We started SOLIDS!

i started solids with Mikkel sometime during month 6 and so far, she's not loving it! I don't really remember how it was like with Max or what I fed him but with #2, I'm not going to freak about it because eventually she'll eat. Before I know it, i'll be grumbling about the kids not eating an adequate amount of dinner but ask for a snack one after another, after another, for the rest of the night every.15.minutes- like Max does now! I know i'm not alone here!

Currently, i'm making all of Mikkel's food because it's more cost effective, easy, and actually really fun to do.  She's also been eating bits and pieces of our dinner- especially nice if we have left overs because I just chop it up and freeze it for her in the cubes. if the dinner is extra saucy, I wash the sauce off or save some plain veggies for her on the side before it goes in the actual meal. I contemplated on baby led weaning but since I do everything around here, I didn't want to add cleaning up the floor to my repertoire. Besides, I feel like I'm bonding with her every time she opens up her mouth for a bite...it's just so small and cute! love this girl!

my current faves:

1. OXO Ice Cube Tray When I first started making food, I wanted to buy at least 2 of these ice trays because I was planning to go all Julia Child with the baby food making. Thankfully, I talked myself out of it and bought only 1 as i realized you can only introduce so much to the baby at a time anyways, and food freezes pretty fast. I like these ice cube trays because the food is covered as it freezes and doesn't get freezer burned (in my opinion). Also, so easy to take the food out with a slight running of water at the back, no major cracking of the tray needed to release the blocks.
2. Vegetable Steamer. I got a silicone vegetable steamer so my pans won't be scratched up and because the metal one I had rusted. as with the concept of all steamer, it preserves the nutrients better than boiling and throwing all the vitamins down the drain. 
3. Hand Blender. First it's versatile- from DIY soups to pureed baby food! You can choose your colour, does the job, easy to clean.

1. OXO baby spoons. These are my favourite baby spoons because of its ergonomic design. My hand doesn't feel awkward or cramp up when I feed her, and the spoon fits perfect in her mouth. I'm also a sucker for someone who can choose a colour! I wish though that these, in their set of two, came with an on the go case. I think the singles do though, but as kids drop spoons so often, nice to have a backup in lunch bag.
2. Fisher Price Deluxe Quick Clean Portable Booster. Apartment size, grows with her (high chair to booster), space saver, easy to clean, portable, and was on sale at the right now. Can't ask for more, it was meant to be.
3. Bib with a food catcher. i'm not particular to any brand, as long as it has a catcher/tray it's good. The most logical invention in the baby product world!

1. SKIP HOP lunch bag. Litterless lunch, super cute, insulated, currently holds some food basics for two kids. again, i'm a sucker for when you can choose a colour or animal or design etc. We've had ours since Max was born!
2. First Years Take and Toss Straw Cup. once baby is slightly older, maybe 10+ months, these are the best cups. Easy to clean (trust me, all the others grow MOULD), well priced, and you can have 1 for water, 1 for smoothies, 1 for dairy, 1 for whatever. We still use a cup in the bedroom for Max in case he is thirsty overnight, if he spills it...no shattered glass!
3. Glasslock Tempered Glass Containers. My mom bought a whole bunch from Costco, came with a size perfect for the amount a baby, a toddler, a grownup would eat...plus more for random leftover storage of daily meal life. Even though they're not the lightest packaging of baby food you can buy, at least you can reheat glass, no staining, no leeching of chemicals into baby's system. check Costco!

So excited for this milestone in Mikkel's life! 

Here's MAX eating at 6 months and his food journey 6 months after.

MAXI is 18 months old!

I had an eye opening experience to Max's growth rate the other day when i asked my friend how old her baby was, 6 month's! We're starting solids, she exclaimed. In my head I was seriously like wasn't your baby just born a couple months ago? Much to my surprise, the little girl- born the same month as Max but in 2013, was truly 6 months and Max in turn is 18 months old! 

