Breast-Feeding Benefits Baby--and Mom too!

Did you know there are just as many health benefits for breast-feeding moms as there are for babies?
Breast fed babies get all the nourishment they need, receive antibody protection, digest milk easier and develop a stronger jaw--a result of increased sucking when feeding. Moms benefits include faster weight loss, quicker slimming of the abdomen, and decreased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer as well as osteoporosis.
In addition to health benefits, the bonding that occurs during breast feeding makes it a special choice. This week is world breast feeding week (August 3 to 7)--a good time to help a pregnant mom learn the benefits of breast feeding. Helping a mom make the decision to breast feed requires education of benefits and technique, support of family and job, and comfort with the idea.
If you are considering breast feeding or know someone who is, take the time to learn the facts on feeding babies.

Breakfast gets kids going and growing

Getting kids off to school can often be a struggle. In the hustle and bustle, don't skip the most important meal of the day.
Breakfast is essential to kids' performance in the classroom and even their attendance. Children who eat breakfast miss fewer days of school and are tardy less often. Breakfast eaters also have better problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination and the ability to concentrate.
If time is an issue, make breakfast easy. Try yogurt mixed with cereal and fruit; a cereal bar with a glass of milk and a piece of fruit; a peanut butter sandwich with a glass of milk or a pita stuffed with low-fat cheese and salsa. If your kids don't like traditional breakfast fare, leftover pasta, pizza or other favorites work just as well. The key is to fuel up for learning.

July Snack Ideas

Magical Layered Juice
What you need:
1/4 cup chilled fruit nectar — apricot or peach1/4 cup fruit punch drink6 oz. glass
What to do:
Pour fruit nectar into glass.
Tilt the glass and slowly add the fruit punch.
Do not stir.
Makes one serving

Wigglie Shapes
What you need:
10 oz. frozen fruit — such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries12 oz. can of lemon-lime carbonated soda3 envelopes unflavored gelatin6 oz. can lemonade concentrate4 oz. frozen whipped dessert topping11x7x2 inch baking panCookie cutters or knife
What to do:
Thaw frozen dessert topping.
Line pan with plastic wrap.
In a blender or food processor, blend fruit with _ cup of the lemon-lime soda until smooth. Set aside.
Pour remaining soda in medium saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin on top, and let stand for 5 minutes.
Heat on low stirring constantly until gelatin dissolves. Remove from heat.
Stir in frozen lemonade concentrate until melted, then the fruit mixture and thawed whipped topping. Mix well.
Pour mixture into lined baking pan.
Cover and chill until firm.
Invert gelatin mixture onto a cutting board and remove plastic wrap.
Use cookie cutters or knife to cut out shapes.
Makes about 36 one and a half inch pieces.

Crunchy Banana Chunks
What you need:
2 or 3 bananasSoft-style cream cheese spreadGraham cracker crumbs, coconut, or shredded carrot
What to do:
Soften cream cheese spread
Cut bananas into 1 1/2 in. chunks
Spread with softened cream cheese
Roll in graham cracker crumbs, coconut, or shredded carrot
*Please note — Be aware that infants and young children can choke easily on some foods, such as nuts, popcorn, fruit seeds, pieces of hot dog or bacon, and some raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Using grated or finely chopped foods may reduce the risk of choking.

June Snack Ideas

Apple Sandwich
Who ever heard of an apple sandwich? Try this for something different.
What you need:
1 apple
Peanut butter, cream cheese, or cheddar cheese spread
Dull knife for spreading
What to do:
Slice apple across, making six to eight slices
Spread peanut butter or cheese spread on one slice, then top with a second slice to make a sandwich.
*Please note: Infants and young children can choke easily on some foods, such as nuts, popcorn, fruit seeds or pits, pieces of hot dogs or bacon, and some raw vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, celery, apples, and grapes. Using grated or finely chopped foods may reduce the risk of choking. Never leave an infant or young child alone while eating.
Fruit 'n Cream Pie
This yummy concoction is full of good things to eat.
What you need:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup margarine or butter - softened
1 to 2 cups fresh fruit – strawberries, blueberries, peaches, etc.
2 eight ounce containers of flavored yogurt
Bowl, spoon, pie pan
What to do:
Mix graham cracker crumbs and softened margarine or butter in bowl.
Press the crumb mixture into a pie pan.
Place the fruit on the crust in the pan.
Pour yogurt over the fruit in to pie pan.
Place in freezer for at least an hour until yogurt is firm.
When ready to serve, cut slices, and allow to thaw for a bit until ready to eat.

Pick-and-Choose Popcorn — Add some variety when making popcorn for family snacks.
*Caution: Be aware that infants and young children can choke easily on some foods, such as nuts, popcorn, fruit seeds or pits, pieces of hot dogs or bacon, and some raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Using grated or finely chopped foods may reduce the risk of choking.
What you need:
4 to 6 cups popcorn (about 1/4 cup unpopped)
Parmesan cheese
Taco seasoning
Cheese seasoning
Margarine
Parmesan Seasoning
Stir together 2 tablespoons melted margarine with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with warm popped popcorn.
Taco Seasoning
Stir together 2 tablespoons melted margarine with 1 teaspoon taco seasoning mix. Toss with warm popped popcorn.
Cheese Seasoning
Stir together 2 tablespoons melted margarine with 1 tablespoon grated American cheese food. Toss with warm popped popcorn.
Taco-Cheese Popcorn
Mix some of the taco seasoning mix with the American cheese mix and toss with the warm popped popcorn.

Pudding Pops
What you need:
1 small package instant pudding mix
2 cups skim or low-fat milk
6 three-ounce size paper cups
Aluminum foil
Wooden sticks
What to do:
Prepare pudding according to directions and pour into three-ounce paper cups.
Cover each cup with a small piece of foil and put in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Remove the cups from the freezer. Insert a wooden stick through the foil covering each cup and push to the bottom of the cup.
Return the cups to the freezer and freeze until the pudding is hard.
When ready to eat, peel off the paper cup. If necessary, run hot tap water over the cup to loosen the pop.
Makes 6 pops.
(For vanilla/chocolate pops, make both vanilla and chocolate puddings and pour equal amounts into each cup. For a marbled effect, stir gently with the end of a spoon.)
Applesauce Pops2 (16 ounce) cans of apple sauceSpoon applesauce into 5-6 oz. paper cups (1/2 cup applesauce per cup). Insert a plastic spoon for a handle. Cover and freeze until firm. To remove the pop, hold the paper cup under hot water for a few seconds. Enjoy! Makes 7 servings.Cheese Spread1 pound American cheese, cubed1/2 cup plain yogurt1/2 teaspoon pepper1/2 teaspoon chivesBlend the cheese and yogurt together in a blender until smooth. Add seasoning and mix thoroughly. Allow your children to practice spreading their own cheese spread onto bread or crackers.
Orange Milk Drink2 cups fluid milk2 cups water1 (6 ounce) can orange juice concentrate, thawed1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)Combine all ingredients together in a covered pitcher. Beat or shake the ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Serve immediately. Serves 5-6.