Seaweed Snack

Roasted seaweed is a healthy Trader Joe's product you can put in lunches.

Crunchy, salty, and easy to pack in your kid's lunch. We love this seaweed snack to top ramen bowls. 

Dried Cranberries

These dried cranberries are perfect for snacking and are fortified with cranberry seed oil. They have 200mg of omega-3’s per serving and would be super tasty on a salad, in oatmeal, or enjoyed by the handful.

Veggie & Flax Seed Corn Tortilla Chips

You get the whole package with this bag of chips. Carrot, tomato, spinach, garlic, red beet, and onion plus lots of omega-3's are all found in this inexpensive and flavorful snack.

 

Healthy Trader Joe’s Add-Ins

Organic Acai Puree Packets

Acai is a superfood! These pre-made puree packets are loaded with antioxidants and are low in sugar (fruit is usually high in natural sugars). Perfect for that morning smoothie bowl.

Whole Flax Seed

add healthy Trader Joe's products like flax seed to your diet this year.

Flax seed is easy to add to your yogurt, homemade protein bars, and smoothies for a nice, nutty taste and texture. It's rich in omega-3s, fiber, and lignans, which block the effects of estrogen and could potentially help reduce the risk of hormone-associated cancers, such as breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate.

Organic Chia Seed

Trader Joe's chia seeds are a healthy item to add to your diet in 2023.

Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (that help raise your "good cholesterol"), fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. They also help with reducing inflammation and weight loss and are easy to make into overnight chia seed pudding. 

Healthy Trader Joe’s Beverages

Kefir & Cultured Milk

This kefir and cultured milk combo has 12 live and active cultures, packs a lot of protein, and is full of vitamin D. Kefir is a powerful probiotic, can improve bone health, and can aid with digestive problems.

Super Antioxidant Green Tea

Green tea is a must for healthy living: It helps regulate glucose levels, reduces bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, and might even help with aging and wrinkles.

Healthy Trader Joe’s Condiments

Almond Butter

Trader Joe’s salted and unsalted almond butter is great for protein: Each serving packs seven grams. The spread is great for baking or a la carte.

Organic Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce

Made with just coconut water, sap, and sea salt, Organic Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce is the perfect swap for sodium-laden soy sauce. The gluten-free, kosher sauce contains no soy, but 13 amino acids that make this product a must for stir-fries, fried rice, veggies, and more.

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

 

Add flavor without all the carbs a tasty bagel usually brings when you use TJ’s coveted Everything but the Bagel Seasoning. The blend is made with poppy seeds, minced garlic and onion, sea salt flakes, and sesame seeds and is a great addition to anything! Try on hardboiled eggs, avo toast, and even your fave dinners.

Kerrygold Grass-Fed Butter

Kerrygold grass-fed butter is not only better for baking, but it also possesses properties that are anti-inflammatory and makes for an excellent Vitamin A source.

Sunflower Seed Butter

Sunflower butter is not only an alternative to peanuts, but is also an excellent source of protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and lots of other healthy fats. It's also great for kiddos who attend schools with a "no nut policy."

Healthy Trader Joe’s Lunch and Dinner Products

All-Natural Chicken Breasts

These pre-cooked chicken breasts are deliciously flavorful and a great option to have on hand for quesadillas, sandwiches, salads, or soups. Each chicken breast is individually wrapped. You can find these in the deli section. 

Beef Bulgogi

This frozen product is quickly topping our list of go-to items to have on hand when dinner needs to come together fast. Add some of the garlicky cabbage and serve this with rice for a filling meal. There's also a meatless option if that's your jam. 

Stir-Fried Garlicky Cabbage

Inspired by the Thai dish Galam Plee Pad Nam Pla, this simple stir-fry of cabbage, a whole lot of garlic, and fish sauce makes a tasty addition to your meal whether you have it as a side or mix it in with your stir-fry. 

Kettle Cooked Chicken Soup

chicken soup is one a healthy Trader Joe's products to add to your cart.