I dont know about you, but this realization truly opened my eyes to the changes that have literally taken place before my eyes since i last checked in (or is it checked out of the every day familiarities) and objectively looked at my child that is not only growing mentally, intellectually, emotionally, but also physically. Today, I saw Max standing beside the diaper genie and he's half a head taller than that thing- last time I paid attention to this, he was the same height as the genie! To boot, Max wanted to jump in his crib so i put him down and the rail is chest height to him...again, last time i paid attention, the rail was chin height! Please stop growing so fast! ;o)

Q + A with Maxwell at 18 months old:

What is your hair and eye colour? light brown hair and hazel eyes

What size of clothing do you wear? at the lower end of 18-24 month sizing in pants and shirts (maybe even 16 months to be more specific). In shoe size 6.5-7. I think I am about 31" tall and 24lbs. #4 Pampers Baby Dry (the #4 Cruisers are too big)

What foods do you like to eat? grapes, mandarin oranges, watermelon, raspberries. water and milk. Goldfish, mum mum's, toast, rice. asparagus. french fries. mac and cheese. (these are the foods mamma doesn't have to hide in the food)

What books do you like to read right now? this, this, and this

What are your favorite toys? any ball and my Step2 Car. i love my pacifiers (much to the disapproval of my parents!)

How many teeth do you have? 12! still missing 4 canines and 4 back molars

Do you still breastfeed? stopped breastfeeding on July 15 (this was a sad day for mamma- he literally pushed me away and shook his head no. prior to this though he was nibbling at bedtime routine for about 2-3 minutes at most)

How many words can you say? mamma has no idea how many words i can say because it's a 'healthy amount.' i can imitate most words adults say, i can understand english and tagalog words and commands. i usually talk a lot unless im asked to talk in front of people i dont know then im shy!

What time do you sleep and wake up? bed time routine starts at 830pm, down in bed at 9pm. wakes up in the middle of night - mom or dad co sleeps - and we wake up sometime between 730-9am. I nap usually around 2-4pm, and cosleep during this time. if we're out, i need to be woo'd to sleep on the carrier.

What do you do for fun? during the summer, we go to the swimming pool at least 4x a week. we also go to the playground every single day (seriously)!  i love the swings, not a fan of the slide, i like playing with sand if there's a water fountain attached to the pit, and i go up and down large flights of stairs at least 10 times a day!

Biggest change according to mom? within a span of 1-3 days, Max all of a sudden is not loving bath and bedtime routine. Prior to last week, we'd have a 10 minute bath, get in our bed time clothes, sing lullabies, get rid of pacifier easily, hug/dance/rock and in bed within 30 minutes. Now, with the mention of bath time he is instantly crying, he goes into the tub crying and out within 1-2 minutes. Not so happy getting dressed for bed, refusing the breast, not wanting to be cradled like he used to be during lullabies, death grip on the soother and needs it to be literally ripped out of his hands, and hug/dance/rock for at least 10 minutes. hmmm...not sure why the change. No, he's not teething :op

Precious!

^^ Max and I being silly with the frog effects! ^^

all in all, im feeling pretty sentimental about all this as Max will soon be turning 2. when people ask how old your kid is, you're not like - or at least im not going to be like he's 29 months! He's 2! and then 3! Then 4! Then school..and then the little boy becomes a little man! maybe it's time for another one? hahaha! looking forward to what's in store for us next!

Life Lately

• We spent mother's day stuffing our faces at Olive + Anchor at Horseshoe Bay. Have you been? Aside from the calamari and clubhouse which Gene raves about, I personally came for the Oysters Rockefeller- they were the best I have ever eaten. something about cheese, spinach, butter, bacon, and an oyster's texture that is so right. As expected i had hot flashes all day from the richness of this dish

