My grandmother grew up during America’s first big depression, and she gave me gourmet cooking lessons (on-a-dime) back in my teens, which I will always remember. I look back and cherish those times I spent with her and my grandfather, who lived through tumultuous times yet prospered. They were my inspiration, as they truly lived their lives healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Now I would like to inspire you to a healthier family life, while keeping more of your hard-earned money in your pockets. We can get through these tough times, because we are tough, and we are going to get healthier together. Simply follow these easy A B C tips for nutritious cooking, and living a healthier life-style!
Apples & Fruits
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, along with a good variety of other fruits, sweet nutrition and high in fiber. Try this versatile apple crisp recipe, (could substitute peaches, pears, or nectarines) good for breakfast or dessert, “Fall Recipe for Apple Crisp” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2075747/fall_recipe_for_apple_crisp.html?cat=22
For delightfully different fruit with dips, try making these “Naturally Sweet & Healthy Valentine’s Treats” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2647107/naturally_sweet_healthy_valentines.html?cat=5
Baked Homemade Breads
Baked bread and dough can either be made by hand, or in a bread machine, enabling you to use whole grain, nutritious flours with B vitamins. For fun holiday bread sticks and cookies see the kid-friendly recipes in “Christmas Candy-Cane Shaped Cookies and Cheese-Biscuit Bread Sticks” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2284699/christmas_candycane_shaped_cookies.html?cat=22
Cherries & Berries
Cherries and cherry juice, blueberries and strawberries are rich in anti-oxidents, and are so naturally sweet, yet have such a low glycemic index, you can have them with every meal. Cherry juice will reduce inflammation, especially related to joint pain and sports injuries, read about natural cures in the article “All Natural Supplements for Improved Joint Function” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2283485/all_natural_supplements_for_improved.html?cat=5
For fun desserts using cherries, blueberries, and strawberries, try making these “4th of July Desserts: Paper Plate Perfect” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1886906/4th_of_july_desserts_paper_plate_perfect.html?cat=22
Dairy & Dinners
Dinner should be prepared and eaten early in the evening, so it won’t add unwanted, extra pounds, and everyone will sleep better, especially when accompanied by calcium-rich dairy products, such as milk and cheese. For inexpensive, hearty, and kid-friendly meals try the recipes in “Quickest Hearty Fall & Winter Family Meals for Pennies-per-Person” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2190993/quickest_hearty_fall_winter_family_pg2.html?cat=5
Eating Smaller Meals – More Often
Eating smaller, more nutritious meals, throughout the day is much better for your family. For quick and easy ways to get your kids eating better see the suggestions in “Healthy Foods Your Kids Will Love to Eat” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1694152/healthy_foods_your_kids_will_love_to.html?cat=25
To enjoy versatile one-dish meals, equally good hot or cold, try these nutritious recipes in “Surprisingly Healthy International Salads & Side Dishes” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2054737/surprisingly_healthy_international.html?cat=5
Fish with Flavor
Fish contains protein, nutrients, and omega 3 supporting a healthier heart, great skin, and hair.
For heart-healthy poached salmon and spinach one-pan meal see the recipe in “Romantic & Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Dinner” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2647449/romantic_hearthealthy_valentines_dinner.html?cat=5
To make a high-protein Mexican shrimp fiesta dinner, try this easy recipe “Festive Baja-Style Cinco De Mayo Dinner” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2881568/festive_bajastyle_cinco_de_mayo_dinner.html?cat=22
Garlic & Onions
Garlic and onions are regarded as nature’s antibiotics, adding so much flavor and aroma to everyday meals.
