Kinder Nutrition

🎒 **Back to School Nutrition Tips for Parents** 🥪

1️⃣: **Start with a Balanced Breakfast** 🥞
Fuel your child's day with a mix of whole grains, protein, and fruits to keep their energy steady and minds sharp.

2️⃣: **Smart Snack Pairing** 🍌🧀
Pack a snack that combines carbs & protein! Try banana + cheese or apple slices with nut butter for a tasty, energy-boosting combo.

3️⃣: **Balanced Lunch, Happy Kids** 🍱
Create a lunchbox with a balance of carbs, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Don’t forget to sprinkle in a little fun with a treat to keep them smiling! 😋

Happy Breastfeeding Week to all the amazing mama's out there.

**The Struggle of Feeding Your Neurodivergent Child**

🌟 **Stage 1: The Beginning** 🌟
Starting solids was a breeze. Your baby eagerly tried everything, exploring new flavors and textures with excitement. Every mealtime felt like a little adventure.

🍽️ **Stage 2: The Regression** 🍽️
Around 18 months, things started to change. Foods that were once favorites became foes. Meal times turned into a guessing game, trying to figure out what the little one would eat.

🥦 **Stage 3: The Pickiness Peaks** 🥦
As time went on around 3-5 year old, meal times became more challenging. My child’s preferences grew narrower, and the list of acceptable foods shrank. Dinner time became a battle of wills, with more food remaining on plate than in the mouth.

🍕 **Stage 4: The Daily Struggle** 🍕
Now, every meal is a struggle. The variety of foods child will eat is smaller and smaller. I don't know what to do.

✨ To all the parents out there navigating similar waters, you are not alone and pediatric dietitian and feeding therapist (SLP/OT) who specialized in feeding and feeding ND children can help you navigate through difficult times ✨

🌞☀️ **Keep Your Kids Hydrated This Summer with High Water Content Foods!** 🍉🍓🥒🥬🍅🍍🌶️

Summer heat can be tough, but these delicious and refreshing fruits can help keep your kids hydrated! 💦 Check out these hydrating heroes:

- **Watermelon**: 92% water
- **Strawberries**: 91% water
- **Cucumber**: 95% water
- **Zucchini**: 94% water
- **Tomatoes**: 94% water
- **Cantaloupe**: 90% water
- **Bell Pepper**: 92% water
- **Celery**: 95% water

I'm so excited to get the opportunity to speak & present at a nutrition workshop to a psychologist and neuropsychologist group in NYC.

Nutrition is also an important piece of care for our children's mental health. I'm glad to be able to share my knowledge to improve overall health for our little ones ❤️

🧠 Boost Your Brain with These 7 Powerful Foods! 🌟

May is Mental Health Month, and what better way to support your brain than with nutrient-rich foods? Here are seven brain-boosting foods that can enhance your mental well-being:

1️⃣ **Eggs**: Packed with choline, eggs support memory and mood regulation.

2️⃣ **Salmon**: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps reduce inflammation and supports brain function.

3️⃣ **Leafy Greens**: Spinach, kale, and other greens are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that promote brain health.

4️⃣ **Olive Oil**: A key component of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil supports overall brain function and protects against cognitive decline.

5️⃣ **Avocado**: Full of healthy fats and potassium, avocados help enhance blood flow to the brain.

6️⃣ **Nuts & Seeds**: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide essential nutrients like omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamin E for brain health.

7️⃣ **Berries**: Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants that protect the brain from oxidative stress.

Including these foods in your diet can have a positive impact on your mental clarity, focus, and mood. 🌱 What's your favorite brain-boosting food? Share in the comments below!

This is such great equity program that our area farm coalition & Trillium health plans created this with the grant they received this year for small farmers market to have fresh produce accessible for kids & families.

Little kids under 12 to pick up their little lettuce token ($5) to get fruits/veggies/plant starts.

Family who qualifies can also receive up to $10 bucka bucka bucks to use towards chicken or fresh farm eggs!!