the best picture of father and son that day

• i had the tiniest of canker sores near my lower gum line, and of course the smaller they are the more painful they are. ive been optimizing the healing environment of my mouth because of this stupid thing and guess what happens last night? during Max's rumbling and tumbling sleep gymnastics, he drops his head on my face/mouth while i was sleeping and i just about screamed in pain. i held it in. it was more painful than childbirth
• husband is away for the next 3 days doing some seasonal work and Max and I are alone together for the entire 72 hours. Today was day 1 and i was already feeling my patience nearly boil over at 1030am (we woke up at 730am). im pretty sure it's just me, because Gene says he's a baby when im around but totally different when im not around. Max just wants to be picked up and carried all.the.time and you know what? he's freakin' only 23lbs but feels like 30lbs. Dense. Solid. im hurting
• i went out with some company who think my way of doing things is wrong and i make my kid uncomfortable. if they were other people, id tell them to fck off, but alas no...because i CANT. unsolicited, critical, nagging "advice" or "recommendations" especially from people who dont, by and large, spend more time with MY CHILD during the hard times really should be more of a pillar of support
• my cat is humping this fleece blanket on top of my couch. he's neutered...what's up with him? 
• i had a great laugh with my friend Sarah about our changed menstrual cycles post baby. It was NEVER like this pre-baby. New moms beware!
• Max despises the stroller, every time he's in it...it's a CIO session until i pick him up. I dont bother bringing this anymore. Life right now is so much more easier when im not using it. But, damn when he's heavier, i hope he chooses to walk more than me carry him on the carrier. Or at least hold my hand when crossing the street or how about not dart close to the boulevard when he sees big rigs pass by on the street. is that too much to ask? 
• i can't cook food, prepare food, or wash dishes if im the only parent in the house. Max seems to hate it when i do this. I can't help but think maybe he doesnt want me to do this...which paves the way for him to be trained earlier to do it for me? haha

• We recently had, what i think was our first post rainstorm outing. i was totally unprepared for Max's curiosity and i dressed him in runners, jeans, light jacket- and he of course runs straight for the biggest puddle out there and falls in. Awesome! I learned my lesson the next day (after another rainy day) and let him run free in appropriate gear

oh is that piece of dirt for me Max? Thanks, you shouldn't have! 

• we upped this little man's bedtime to routine starting at 830pm and down by 9pm. he is still crying 2-5 hours after this but he's waking up sometime between 730-9am. who would've thought that sleeping in is defined as 9am? oh parenthood
• Max's bedtime breastfeed session feels more like snack suckling rather than the i-want-breastmilk type of gulping sounds im used to. he's weaning me off!! 
• we went to the Brentwood Mall 'playground' the other day- why does it always smell like dirty diapers there? maybe i just have a sensitive nose? or maybe it's the parents/guardians who DONT PAY ATTENTION to their children and gab away to their friends instead. pardon me if i have to gently push your too-big-and-or-too-rowdy children away so they don't hurt my child 
• i found myself reflecting on how i judged parents pushing their McDonald's eating young child in the stroller- as i sat with Max at McDonalds giving him fries (no salt and flat pressed in napkins to soak up the oil of course ;-p)

im back to work soon, have a great week!

Food Journey 6 months In!

Max and I's food journey has been a roller coaster (naturally) since the day we started. As with anything else in life, it can be better (ie. he eats something new every single day) but it also certainly can be worse (ie. not eating at all and health is affected by it).  i'm happy, Max is happy, Max is eating and thriving (22lbs 9oz and 74cm), what more can one ask for? 

October 2012, he loved these nutrios so much we were going through a box in less than 4 weeks

I followed the path of least resistance and went for the 'best of all worlds' practice from the very early stages - some purees, some lumpy, and some in their natural form. Today, Max continues to be on this path as evidenced by my fridge (fresh) and freezer (frozen) stash of foods. My no-big-deal issues these last few months were:

• Max was more than willing to try new foods, but wont eat an entire meal of this new food (exclusively at dinner). i always have to have his favourite meal (tomato sauce pasta) ready after he's done with the new flavours. it was easier during the day as Max would get fruits and crunchies which he welcomes with open arms
• the best time to get him to love a food was to feed it at his hungriest time- breakfast. reject last night's dinner? Surprise! you're eating it for breakfast!
• Max prefers to try new flavors when i feed him sitting on my lap. he wont eat as much if he tries new foods on his highchair. once it's establlished he likes the food, then he's ok to go back to the high chair
• he wont always eat on the highchair, sometimes i let him play around and he comes back to me like a yoyo when he wants another bite. other times i go to him.
• the introduction of certain foods and when. the current literature states that there's no need to delay certain foods in fear of the baby developing a reaction from the early introduction, but it just seemed more logical to me to be patient and wait instead of rushing to feed everything i possibly can (when he really has his whole life to eat) and then developing a sensitivity or reaction, and it in turn has affected his ability to eat everything he possibly can. we are both pretty cool with staying patient

I wasnt really consistent with the latter idea, i just listened to my gut feeling

- wheat --> early

- citrus --> early

- baked goods with egg whites --> early

- whole milk --> early

- egg whites or entire eggs --> waiting

- strawberries --> waiting

- peanuts and shellfish --> waiting

January 2013, wouldnt it be nice if he fed himself with the spoon? He seems interested in learning!

Max's currently favorite foods include blueberries, mangoes, bananas, macaroni and cheese, open faced broiled cheese toasts, toast in general, white spot french fries, mum mums, nutrios, anything from the Baby Gourmet squeezable pouches, beef stew and my spaghetti sauce. It seems like quite the variety, but really it's not as at times he seems to have the same thing every other day and sometimes everyday. 

Im looking forward to our food journey future as after Max turns 1, more flavors can be added to the menu. Peanut butter and honey sandwiches? Brie and apple sandwiches? Stir fry prawn fried rice seasoned with sesame oil? Pizza with all the trimmings from Sunrise Pizza on the Drive? Yes! i'm already on pinterest pinning all these wonderful looking dishes, now i just need to make them!

A Pincer Grasp Blooming

It may seem like he's a pro but seriously, this is the first time he's connected finger - food - mouth!
However, this is a work in progress as since this video he hasn't felt like repeating this milestone.

Baby Eating at 7.5months!

Well it has been just over 1.5months since Max and I started our baby feeding journey. It definitely has its ups and downs (in appetite) but the trend in intake is steadily on the rise. Yay!

I've been doing a middle ground approach to food. little bit of strained, little bit of lumpy, little bit of minced. For the strained variety, ive bought 3 jarred foods: PC Organics from Superstore in prunes, butternut squash, and peas. He LOVES all three. For the thicker, often lumpier variety, i've been making my own food with the processor and ice cube trays. He's loving fruits more than veggies right now, so i'm just mixing in one of each per meal so he gets a broad spectrum of nutrients. Finally, for the minced texture i've given him turkey. He's currently not a fan, his facial expression speaks volumes (somewhere between bitter/sour/WTF?)! But again, I mix it with a food texture he likes. Micro-improvements are better than nothing!

Husband chooses 4 cubes for Max's meals the next day. Our first solids starts around 1030 in the morning just after the first nap. I would say this is the time when he consumes the most food- anywhere from 1.5-2 cubes (i think it's about 2 tbsp per cube).  his solids appetite dwindles for the remaining part of the day, the remaining two cubes will be eaten for lunch and or dinner or not at all.

Sometimes it's a challenge to breastfeed as whenever he eats he just doesn't have the appetite for milk even if it's an hour or so later. I do remember those times when Max would NEVER refuse the breast, but those days are long gone. when he's full, the boy is full and nothing will make him eat (this is actually a positive food relationship)! i'm making it a point to BF first within a 2 hour window before offering solids. i'm also trying to create a non-restrictive schedule for feeding time- he will be offered the breast every 4 hours (more if he wants/needs it) and solids will be offered in between those times which is close to the time when we're are eating anyways.

