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Notes from the Nutritionist
Greetings!
 When I pass newsstands each January, magazine headlines seem to scream at me: Get Fit Now!, Be More Organized!, Detox Today!, Be Happy! Honestly, they're a turn off. Maybe, that's why I don't make New Year's resolutions. They're never effective and always seem to be a bit self-centered. Instead, I like to establish "personal goals," and I do my best to incorporate my family. This has proven successful in years past and, like a rising tide, the effort lifts all boats.
So, I'm devoting this issue to family, specifically to their health and well-being. Below, you'll find five "you-can-do-it" health, nutrition and fitness goals that are simple yet benefit everyone. Best of all, I've kept them simple, to increase your success rate.
Also in this issue, you'll find a Q&A with our first Hip & Homemade Role Model. In the spirit of putting family first, Richel Newborg sets a great example of nourishing family relationships.
Delicious wishes,
Tina
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Perfect Pastina Breakfast
Pastina is an extremely small pasta shape made with durum wheat and egg. Serve with 3 fresh strawberries on the side.
 INGREDIENTS
¼ cup Pastina, cooked
1 teaspoon butter
¼ cup (60 ml) milk
¼ mashed banana
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl with lid. Microwave
20 seconds or until warm. Let stand one minute then serve.
Yield: 2 toddler servings, ¼ cup each
Each serving contains: 111.6 calories; 3.1 g total fat; 2.0 grams saturated fat; 8.1 mg cholesterol; 13.2 mg sodium; 18.4 g carbohydrates; 1.2 g dietary fiber; 3.2 g protein; 28.4 mg calcium; 0.5 mg iron; 116.4 IU vitamin A; and 2.5 mg vitamin C.
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5 Family Health Resolutions to Make Now
Given the frenetic pace of everyday life, it's no wonder many parents and grandparents want to spend more quality time with their children or grandchildren. But what is quality time? I define it as doing an activity that is meaningful to both parent and child; it's a time when family members focus their attention on one another and share thoughts and feelings.
To help you develop deeper and more meaningful family relationships, consider adopting one or more of the following ideas this New Year. The return on your efforts will be exponential.  Turn off the TV: The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to limit the time infants and toddlers spend in front of the TV, computers, iPads and smartphones. Multi-media leaves less time for activities that inspire creativity, movement and real life interactions, essential to a child's growth. Parents should be mindful of how much their own use of media distracts from playtime. Instead, have a game night, read books and incorporate other daily family activities into your routine.  Exercise Together: Exercise is a healthy habit to enjoy together, since it combines family time with activity. Create a family activity schedule that gets everyone out and for at least 30 minutes three times a week. Ask the kids for their suggestions; they might surprise you with their ideas! - Share A Meal: Having meals together several times a week is extremely important to a family's well-being. Eating together ensures everyone receives a balanced, home cooked, nutritious meal. It also provides parents with the opportunity to model correct table manners and healthy habits. Plus, it's a great way to pause, talk to each other and reconnect after a busy day.
 Eat Breakfast: There is a lot of truth to the saying, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." Eating breakfast jump starts your metabolism and causes you to eat less during the day. When kids eat breakfast regularly, they do better in school because they have more energy. To save time, plan the next day's breakfast the night before, so you know what to grab in the morning and stress is minimal. - Pack Your Own Lunches & Snacks: It's easy to race to the vending machine, drive-thru window, or send your kids to school with lunch money. However, making your own lunches and snacks is good for your waistline and wallet. Planning and packing lunches the night before insures that your family will be nourished away from home.
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Hip & Homemade: Be A Role Model!
 Our January Hip & Homemade Role Model is Richel Newborg from Mira Loma, California. Richel is mom to Evan (4 ½), Aiden (2 ½) and Caitlyn (14 months). Richel is a Community Marketing Specialist for HappyMama and HappyFamily. Let's get to know Richel a bit more!
How did The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet change the way you feed your family?
"I love to cook, and the book gives me recipes that I can adapt to suit the entire family. For example, I made the book's Broccoli-Cheddar Soup, but I prepared five-times the suggested ingredients. I took out a portion for the kids, then added more spices, a little garlic and other veggies for the adult meals. I also make the purées, freeze them or add them to sauces or other dishes. We've even used some of the purées as dips for homemade chicken nuggets and French toast! Peachy-Plum is a great dip for chicken and sweet potato fries!"
My favorite, healthy go-to meal is:
"Last night, we made a healthy pizza with veggies and ground turkey. It was the delicious! Pizza is fun because the kids can get involved in the preparation, and you can put anything on a pizza - from fruit to tofu!"
In the kitchen, I can't live without my:
"Pink KitchenAid mixer. I got it as an anniversary present from my husband. I make everything with it, from cookies, bread dough and play dough, to homemade pizza sauce. It is the best kitchen tool! It also matches my pink KitchenAid chopper, which I use to make my purées."
Want to be profiled? Email us at besthomemadebabyfood@gmail.com for more details! Our person of the month will receive a little gift!
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Turning One Was
So Much Fun!
November 15th marked
the book's first anniversary on store shelves! To celebrate, The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet awarded 20 Facebook fans with a gift. Winners below will receive two Beaba Multi-Portion Freezer Trays ($50 value).
Congratulations!
Megan McAlister, Jill Baines, Marilyn Meja, Jennifer Zarrella Manochio, Alyssa Duncan, Darcey Myers, Amy Egoville Gomez, Kristen Alves, Amanda Bird, Tanya Hagen, Michele Wiltermood, Kelly Wheeler Light, Brittany Miller, Christa M. Kichler, Debbi Gerbik, Ashlie Gellerman, Angie Castillo, Rocio Garcia Skinner, Necta Rodriguez Nelson, Laura Hernandez-Alvarado |
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The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet and HappyFamily
Team Up
The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet and HappyFamily want you to be a winner! For more details, visit the Facebook pages of The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet or HappyFamily later this month to find out more details!
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ORDER
The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet! 
This incredible collection of quick and easy recipes includes countless meals for infants and toddlers that can be made in 10 minutes or less! It also features essential nutrition and health information for your little one. Buy The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planetand get your baby on the path to wholesome, healthy eating!
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HAVE YOU READ?
The Best Homemade Baby Food on The Planet has some positive press! 
Celebrity mommies and daddies are going ga-ga over The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet. Quotes the magazine, "The book is life-changing. It ensures health and wellness for your child forever." Read more... |
Tina on TV
Tina is the nutrition correspondent for NBC's syndicated TV show Daytime. Nearly 80 million people tune in to hear what she has to say. Her simple tips, recipes
and ideas will inspire you
on a path to good health.
Watch her now!
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