Whiteaker Community Market Willamette Farm & Food Coalition

🌍 Happy Earth Day! Let's talk about the invisible threat to our planet and our health: microplastics. These tiny particles are everywhere, from our oceans to our food, and they pose serious health risks. Here are five potential health hazards of microplastics:

1️⃣ Oxidative stress: Microplastics can generate harmful reactive oxygen species in our bodies, leading to cell damage and inflammation.

2️⃣ Metabolic disorder: Studies suggest that exposure to microplastics may disrupt our metabolism, potentially contributing to conditions like obesity and diabetes.

3️⃣ Immune response: Microplastics can trigger immune responses, causing chronic inflammation and weakening our body's ability to fight off infections.

4️⃣ Neurotoxicity: Some research indicates that certain types of microplastics can interfere with neurological function, potentially leading to cognitive disorders and nervous system damage.

5️⃣ Reproductive toxicity: Microplastics have been linked to reproductive problems in animals, and there's growing concern about their potential impact on human fertility and development.

Let's take action together! Join me for a plastic-free challenge. Let's reduce our plastic consumption, refuse single-use plastics, and make sustainable choices for a healthier planet and a healthier us. 🌱💚

Dive into the world of food and nutrition with these fantastic reads for kids! 📚🥕📖 Expose children early into early food & nutrition literacy is just as important. These four books are particular my favorite for kids age 2 to 10 years old.

1️⃣ "Where Does Broccoli Come From" 🌳🥦 Delve into the origins of your favorite green veggie and discover the journey from farm to table! 🚜🌾

2️⃣ "Little Diggers, Big Garden" 🌱👩‍🌾 Join him and his friends as they plant, water, and harvest a variety of vegetables. There is something new in the garden this year. What do you think it is? Will Little Digger and his friends like how it tastes? Dig in and find out! 🍅🥕

3️⃣ "The Runaway Pea" 🏃‍♂️🌱 Embark on a thrilling adventure with a runaway pea determined to escape the dinner plate! 🍽️ Will it find its place in a delicious dish or continue its daring escape? 🏞️🌿

4️⃣ "101 Descriptive Words for Food Explorer" 📝🍽️ Expand your culinary vocabulary and become a food explorer with this fun and educational book! 🌟🔍 From savory to sweet, discover the perfect words to describe every flavor sensation! 🍜🍩

Share with me your favorite food or nutrition books that you enjoy reading with your kids!

Autism is a unique journey for each child, filled with strengths, talents, and beautiful differences. As parents and healthcare professionals, it's essential for us to understand and celebrate these differences, fostering an environment of love, acceptance, and inclusion.

Today, let's take a moment to appreciate the amazing individuals our children are, regardless of their neurodiversity. Let's advocate for their needs, support their growth, and spread awareness about autism within our communities.

Together, let's create a world where every child feels understood, accepted, and valued just the way they are. 💙

Dye free Easter Egg Idea
Credits to

Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day to all my fellow amazing RDNs friends and colleagues.

Happy International Women's Day to all the amazing women in the world.

Let's build each other up !!

It's National Snack Day !

Which snack do you prefer? AND Share with me your favorite snacks for your kids or yourself :)

Throughout March, celebrate by going Beyond the Table!

Dive into the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, explore the various ways and places we eat, and learn about the great work RDNs and NDTRs do: http://sm.eatright.org/NNM

🍎🥑 Nourishing Young Hearts: Essential for February Heart Month! ❤️👧👦

As we celebrate February Heart Month, it's crucial to recognize the significance of nourishing young hearts for lifelong wellness. Empowering children with heart-healthy habits lays the foundation for a lifetime of cardiovascular health. Here's why it's essential:

1️⃣ Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Introducing children to omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds promotes brain development and strengthens heart muscles from an early age.

2️⃣ Fiber-Rich Foods: Encouraging kids to enjoy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains not only supports digestion but also instills habits that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease later in life.

3️⃣ Vitamin D: Ensuring kids get enough vitamin D through sources like fortified milk and safe sun exposure not only strengthens bones but also reduces the risk of heart disease by supporting proper heart function.

4️⃣ Antioxidant-Packed Diet: Brightly colored fruits and vegetables like berries, oranges, and spinach offer a treasure trove of antioxidants that protect young hearts from oxidative stress, setting the stage for a resilient cardiovascular system.