Try these recipe ideas for onions and garlic in the article “Sizzling Caramelized Onions” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5715186/sizzling_caramelized_onions.html?cat=22
Healthy Desserts
If your family loves desserts, but you have been afraid to serve up all those empty (weighty) calories, there are healthy dessert options and solutions for you! For ground-nut pie crusts, for healthier no-bake cheesecake, and unique ideas for serving up sweets, try these year-around favorite recipes “No-Bake Low Calorie Desserts: Keeping it Cool This Summer!” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1865331/nobake_low_calorie_desserts_keeping.html?cat=22
Iron Essentials
Iron is a necessary mineral for children, adults, and seniors, as it is found in every living cell. To find natural food sources for iron, to include in your cooking, see the article “Iron-Deficiency Anemia and Toxicity Prevention” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2801674/irondeficiency_anemia_and_toxicity.html?cat=5
Juicing for Health
Juice fruits and vegetables together, for maximum nutritional benefits, great taste, and works especially well for kids who will not eat their veggies! See the juicing recipes (as well as recipes for homemade applesauce and salsa) in “Juicing, Smoothies and Milk Shakes” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1962054/juicing_smoothies_and_milk_shakes.html?cat=25
Keep Family Pets Healthy
You can cook for your pets to keep them healthy, and by adding garlic bits to food and treats you can naturally deter fleas, and ticks, who don’t like the smell. Make healthy doggie treats like we do, for our dogs, around Christmas, according to these recipe suggestions in “Christmas Doggie Cookies: Wholesome & Homemade Christmas Treats” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2272567/christmas_doggie_cookies_wholesome.html?cat=46
Lemons, Limes & Citrus Juice
Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits are all packed with vitamin C, and add so much flavor, and nutrition, to juices, meals, and desserts. For healthier, tastier salads, add citrus-fruit sections, or create sensational homemade salad dressings, according to these recipes “All Natural Low Calorie Salad Dressings” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1864175/all_natural_low_calorie_salad_dressings.html?cat=22
Look for holiday recipes of citrus-zest sweet-bread glazes in “Fast and Fabulous Fall Cake Decorating Ideas” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5763820/fast_and_fabulous_fall_cake_decorating.html?cat=22
Main Meal Dishes
If your in a hurry, or have finicky eaters, try making healthier one-dish meals, sure to please everyone. For nutritionally-balanced pizza meal recipes see “The Best Homemade Pizza – Viva Italia!” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2234113/the_best_homemade_pizza_viva_italia.html?cat=22
Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds make excellent snacks, are great added to cookie and muffin batters, sprinkled on cereal, and in homemade trail mixes, for heart-healthy natural energy! Find easy, nutritious trail mix recipes (as well as other healthy snack ideas) in “Making Tasty Treats and Healthy Snacks for Your Kids” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1774266/making_tasty_treats_and_healthy_snacks.html?cat=5
Olive Oil
Olive Oil is one of the best oils to cook with, and can be effectively used on your skin, to lock-in moisture while reducing scaring. Apply refrigerated olive oil (pre-mixed with vanilla extract) onto damp skin for a power-packed moisturizer, along with other homemade skin care found in “Homemade Masques, Scrubs and Toners for Moms and Teens” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5755282/homemade_masques_scrubs_and_toners.html?cat=25
Fry and/or stir-fry foods, stove-top, in a couple tablespoons of olive oil, for flavorful nutrients, and for flavored-cooking oil recipes (not just for decoration) look in “Quick & Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas to Make with Your Kids” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2494987/quick_healthy_holiday_gift_ideas_to.html?cat=5
Protein Sources
Protein is so important for all of us, referred to as the body’s building blocks, can be found in foods such as beans, eggs, fish, and meats. Egg dishes are loaded with protein, low fat, satisfying, and very inexpensive, when following the simple egg-breakfast recipes in “5 Quick & Healthy Breakfasts to Get You Out-the-Door” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2007326/5_quick_healthy_breakfasts_to_get_you.html?cat=25
For low-fat, high-protein meat, turkey is probably one of the best choices. See the great turkey-recipe suggestions in “Fabulous Main Dish Meals Made from Thanksgiving Turkey Leftovers” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2249085/fabulous_main_dish_meals_made_from.html?cat=22
Quick Lunch Solutions
Make sure you have healthy lunch and snacking options, for home, work, and school lunches, with the bonus of saving money, at the end of every month (not to mention health-care costs)! Brown-bag lunches can be deliciously varied by using the recipes, and food-safety tips, found in “How to Build Healthy Brown Bag Lunches for Your Kids” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2006646/how_to_build_healthy_brown_bag_lunches.html?cat=25
For an assortment of wholesome finger-foods, and great snacking recipe options, see “Firecracker Appetizers for 4th of July” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1888040/firecracker_appetizers_for_4th_of_july.html?cat=22
Remedies Naturally, without Drugs