What we've tried so far:

-apricots (no) - pureed is all that i've tried
-apple sauce (yes) - pureed
-avocado (yes) - chunks
-banana (yes) - chunks only
-barley cereal (yes) - mush
-black plums (yes) - pureed is all that i've tried
-butternut squash (yes) - pureed jarred
-carrots (sometimes) - textured and pureed is hit/miss
-green beans (sometimes) - textured. hard to get it smooth
-mango (yes) - likes little chunks, not pureed. but not buying mangos right now because of recall
-pears (yes) - chunks and pureed
-peaches (sometimes) - textured and smooth are hit/miss
-peas (trying now) -pureed, jarred
-prunes (yes) - pureed, jarred
-rice crackers (yes) - crispy
-sweet potato (sometimes) - textured and pureed is hit/miss (why i dont know, i love sweet potato!)
-teething biscuits (yes)- hard bricks
-turkey (yes)- shredded. hates pureed.

currently:

830am - first BF (breastfeed), then nap
10/1030am- solids
1230/1pm- BF, then nap
maybe he'll eat some solids between the time of waking up and the next nap (span of 3 hours)
4/5pm -BF, then nap
maybe he'll eat some solids between this time of waking up and bedtime
8pm- BF, then bedtime
(once a day he gets approx. 15 mls of water to practice his straw cup skills. He loves sipping from a straw!)

A work in progress. eating is just for fun. Breastmilk is all he needs. yes, i keep telling myself that.

Max with a teething cookie that he really loves but i no longer let him eat:  Healthy Times Teething Biscuits. I love that he enjoys gnawing at this thing but i wouldn't buy it again as once it gets compromised (generally wet from his slobber), it actually breaks off in little chunks and becomes a choking hazard. I want to try him on other textures, particularly HARD ones but im not sure what's out there besides Baby Mum Mum's and Farley's (i think it's called). If anyone has any recommendations, let me know!

These next few months i'm contemplating of steaming a bunch of foods into little pieces and then freezing. Going for the Baby Led Feeding route. When needed, i will defrost or microwave. Is this food heating technique safe? It just seems time consuming to steam food all the time when i can heat it up. Someone let me know please!

The journey continues!

PNE Day!

Who went to free PNE day today? We did! Judging that we were there for about 6 hours, Max deserves a thousand kisses (on top of what I already give him) for being such a good boy today. Yay! 

We ate SO MUCH, and i'm sure I gained a few pounds today as there are always "must eats" whenever we come here- mini donuts, corndogs, lemonade, and dinner at Triple O's.  Every year I plan to eat whale tails, wiggle chips, kettle corn, and "something new for dinner," but we're lame and always stick to old faithful! Next year is always another chance right? 

Some instagram'd pics of the day

I'm not sure if this was the first time they had a "Parents Room" as this was our first time at the PNE with a baby, but i was totally impressed that we stumbled upon one (sponsored by London Drugs). Inside they had enough space for plenty of kids, free wipes, free diapers of all sizes, lotions and bum pastes. I wish all places had such luxuries! Thank you London Drugs, I think you just made me like shopping at your store just a wee bit more.

I have to admit there were some rides I wish I could go on- adult and kid ones with Maxiboy. However i did notice that i felt nauseated just watching this spinning ride for all of 5 seconds, so i dont know if those freaky ride days are over for me! Does age change your tolerance?

I can't wait until Max gets a little older...or at least above the minimum 36" height requirement. Husband and I were already planning which rides we'd go on, which games we'd play, and how to strategically time things so we don't all end up with a giant stuffed animal(s) that would have to be lugged around all day.

photos filtered by instagram

Food Time!

Since about the 20th of July, i've been on the eating bandwagon. I've got all this baby food making 'stuff', my fellow online January momma's group are doing it, a mom and baby group at the Lee CHC was doing a solids talk- it was all a sign to start I tell you!