5️⃣ Magnesium: Incorporating magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy greens into children's diets aids in muscle and nerve function, supporting a healthy heart rhythm and blood pressure regulation.

6️⃣ Phosphorus: By including lean meats, dairy, nuts, and seeds in children's meals, we provide them with phosphorus, vital for energy metabolism and bone health, indirectly safeguarding their heart health.

Let's prioritize nourishing our children's hearts this February and beyond, setting them on a path towards a lifetime of cardiovascular wellness. ❤️🌱

🍓💕 Happy Valentine's Day, little loves! 💕🍓 Let's celebrate this sweet day with a burst of deliciousness - introducing our Strawberry Power Smoothie! Packed with love and nutrients, it's the perfect treat to share with your special someone, whether it's a friend, family member, or even your favorite stuffed animal! 🥰✨

Here's the recipe to whip up this magical concoction:
- 1 cup ice
- 1/2 scoop kids protein powder (for that extra boost!)
- 1 tbsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for a hint of flavor)
- 1 cup frozen strawberries (for that vibrant color and fruity goodness)
- 1 cup milk or plant milk (whatever tickles your taste buds!)
- 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (to make it extra creamy and dreamy)

Simply blend all these lovely ingredients together until smooth and velvety, pour into your favorite glass, and sip away with joy! 🥤✨ Don't forget to share the love by tagging someone special you'd like to enjoy this delightful treat with! 💖👯‍♀️

🎊🐉 Happy Lunar New Year! 🧧✨

Let's ring in the Year of the Dragon with joy and prosperity! 🐲🏮 It's a time to gather with loved ones for celebration, honoring traditions and embracing the spirit of unity. May this auspicious year bring you good fortune, success, and endless blessings! 🌟🥢

The tradition of the Chinese New Year Reunion Dinner (or Lunar Year Dinner) dates back centuries, rooted deeply in the culture of China, Vietnam and Korea. Originating from the need to bring families together to usher in the Lunar New Year, this cherished custom symbolizes unity, love, and the bonds of kinship.

The reunion dinner serves as a time-honored opportunity for family members, both near and far, to come together under one roof, setting aside differences, embracing harmony and togetherness along with ancestor worship.

Beyond its symbolic value, the reunion dinner also holds practical importance. It marks the eve of the Chinese New Year, a time when families bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with hope, prosperity, and good fortune. Shared around a table laden with traditional delicacies, the meal symbolizes abundance and the promise of a bountiful year ahead.

Moreover, the reunion dinner is a testament to the preservation of cultural heritage, as generations come together to pass down cherished customs, recipes, and stories, ensuring that the legacy of their ancestors lives on.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 **Parents, did you know?** 🌱 95% of the amazing families I work with pay 0% out of pocket for nutrition visits for their little ones! 🤯✨

I believe in making nutrition support accessible for every family, because your children's health is a top priority. With our personalized nutrition programs, we've been able to help countless kids and parents on their wellness journey without the financial stress.

Let's ensure our children grow up with the best possible foundation for a healthy life! 💚✨ If you're curious about how your family can benefit too, send me a message! Let's chat about your children's nutrition goals and how we can achieve them together. 🍏👶

🌟✨ Crafting our 2024 Vision Board: Nurturing Curiosity, Family time, Growth, and Healthy Habits! 👩‍🍳🌱

This year, let's prioritize curiosity in our children—encouraging them to explore, ask questions, and discover the wonders around them. 🌈✨

Cooking together as a family is a great bonding time and always a cherished tradition, where laughter blends with the aroma of shared meals.

Witness the growth of our little ones, both in height and character, as we nurture their unique potential.

Food can be a playful adventure, making eating enjoyable with safe food while exploring new foods. 💚😋

A commitment to restful nights and staying active completes our vision for a wholesome, fulfilling 2024.