One of the most popular healthy Trader Joe's products, this soup is all the rage these days as a serving will really fill you up with a whopping 16g of protein. Plus, it's pretty delicious. 

Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower

This little packet really packs a flavor punch and is a great addition to taco night. It has around 200 calories in the whole bag, which makes it an easy add-on to your weekly menu plan. 

Harvest Grains Blend

This hearty and healthy blend packs lots of protein and fiber. It's made up of orzo, garbanzo beans, red quinoa, and couscous that can easily be paired with meat to make a full meal.

Frozen Brown Rice & Rice Medley

Brown rice far surpasses its white rice cousin when it comes to nutritional value, but it takes forever to cook. This box of three frozen brown rice packets makes eating healthy a cinch––microwave for three minutes and enjoy perfectly cooked rice (and no rice cooker cleanup!). Try the Rice Medley when you want a little more texture.

Organic & Sprouted TriColor Quinoa

Quinoa is referred to as a superfood and is higher in fiber than most other grains. It also has tons of protein, is low on the glycemic index, and is gluten-free.

Colorful Carrot Coins

We love these as a potato alternative to that pork roast you plan to serve for dinner. Pop them in the air fryer to get the perfect blend of soft inside and crunchy outside. 

Steamed Lentils

Trader Joe's

Lentils are high in fiber and therefore lower your cholesterol and chances of heart disease. Toss into a soup and enjoy increased energy, stabilized blood sugar, and a healthy gut.

Riced Cauliflower Bowl

Cut the carbs by substituting cauliflower "rice" for its white counterpart. When you use this easy, pre-made version from Trader Joe's, you'll get all the benefits of cauliflower, like tons of fiber, cancer-fighting properties, improved blood pressure and kidney function, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Additional reporting by Karly Wood

Ready to snuff out the sniffles? If you’re looking for a way to fight off those nasty colds and flu viruses, the food you eat is a good place to start. These kid-friendly recipes pack a punch with superfood ingredients that help prevent illness before it happens. And with recipes like chocolate chia seed pudding— these are the ones that will stick with you through the cold season and beyond.

Superfood Breakfast Bars 2
photo: A Healthy Life for Me

Oatmeal Superfood Breakfast Bars
Here are the superfood stats on these breakfast bars from A Healthy Life for Me: The oats contain an immune and cholesterol-boosting fiber called beta-glucan. The pumpkin seeds are packed with protein, magnesium, potassium and zinc. And the bananas and blueberries offer a few vitamin bonuses. Plus, they’re pretty to look at and easy to whip up. Get the recipe here.

Carrot Orange Juice
photo: My Fussy Eater

Carrot Orange Juice
Orange juice is a classic cold fighter because it contains a whole lot of vitamin C, which studies have shown can cut a cold’s duration by about a day if it’s taken at the first sign of illness. This O.J drink from My Fussy Eater also features carrots, which provide immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamins. For an extra antioxidant kick, you can also add ginger— a natural antihistamine and decongestant. Get the recipe here.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
photo: Life Made Sweeter

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
Oh, good gourd! This soup from Life Made Sweeter scores major points both for its use of the slow cooker (easy dinner for the win!) and the star ingredients: butternut squash and sweet potato. These superfoods are packed with things like potassium, fiber, and omega 3s. Their orange hue also means that they’re rich in carotenoids that boost bone health and fight asthma.

Roasted Edamame 3 Ways
photo: Beauty & the Beard

Roasted Edamame 3 Ways
Edamame (a.k.a soybeans) isn’t just a Japanese restaurant staple. It’s also a fiber and protein powerhouse and its nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants do wonders for the immune system. That’s why we love these soy-tastic edamame snacks from Beauty & the Beard. They’re simple to make and have a big flavor and health payoff.

photo: Julia’s Album

Parmesan Zucchini and Garlic Pasta
Sure, pasta is a well-known kid-pleaser. But this dish from Julia’s Album has even more going for it thanks to its hefty dose of garlic. In addition to being a good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C, garlic contains allicin, an amino acid that produces antioxidants when it’s broken down. That means that this easy four-ingredient dish is also superfood-rich.