Our initial food was barley cereal which i made into a light puree (well, i added water to a desired consistency).  as expected, he wasn't too happy about this texture in his mouth. He never really spat it out, but he just had a look of disgust on his face and kind of let the food fall from his mouth hahaa

end of first week of barley cereal

I've also been reading a lot about how food is not only about learning how to eat but is also about learning social skills. Because of the open concept layout of our living/dining, prior to Max, husband and I would just eat wherever (bad habit), but now I'm making a conscious effort to eat as a family at the table. If not for all meals, then at least dinner. Thanks to my friend Sarah who gave me her space saver high chair, Max has now joined us at the table! He gets his own dish and spoon to play with and get used to, but seeing as how I'm a bit of a neat freak (not necessarily clean freak) and witnessing how he throws the spoon and plate around (yikes), I haven't put food on his plate yet to help him help himself.

max with dish and spoon, not too happy! 

if there was food on that plate, id be freaking (internally)

I was getting really worried until YESTERDAY because Max totally was hating the high chair. I really didn't want negative associations with eating because of this high chair so thank the Lawd that I saw Sarah yesterday who suggested that I tilt the chair. the result? AMAZING! no freak outs (knock on wood) within a few minutes of being on the chair.

initial week

happy camper when angle isn't so rigidly upright

As of late, Max has tried the barley cereal, bananas, and avocado. I wanted to use my 'stuff' so i made a small batch of green beans, carrots, and sweet potato of various textures and which are in the freezer as we speak. 

As for feeding practices, i use the mush texture for the barley cereal as i have no other choice really. I cut up bananas and avocados in small chunks and feed it to him via spoon, but on other days i've also mashed up bananas and mashed up avocados (not together), put it on his spoon and let him feed himself. The common denominator is that spoon! When i can get my head around on the concept of the inevitable mess (yes, giving him his own spoon with puree on it is about all the mess i can handle right now), we'll try the baby led feeding technique where he feeds himself. No pincer grasp here just yet though.

big boy feeding himself

Im trying all sorts of ways to get food into Max, but i'm not desperate for him to eat as I know breast milk is #1 for him. However, there are days that I'm feeling discouraged that he's not eating enough food and i hate throwing away food (like an avocado that has turned brown as we don't feel like eating it either). i also do have to remind myself to be patient, and that all of this is just for fun right now for him and myself. 

Tonight, Max was actually opening his mouth for his cereal and banana mix! Wow, I know! He also likes it when i make airplane noises and then stop short as his mouth multiple times before going in with the food. He still doesn't LOVE the high chair, and I find I can get more into him when we're both sitting on the ground.

I can't wait for the day he gobbles all this food up and becomes even chunkier!! 

Food Journey Begins!

Ok so i've decided that i'll be doing a mix of baby-lead weaning and pureed foods. I can't help it! No one but myself is rushing to feed him, I am just so excited to enter this new endeavour!

The last few weeks, i've been doing a once a week frozen banana in his Baby Safe Feeder. He was NOT impressed with it (latest pic on my "Life Lately" post)! Not sure if it was the banana or the texture of the baby safe feeder mesh coming in-between him and the banana. I haven't given up on the feeder though, I'm sure it'll come in handy once he's really REALLY into eating and i can expand his menu. I also gave him a small morsel of a beautiful watermelon, he spat that out as if i gave him Vegemite (nasty) or something.

Max was meeting not only the calendar age for feeding, but the milestones that excited me for the next chapter as stated on the Kellymom website Is My Baby Ready for Solid Foods? on KellyMom.com. My impatience got the better of me and I started Max on mush rather than waiting for the pincer grasp that would indicate baby-led weaning as the initial solids route. again, I was excited for this foods thing, like a new bike on my birthday when i was 8 yrs old, excited!

Furthermore, I was worried about this whole iron-supplementation thing, again, as stated on Kellymom, is Iron-Supplementation Necessary? Had to deal with heme, and non-heme sources...sweet potatoes, meats, etc. So, I covered the i-want-to-feed craving as well as the iron-top-up-maybe/maybe-not issue by buying Max barley cereal.

Healthy Times Barley Cereal

It's from Whole Foods. Gave him 1/2 a table spoon yesterday in water, and 1 tablespoon today. He ate 3/4 of it. It was so fun and exciting (for ME!). I also bought some baby spoons for him. They were so cute and I love using them! (I'm such a products freak i know)

OXO Tot Feeding Spoons

Ok, now that I have that out of the way, now I can think clearly and approach the food world clearly with excitement (and caution). 

