Getting kids to eat healthy

Okay, so this post isn't specifically about Ayurveda. But getting kids to eat their veggies can be tough whether you are living the Ayurvedic lifestyle or not. So what's the trick?

Well, for those of you who are new parents, please see my post on "Making your own baby food". Giving our kids REAL food, instead of the yucky manufactured stuff is the first step. We can't expect our kids to enjoy good healthy food if we start them out with nothing but the processed stuff. Think of it as "culture shock".

Just remember, the funny faces your baby makes don't mean he/she doesn't like what you are giving them. It's just your child getting used to new textures and flavors. You'll know if they truly don't like something because they will either cry, or they won't open their mouth. But if it's just the funny faces, and they keep opening their mouths for more, keep going. You have to get them used to different foods.

That said, if your kids are older and you need to find creative ways to get them to eat their veggies and other healthy foods, here are a few ideas.

• When making rice, mix the rice with half white and half brown. The kids will never know the difference, and you'll feel better knowing they are at least getting some whole grains.


• Make your saturday morning pancakes with whole wheat pastry flour. (See my post on pancakes for an easy, "from scratch" recipe. Your kids will love them!


• Serving a meal with sauce, such as spagetti? Steam a few pieces of veggies, put them through the blender, and add them to the sauce. Your kids won't be able to tell the difference.


• Put some steamed veggies through the blender with a little butter and milk. I loved this growing up. My grandmother always did this for me. It worked every time. It was like a thick and tasty veggie soup.

All in all, you just have to NOT give your kids a choice. Because, given a choice, they will ALWAYS go for the junkfood. As a parent, it's up to you to make sure they make healthy choices. Lessons that will last a lifetime.

The act of kindness

The act of kindness comes in many forms. From holding a door open for an elderly person, to cooking dinner for a neighbor who is sick in bed, kindness is good for the soul.

When I was pregnant, I remember being extra aware of the kindness of strangers. While I was a bit oversensitive, I would get very upset if I saw somebody who was not being kind. I distinctly remember an elderly woman who was struggling with a heavy door in a doctor's office. Several people looked up to watch her struggle, but nobody got up to help her. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, and I managed to un-wedge my very pregnant self from the chair I was sitting in, to go help her. To this day, I wonder if those people who watched ever felt any remorse for not helping.

An act of kindness can be so small, and yet, it can mean the world to someone. I would have appreciated the help of a neighbor in mowing my lawn when I was 7 months pregnant. Instead, they went about mowing their own lawns, and just waved. It would have taken them 15 minutes to help me out (I was obviously struggling with the heavy lawn mower). But they didn't.

I know this sounds like I'm just complaining, but I'm actually trying to make a point. If you can be in a state of consciousness, ever day, that allows you to take notice of the human plight, what a wonderful state of consciousness to be in. I think, that in our busy lives, we forget that it is an honor to help another human being. Whether it be a family member, friend or stranger.

If you meditate, try meditating on kindness, and see what happens. I think you'll find that your world becomes a very different place, full of possibilities.

To quote the famous movie.... always remember to "pay it forward". You will be paid back in ways you never imagined.

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Mangosteen

Lately, I've been noticing an "up and coming" fruit that seems to be gaining popularity, and thought I would look into it. It's called Mangosteen.

The Latin name of the mangosteen is Garcinia mangostana L. The genus Garcinia is named in honor of Laurent Garcin, a French 18th century explorer and plant collector. Linnaeus, the "L" after the species name mangostana, honored his work by naming the genus Garcinia after him.

This amazing fruit comes in many different forms, and there are numerous claims to it's nutritional value. Personally, I've tried the juice called "Xango", and it did seem to give me a lot of energy for a week or so. Then the effects wore off. But the nutritional value seemed to be very good.

If you have a Trader Joe's in your area, I highly recommend the Trader Joe's brand "Freeze dried tropical Mangosteen". They freeze dry the pit along with the fruit. Boy are they good! (And no added sugar, just the fruit!)

These little treats will fit in nicely with the Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle. They are easy on the digestion, and make a wonderfully natural, sweet snack. Give them a try and let me know how you like them!

Personal Alchemy Naturals  offers botanical bath salts, ritual massage oils, healing balms and body creams.
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