photo: Out of the Box Food

Kid-Approved Kale and Walnut Pesto
Pesto with a superfood, kid-approved twist? Yes, please! Out of the Box Food sets up kale as the main green ingredient of the sauce you know and love. This leafy veggie provides lots of vitamins and minerals (like folate, vitamin C, and calcium) that give little immune systems a super boost. You only need minimal time and ingredients to make this pesto, so the only question is: what will you put it on?

photo: Averie Cooks

Kiwi Agua Fresca
Psst! Did you know that kiwis are antioxidant all-stars? They actually offer more vitamin C than an equivalent amount of orange, more potassium than the same amount of bananas, and are low in sugar. All of that, plus additional nutrients found in kiwis, adds up to serious perks for the immune system. Averie Cooks has a great idea for a refreshing kiwi drink that’s naturally sweet and easy to make.

photo: A Dash of Butter

Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Bark
Here’s the deal with Greek yogurt: it contains probiotics that help the body replenish good bacteria and lower the risk of upper respiratory tract infections. It’s also yummy, especially when paired with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich blueberries. For an easy team up of the two, Dash of Butter has you covered with this pretty-as-a-picture snack.

photo: Crème de la Crumb

Red Pepper Hummus
Good news for hummus lovers! Crème de la Crumb takes your favorite dip and gives it a big health benefit boost in the form of red peppers. These veggies contain high levels of cold-fighting vitamin C, which means you can supplement a morning glass of O.J with an after-school hummus snack. For bonus points, dunk bell pepper strips instead of chips.

 

photo: Minimalist Baker

Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
It looks like a decadent dessert and it tastes as good as one, too, but this pudding has secret agent superfood powers. Both chia seeds and cacao powder are loaded with immune-boosting antioxidants that can help fight the common cold and flu. Minimalist Baker combines both to create a dreamy creamy treat.

Easy Salmon and Potato Foil Packets
photo: Averie Cooks

Easy Salmon and Potato Foil Packets
The immune info on salmon is that it’s a great source of vitamin D and omega-3s, nutrients that help immune cells function and boost overall immune system strength. And you don’t have to get fancy to add more salmon to your dinner table. Averie Cooks has a great idea for easy-peasy salmon foil packets that also include citrus-y vitamin C.

Secret Veggie Green Rice
photo: My Fussy Eater

Secret Veggie Green Rice
Go green! This rice is a true triple threat, with spinach, avocado, and cauliflower as its main ingredients. Together, these superfoods provide glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off infection), along with vitamins A, C and E. The credit for this colorful and healthy concoction goes to My Fussy Eater, who guarantees that it’s super easy to make, too.

photo: One Lovely Life

Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie

This mega superfood smoothie is not only packed with healthy ingredients and no added sugar—but it’s also delicious. Thanks to this recipe from Emily over at One Lovely Life, your kids will be asking for seconds without realizing just how nutritious it really is. That’s a win/win.

—Abigail Matsumoto

Featured image: Denis Tuksar via Unsplash

 

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Photo: Little Dish

Feeding toddlers is not for the faint of heart. As parents, most of us have experienced the anxiety and frustration that often comes at meal time. Whether it’s a busy schedule or a toddler who refuses to eat, meals can be downright stressful. Yet, at the same time, we feel pressure to provide our kids with the important nutrients they need to grow and thrive. This means a diet that includes a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy foods.

The biggest struggle often comes with two v-words: vegetables and variety. In fact, eight out of ten toddlers don’t eat enough vegetables. And the vegetables our toddlers eat typically lack variety. How many of us regularly throw a few raw baby carrots on our child’s plate because we know they’ll be eaten? In our busy world, it’s easy to fall into a feeding rut.

