Why Smoothies?

Pat G working the fruits on
smoothie making day!

If you have a blender, you can make a smoothie. They're quick. They're easy. But why go through all the bother? Why not just eat all the ingredients before they get pureed into liquid?

Home-Made Healthy Smoothies are a great way to

• Increase fruit and veggie intake with very little effort.
• Fill you up and keep you satisfied by offering plenty of volume.
• Easy to take with you when there's little time for breakfast.
• Keep added sugar intake low when you're craving something cold, creamy, and sweet.
• Have fun!

Meggie's Green Smoothie:

• Hand-full or two of fresh washed spinach
• 6 oz container of pineapple Greek yogurt
• 6 oz orange juice
• ½ cup frozen mango

Blend until smooth & enjoy!

Shoe Lace Trick

As I was walking in my new sneaks, the usual thing happened. My right, wider foot started to feel weird, prickle, and go to sleep. Even though I buy wide shoes, my right foot has to go through this breaking in period while it stretches every shoe I buy to an acceptable width.

But, last year, someone showed me this great trick for lacing sneakers when you have wider feet, so I tried it. Unlace your sneaks, and check this out. It really works!

Nicely Done, Mom!

The screaming toddler was getting louder and louder. I had no idea what I was doing in the grocery store at 6 on a Saturday evening. But, there I was 3 deep in a self-checkout line that wasn't moving at all. And, the high voltage toddler was closing in.

As they walked by, the mom calmly talked to the 3 or 4-year-old boy dressed as Spiderman. She didn't yell, she didn't give in. They settled in line right next to me. I smiled at her and let her know I raised 3 kids and remembered the tantrum stage well. Then I turned to chat with Spidey himself for while, finding out that he also spends time as Batman and Superman.

Even in the midst of this crazed grocery store, his mom remained calm with excellent parenting. She didn't have a big cartload of food, but I did notice it was all healthy. Spiderman tried to coerce a candy bar, but it was nixed. I asked if I could give him a clementine, which was readily approved.

As this wonderful mom checked out, I looked at the healthy food and calm but tired little boy, and it made me happy. I wanted to give them both a hug...

Choose Your Pasta Sauce

You say pasta sauce. I say Marinara sauce. No doubt we could create a healthier version from scratch with canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs. Great to do when you have the time.  Yet, sometimes, there's nothing like the ease of grabbing a jar of the Italian red sauce to make a quick, easy meal.

Be sure to take extra care to read before you grab your next jar! Some can be loaded with as many as 90-100 calories in a ½ cup serving, to say nothing of all the added sodium and sugars.

My goal is to find sauces that are under 50 calories per half cup, with no added sugars, and under 400 mg of sodium. If you've ever spent time examining all those pasta sauce labels, you know how overwhelming it can be. I found  Classico Tomato & Basil awhile ago, and it's a great tasting pasta sauce that fits the bill, with only 45 calories! Woo-hoo!