Here's to a year of curiosity, connection, growth, and vibrant well-being! 🚀💤🥦

🎄✨ Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎅❤️ Wishing you all a day filled with joy, love, and the warmth of family and friends. May your hearts be light, your smiles be bright, and your holidays be merry and bright! 🌟🎁🥂

🍏✨ Understanding Food Sneaking Behavior in Kids ✨🍕

Hey amazing parents and caregivers! 👋 Let's chat about a topic that many of us might be facing - food sneaking behavior in our children. 🤔👶 Here are some insights that might help us navigate this journey together:

1️⃣ **Access Matters:** 🍽️ Sometimes, kiddos sneak food because they don't have access to certain items due to strict food rules. As we guide them in making healthy choices, let's also ensure they have a variety of nutritious options available. Balance is key! ⚖️

2️⃣ **Ditch the "Good" vs "Bad" Labels:** 🚫🍭 Let's break free from labeling foods as "good" or "bad." When we categorize, it can lead to sneaky behavior as kids may want to enjoy the so-called "forbidden foods." 🍎🍫 Encourage a balanced approach instead! 🌈

3️⃣ **Growing Appetites:** 🌱🤰 Kids go through growth spurts, and sometimes those little tummies are just extra hungry! 🚀 Ensure they're getting enough nourishment during these periods, and consider involving them in choosing nutritious snacks. 🍓🥕

Remember, it's all about fostering a positive relationship with food and embracing a healthy mindset. 🙌 Share your tips and experiences below - let's support each other on this parenting journey!

🎄✨ Bringing the festive spirit to your table with a Charcuterie Christmas Tree! 🧀🍇🥦 Dive into this edible masterpiece that combines the magic of the season with delicious bites that your kids and the entire family would enjoy!

Share with me what's your favorite holiday snack?

Here are some tips to make the day enjoyable for everyone, even the ones with the most selective taste buds:

1️⃣ Acceptance is the key! 🤗 It's okay if your kiddo's plate is loaded with just bread or mashed potatoes. Remember, Thanksgiving is about togetherness, not just the feast. 🍞🥔

2️⃣ Focus on family and connection! 🧡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Put less emphasis on the food and more on creating cherished memories with loved ones. Board games, storytelling, or a friendly game of charades can be fantastic distractions! 🎲📖

3️⃣ Shield from negativity! 🚫 Kids are unique, and so are their eating habits. Protect your little one from judgmental comments about their choices. Let's promote a positive environment that encourages them to enjoy the day without any pressure. 🌟

Remember, Thanksgiving is about gratitude, laughter, and love. Let's savor these moments together, no matter what's on the plate! 🧡🍁

🪔✨ Wishing you all a Diwali filled with light, love, and laughter! May the glow of diyas illuminate your path to joy and success.

🌟✨ Let this festival of lights bring warmth to your hearts and blessings to your homes. Happy Diwali! 🎉🥳

Foodie faces is a fun twist from having ordinary yogurt + fruit to creating a plate that brings a smile to your face.

🎃🍬 Halloween Night Survival Guide for Parents 🍬🎃

Hey there, fellow parents! Halloween is just around the corner, and we know what that means – candy overload! 🍭 But fear not, we've got some tips on how to handle the sugar rush and make it a fun and nutritious experience for your little goblins. 🧡👻

1️⃣ Fuel Up Before Trick-or-Treating:
Before heading out for a night of candy collecting, start your kids off with a nutrient-packed meal. A balanced dinner will help keep their energy levels stable and make them less likely to gorge on candy. Think hearty soups, whole-grain pasta, or a colorful veggie stir-fry. 🥦🍝

2️⃣ No Candy Restrictions:
It may seem counterintuitive, but restricting candy consumption can sometimes backfire, making kids even more obsessed with it. Let them enjoy the Halloween loot on the night of trick-or-treating. The excitement of indulging in their favorite treats can be just as memorable as the candy itself! 🍫🍭

3️⃣ Enjoy Candy Together:
Share the joy of candy with your little ones! Join in on the candy-eating fun, and make it a family experience. This not only strengthens your bond but also sets a positive example of mindful and intuitive eating. 🍬👩‍👧‍👦

Remember, Halloween is all about creating memories and having fun, and a little candy won't hurt! By offering nutrient-dense meals, avoiding strict restrictions, and enjoying candy together, you can make this spooky holiday a wholesome and delightful experience for your family. 🎃💕