So, how do we support variety and vegetable consumption during the important toddler years? The key is having a few different tricks up our sleeves because toddlers are notorious for changing preferences overnight. One day they love broccoli, the next day they hate it. Here are some tried-and-true techniques designed to make veggie variety simple and give parents some peace of mind during those challenging phases.

Make Old Favorites in New Ways

One great way to increase the variety of vegetables in your family’s diet is by introducing favorite veggies in new ways. For example, if your child loves mashed potatoes, give mashed squash a try. If that goes well, try squash ravioli and then finally, roasted squash. Similarly, when introducing new vegetables, prepare them in a variety of textures—for example, roasted broccoli, cream of broccoli soup, broccoli & cheese scrambled eggs. This introduces the flavors in several ways and gives children a chance to develop their palettes and acceptance of the new taste.

Make Veggies Easy

Vegetables can be a logistical challenge at times—they’re perishable and require washing, chopping, and cooking. Make them a little easier by finding some shortcuts that work for your family. For example, wash and chop some vegetables on Sunday to keep on-hand for snacks throughout the week. Keep frozen vegetables in your freezer for quick use. Identify some healthy, veggie-rich short-cuts for busy nights. One great example is Little Dish. These fresh, all-natural, refrigerated heat-and-serve toddler meals offer a full serving of veggies in each bowl. Little Dish is now available locally through Fresh Direct.

When All Else Fails, Hide Those Veggies

During those difficult times when your child is downright refusing new foods or eating only a few different foods—don’t stress! This is a phase and will pass. That said, sneaking in extra veggies during times like this will often give mom and dad some peace of mind. Some of my family’s favorite ideas include: 

  • Adding canned pureed pumpkin to our favorite chicken noodle soup recipe. It blends right in and adds a great kick of nutrients and fiber. 
  • Finely dice mushrooms and add them to chili or tacos. Their savory “umami” flavor is often completely masked by the spices. 
  • Add shredded zucchini into your meatloaf or meatball recipes! This trick also keeps the meat tender and moist because zucchini has a high water content.

Finally, remember it takes time for children to learn to love new foods. Just keep offering them and eventually, they’ll likely stop playing with their veggies and start eating them!

A research neuroscientist and expert in nutrition, diet and addiction. Dr. Avena is an Asst. Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC. She is the author of several books, including Why Diets Fail, What to Eat When You’re Pregnant, and What to Feed Your Baby & Toddler.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a voluntary recall for select Vitafusion gummy vitamin products. Along with adult vitamins, the recall also includes one children’s variety.

Church & Dwight Co., the makers of Vitafusion gummy vitamins, issued the recall following two consumer reports of metallic mesh material found in products. If eaten, the material could cause digestive tract damage.

Photo: Church & Dwight

While there are currently no reports of adverse effects, anyone with the recalled products should discontinue use immediately. The affected vitamins were manufactured between Oct. 29 and Nov. 3, 2020 and were distributed to in-person and online retailers from Nov. 13, 2020 to Apr. 9, 2021.

The recalled vitamins include:

  • Vitafusion MultiVites 150 count
  • Vitafusion Fiber Well 2220 count
  • Vitafusion Fiber Well 90 count
  • Vitafusion Melatonin 140 count
  • Vitafusion Melatonin 44 count
  • Vitafusion SleepWell 250 count
  • Vitafusion Kids Melatonin 50 count

For a full list of UPC codes, Lot codes and expiration dates, visit the FDA’s website here or Church & Dwight’s website here.

Do not use the recalled products. Contact the manufacturer at 1-800-981-4710 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p..m. ET before you dispose of the vitamins for information on what to do next and how to get a full refund. Customers can also contact Safety Call at 1-888-234-1828 with illness or injury-related concerns.

—Erica Loop

 

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It’s no secret that people love succulents but when you combine them with whimsical trolls, magic happens! Small business owner of The Drunken Witch Co., Chyenne Rotsch has been collecting old school trolls for years, crafting them into works of art. When she shared her creation on Facebook, it received over 51,000 shares!