Cooking and eating naturally healthy foods, can combat many illnesses, so please try everything else, before turning to drugs, or over-the-counter remedies. Before administering, or ingesting cough syrup, to prevent, and/or to clear up your family colds, flu, or congestion, please try these safe, proven therapies first:
“A Mom’s Guide to Alternative & Preventative Medicine” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2212191/a_moms_guide_to_alternative_preventative.html?cat=5
“Childhood Neurological Disorders Can Have Unexpected Natural Cures” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2223037/childhood_neurological_disorders_can.html?cat=70
“Simple Things You Can Do Right Now to Keep Your Kids Healthy” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1692445/simple_things_you_can_do_right_now.html?cat=25
“Tips for Clearing up Baby’s Congestion & Stuffiness Using a Bulbous Syringe” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2297549/tips_for_clearing_up_babys_congestion.html?cat=25
Soups & Salads
Soups, stews, and salads can include so many hearty ingredients, turning a simple side dish into a main course. See some great soups and salad recipes in:
“All American Salads & Other Barbecue Sides” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1885222/all_american_salads_other_barbecue.html?cat=22
“Inexpensive and Hearty Fall Soups and Stews” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5723830/inexpensive_and_hearty_fall_soups_and.html?cat=22
Tea and Coffee
Tea and coffee both have anti-oxidents, and are extremely refreshing drinks, whether poured over ice, or steaming hot, on a winter’s morning. Try sprinkling cinnamon into coffee grinds, or tea, before brewing, and for recipes with a twist, like tea with fruit juices, try “Sparkling Drinks and Coolers, Floats and Freezes” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1992362/sparkling_drinks_and_coolers_floats.html?cat=22
Under-Exercised becomes Overweight
Just as important to cooking and eating healthy is getting exercise, and lots of it! Get up, get out, and take your kids with you, as suggested in “How to Raise Active Kids” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2956100/how_to_raise_active_kids.html?cat=25
Vegetarian Meals
If you’re not a vegan or vegetarian, eating meatless several times a week will save money, and you will still be able to enjoy complete proteins, in rice/bean dishes, wheat/milk baked goods and cereals, as well as vegetable combination dishes, deriving appropriate vitamins and minerals. Make this a fun holiday-themed vegetarian-dining experience, by following the recommended recipes in “Meatless Monstrosities for Halloween through Thanksgiving” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2112625/meatless_monstrosities_for_halloween.html?cat=22
For corresponding themed winter beverages, try the hot chocolate and spiced-apple cider recipes in “Halloween Drinks for Big or Little Kids” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2096337/halloween_drinks_for_big_or_little.html?cat=22
Whole Grains
Use whole grains, combining them when possible, such as barley, oats, wheat, and rye, which can be ground to power, and substituted for refined and bleached flours, for maximum B vitamin nutrition, and absorption. Try these breakfast recipe suggestions for “Healthy Ways to Make Oatmeal Taste Delicious” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2494957/healthy_ways_to_make_oatmeal_taste.html?cat=5
X-tra Water Sources
Bodies demand water daily and will extract, and utilize, water provided from everything we eat and drink. Did you know however, dehydration can mimic symptoms similar to neurological disorders, such as seizures and dementia? Drink more water, cook with water, and eat from home-grown foods with higher water contents, as found in the article “High-Water-Volume Fruits & Vegetables Kids Can Grow in Home Gardens” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5678388/highwatervolume_fruits_vegetables_kids.html?cat=25
Your Time
There must also be a healthy balance between proper nutrition, exercise, and relaxation, through sleep and hobbies. You do what you need to do, to stay healthy, so that you can take better care of your family. Parenting suggestions for your mental health and well-being can be found in these articles:
“3 Reasons for Parents to Take a Time-Out” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5759056/3_reasons_for_parents_to_take_a_timeout.html?cat=25
“Raising Grateful Children Who Care about Helping Others” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5601652/raising_grateful_children_who_care.html?cat=25
Zucchini Squash Vegetables
Zucchini is not only one of the most nutrient-packed vegetables available, it also contains 95% water, as well as other colorful, highly-nutritious squash-vegetables. For great zucchini recipes see the article “No-Fuss Great Tasting Recipes for BBQ and Baked Zucchini” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/563577/nofuss_great_tasting_recipes_for_bbq.html?cat=22
Pumpkin is another fantastic squash, packed with vitamin A, necessary during fall and winter months. For fantastically easy pumpkin pancakes, try the recipe in “Pumpkin Recipes & Serving Tips for Halloween to Thanksgiving” http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2150847/pumpkin_recipes_serving_tips_for_halloween.html?cat=22
Now you have a quick reference guide with links to healthy, quick and easy, yet inexpensive meal suggestions, recipes, exercise, natural healing, and parenting tips. I wish your family well, through nutritious cooking, eating, and healthy living!