Rotsch tells Red Tricycle, “I randomly started buying second hand trolls from thrift and antique stores and wanted to create something different with them. My mom has a huge garden of succulents, so I decided to try some making some as planters with clippings of her plants to sell and they instantly became a hit.”

Rotsch shares just how she creates these one-of-kind treasures by “cleaning and removing their hair. This can be quite the process as vintage adhesive has a strong bond.” Then she drills a hole in their feet for drainage, adds a few pebbles, fills with coconut fiber soil and then a succulent clipping. For extra stability, you can also add a few pebbles on top.

“I think they are just so fun and bring back sweet memories of my childhood all while combining my passion for succulents and plants,” says Rotsch.

Rotsch isn’t currently selling her creations on her Etsy shop, but you can follow her instructions above to make your own. You can also shop The Drunken Witch Co. and pickup a few crystal trolls!

––Karly Wood

 

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We all want that Pinterest-worthy house but let’s face it: once your kiddos outgrow their cribs their rooms become a little more in need of photoshop than photos. But you can give your kid’s bedroom a refresh without adding shiplap or buffing the floors: just slap on a fresh coat of paint (or not) and snag a few of these affordable, durable items from Amazon! We especially love the AmazonBasics kids bedding (think bright, simple colors and fun patterns like lions, dinos, space, unicorns and more). Read on for our top picks for a cozy, affordable refresh.

The Best Kids Bedding & Sheets

1. Snuggly Micro Fiber Sheets in Claw

Get everything you need for a woodsy vibe with the Bear Buddies collection. Start with a set of micro-fiber sheets in "claw"

Shop them here. From $17.99.

2. A Cozy Napping Set

Tuck them into a cozy Sherpa blanket, ($21.99) or add a nap set with Bear Pillow and fleece blanket set,

Shop it here, $26.08

 

3. Gender-Neutral Spacey Sheets

Honestly, we want these Navy Galaxy sheets for ourselves.

Get them here. From $17.99, available in Twin, Full or Queen. 

4. Complete Bed-in-a-Bag in Llama

This set comes with one top sheet, one fitted sheet, a single pillowcase, a sham and a comforter. Comes in twin or full/queen.

Get it here, from $38

5. A Luxe Sherpa Blanket for Dinosaur Lovers

This cozy blanket comes in sizes from throw to king and dinosaur pattern is just one of many including bears, lions, kittens and solid colors.

Get it here. Starting at $22.99.

 

6. Cheerful Rainbow Pillow Case Set

Easy wash, standard pillowcases in a pattern sure to make them smile.

Get yours here. $10.19/set of two. 

7. Colorful, Concealing Bed Skirts

Get yourself some sturdy under-the-bed storage bins for all those seasonal clothes or LEGO bricks and then put a skirt around the bottom to hide the stash. You can choose from pleated or ruffled, sizes from twin to king and an array of colors. Our top choices this year are the pleated bed skirt in Oh So Orange and the Mountain Mint Green ruffled skirt. From $11.79 up. 

Adorable Furniture & Curtains

8. Sweet Stackable Horse Chairs

For just shy of $50, you get two adorable, durable plastic chairs that can transform any situation into pretend play or just help the kids wiggle while they work. Available in either black or white, they give off a decidedly "Queen's Gambit" vibe. $47.76

9. Stacking Elephant Chairs

We haven't seen chairs this cute since...well those horse chairs above. These elephant chairs are wipeable, stackable and as sweet as can be. Plus a two-pack is under $30!

Shop them here. $28

10. Kid-Sized Room Darkening Curtains

PSA: Room-darkening curtains do not need to be dark! We love these bright, unicorn-themed curtains that just might encourage early risers to sleep a little bit longer. 

Get yours here. Set of two for $25.64

Easy & Attractive Storage Solutions

11. A U-Fill Bean Bag Perfect for Stuffies

Get some of those stuffed animals off the floor and make a cozy place to read, too. This simple storage bean-bag cover is affordable, durable and comes in several cute patterns. 

Shop it here. $33

12. A Handy Metal Cart for School Supplies

When the remote-day is done, get all that school clutter off the kitchen table/bed/floor and wheel it back into a corner, safe and sound. It also comes in red, black, and white. 

Get it here. From $32

13. Kid's Closet Organizer

Encourage your kiddos to put their clothes away and get dressed independently by giving them easy access to the items they need the most with this handy closet organizer. The bins can be filled with socks, undies, or pajamas and the hanging items easily reached. 

Get it here. $26

14. Slow Movement Storage Trunk

This soft-sided, sloth canvas storage chest will make the kiddos' room neat and sweet in a hurry. Just don't expect anyone to go too fast. 

Shop it here. $37.99

—Amber Guetebier

All images courtesy Amazon 

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Mornings are likely the only time you have to yourself, so why not make it a little sweeter? Coffee mate is serving up nine new creamers this year, with some of the tastiest offerings you won’t be able to pass up.

The nine flavors embrace the sweetness of three desserts, two brand new Unlocked by Coffee mate coffee-flavored options and three additional natural bliss flavors. So what are these fascinating flavors?

 

Get ready to sip on M&M’S Milk Chocolate, Oatmeal Crème Pie and Glazed Donut in several size offerings. You can snag the new M&M’s creamer that melts in your mug, not your mouth in a 32 oz. size, and the Oatmeal Crème Pie and Glazed Donut options in a 16 oz. size.

Hardcore java lovers will love treating their taste buds to two new Unlocked by COFFEE MATE creamers that include Classic Colombian and Italian Espresso Roast. Both flavors come in the 32 oz. size and bring true coffee bean flavor to any cup of joe.

Finally, lovers of Coffee mate’s natural bliss line can now add four more flavors to their roundup, including Brown Sugar Oat Milk, Almond Sweet Crème, Plant-Based Vanilla Flavored Creamer with Prebiotic Fiber and Plant-Based Sweet Almond Flavored Creamer with Protein & MCT Oil. The prebiotic fiber found in the new Plant-Based Vanilla creamer comes from inulin, a vegetable fiber extracted from the chicory root and helps promote a happy gut.

In a first, Coffee mate’s new Plant-Based Sweet Almond Flavored Creamer with Protein & MCT Oil offers five grams of plant-based protein that comes from peas and oats and a healthy fat found in oils your body can use as fuel.

You can shop the new creamer flavors at retailers nationwide.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Coffee mate

 

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With many kids back returning to the classroom and the entire family spending more time indoors, sick days may not be far behind. In addition to frequent handwashing and using hand sanitizers, eating antioxidant-rich foods is one of the best ways to support the immune system. Today, there’s a lot of talk about superfoods. But which superfoods will your kids eat? And what are some “mom hacks” to also help you stay healthy? 

What Makes a Superfood So Super?

“Foods that are called superfoods offer more nutrients, bite for bite, than other foods in their category. In most cases, these are fruits and vegetables,” explains Holistic Nutritionist Andrea Donsky. Nutrient-dense superfoods are especially important as kids come into contact with a variety of bugs in the school environment. Even if we are working from home, missed school days are something we all want to avoid. 

Donsky points out, “Because kids tend to be picky eaters, a lot of the calories they take in are not nutrient-dense. There just aren’t many vitamins or minerals in cheese pizza. Sneaking superfoods into their diets is crucial.” 

How to Make Superfoods Kid-Friendly

Donsky lists some simple, and probably surprising, ways to get kids to consume more superfoods.  

  • Instead of steaming vegetables such as kale and cauliflower, try roasting them in olive oil, salt and garlic. “Roasting brings out the flavor and makes them crispier.” 

  • Another hide-the-nutrients trick that really works is to bake healthy seeds and grains—such as quinoa, millet, flax or chia—into cookies or banana bread. 

  • Introduce kids to black elderberries. “They have a remarkable ability to empower natural immune support. You aren’t going to find black elderberries in the produce section which is why more moms are now stocking up on yummy black elderberry-based products that come in easy-to-use drink mix, syrup, capsules and pastilles as well as pectin-based gummies which are great for kids ages 4 and up. They are free of all major allergens including gluten, nut, soy, dairy and eggs.”

  • Some moms are surprised to learn that Greek yogurt is a superfood. “It has probiotics and protein and is great for breakfasts and snacks. Add berries for antioxidants and fiber, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to help their blood sugar levels.” 

  • Substitute peanuts in trail mix with goji berries and mulberries. “Sprinkle in coconut flakes and dark chocolate chips for a delicious and nutritious nut-free snack.”

  • Hide half an avocado in a smoothie. Avocados are good for the brain and concentration. They have good fat plus fiber and protein. “My youngest loves my sweet avocado chocolate power pudding!”  

If your kids do feel under the weather, Donsky advises you to encourage them to eat their water if they don’t want to drink it. “Yes, I said EAT. Kids can get dehydrated easily if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. It’s often easier to get them to eat soup, or snack on fruits and vegetables that are mostly water (such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, oranges and tomatoes) than it is to get them to drink enough fluids.” 

Mom Hacks: You Need to Stay Healthy Too!

There’s never a convenient time for our own immune systems to be less than strong. Sip on teas that contain immune-supporting herbs and/or squeeze lemon into your tea to reduce phlegm. (The acidity is what does the trick!) 

Honey contains antioxidants and helps with sore throats. “Always use non-pasteurized because the heat in the pasteurization process will kill honey’s health-boosting properties,” she advises. For the same reason, she says never put honey directly into hot tea. Wait until it cools down or eat the honey off the spoon then drink your tea. 

Finally, get creative by using spices from your pantry. Ginger tea helps reduce inflammation. Cinnamon helps to open sinuses as does peppermint oil when used in a diffuser.

 

Registered Holistic Nutritionist. As a pioneer and visionary in the health industry, her passion is to inspire people to make healthier choices for healthy living. She uses her expertise and 20 years of knowledge to educate the public on living a naturally healthy lifest‌yle.  www.AndreaDonsky.com and www.NaturallySavvy.com.

Giving your little one a nutritious start to their day is now as easy as 1-2-3. General Mills just announced the launch of Sesame Street Cereal. These new varieties are headed to store shelves in January to make breakfast fun, delicious and educational. 

Featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby, each box opens up like a book, featuring six dual-language (English and Spanish) short stories with Elmo, and are available in two varieties:

1 2 3 Berry 

Sesame Street Cereal

C is for Cinnamon

Sesame Street Cereal

Even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy fun letter and number-shaped cereal pieces in every spoonful of cereal. Sesame Street Cereal supports the growing bodies of its young fans, delivering many key nutrients and is a good source of Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and fiber.

Find Sesame Street Cereal at grocery retailers nationwide this January. Boxes will retail for $3.99 (Mid-Size) and $4.99 (Family Size).

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of General Mills

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Hello Bello is all about growing with your family. The brand recently released a line of kids’ specific products because they know kids are not babies. Now they are happy to announce the launch of their new training pants line. 

Potty training will be more pleasant with Hello Bello’s cottony-soft stretchiness paired with cute “big kid” designs and premium leg cuffs to prevent leakage both day and night. 

Hello Bello Training Pants

These training pants give your little one more control with their easy on and off fit that is designed to look and feel more like underwear including elastic that doesn’t leak or sag. These reimagined potty trainers feature premium leak guards for active kiddos and stress-free up and down use with disposal tape for quick cleanup. 

Hello Bello’s new training pants are made of chlorine-free fluff pulp from sustainably managed forests, a unique high-performance Spherical Super Absorbent Polymer, polypropylene/ polyethylene/ polyester nonwoven fibers, plant-derived PLA nonwoven fiber, spandex strands and an elastomeric film. Made without lotion, latex, artificial fragrance, phthalates, chlorine processing, TBT, DBT and MBT.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Hello Bello

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