Hungry!

Photo Credit



(warning: random food rambling as i'm home alone sick and nothing else to do)

So, who loves SUBWAY? I do! I do! This isn't some sort of of pregnancy craving or anything, I just really want to pay homage to one of the only foods in my life that for all sense and purposes satisfies every taste bud I have!

Do you know what you're getting at subway before you walk in or do you need to look at the menu? 

For me, it's always the same thing and it's the only thing I would ever eat there! Not sure if it sounds like some sort of oxymoron, but seriously, I wouldn't eat anything else from this chain restaurant but my beloved sandwich! I don't think it's a trust thing, perhaps actually it's the way they have the cold cuts or whatever meat in a parchment paper, laid out "pretty" and all they need to do is lift up the layer and plant it on the sandwich.  I guess the "how long ago was that carved from the meat?" question comes to mind, then it just sends cringe down my spine. I also don't like microwaved bacon and or chicken- and that's what they do.  If you like to eat this stuff, sorry...just my opinion!

Anyhow, I LOVE eating a veggie delite on brown bread. I wish they had an 8" option as that would give me that super full feeling...6" is good enough, footlongs are way too long, 8" would be so perfect! Who do I need to petition for this to happen? haha

"6" veggie delite on brown please!" (or whatever bread you want really)

"yes to cheese, not toasted" (what type of cheese is this anyways? i've never asked)

"ALL the vegetables" (lettuce, tomato, red onion, green peppers, pickles, cucumbers, olives, banana peppers, jalapeno)

"one THIN line of lite mayo, and then bbq sauce and sweet onion sauce"

"that'll be $3.91 please"

yep that's it. Nothing special to you, but super special and loveable to me! I even have my mom hooked on this combo! I love biting into the random jalapeno that just wakes up your taste buds!  I think this combo is healthy? never really looked into it, but I feel pretty healthy afterwards and that's what counts right? haha. I can wolf this sandwich down in less than 10 minutes it's just that good! Ever since i've had this m-f job, ive been eating this lunch almost every friday.  It's also my go-to dinner when Gene is away and i'm home alone.  I tried making this stuff at home but it just doesn't taste the same. I think it's the bread that makes the sandwich- non-crusty, soft, fresh, smells good and holds everything.

I just ate one yesterday.  Ate one today. And I want another one now!

Try it!

Top 10 Worst Foods of All Time

Got this from this green living website, click HERE to view it.  Sadly, I have eaten/drunk about 100% of this stuff, but in a given two weeks, I eat about 3/10 of the listed foods.   In my opinion, it's not like i'm eating this every single day or even really more than once in a week so I don't think it's that bad to indulge in these "goodies."  And what if you made some of this stuff yourself? I really doubt it can be compared to the store bought stuff.  I'll give this article a "nice to know" rating as these are obviously bad-for-you foods, but I like the fact that it gives us WHY they're bad, based on this person's opinion, with somewhat basic explanations.  Something to consider right?

Top 10 Worst Foods of All Time in Descending Order:

10.  Ice Cream—Sorry, I know just about everyone loves ice cream, but today’s ice cream is not only full of sugar, most of it is also loaded with trans fats, artificial colors and flavors, many of which are known neurotoxins (brain- and nervous-system damaging chemicals).  Of course, there are healthier varieties, but most ice cream is hazardous to your health.

9.  Corn and Tortilla Chips—Since the advent of genetically-modified foods, most corn we eat is a health-damaging frankenfood. Corn causes rapid blood sugar fluctuations, which you may notice as mood-swings, weight gain, or irritability, among other symptoms. Most are fried in oils that have turned rancid and are linked to inflammation.

8.  Pizza—While not all pizza is bad, most of the commercially available and frozen pizza on the market is full of artificial dough conditioners and preservatives.  It is made from white flour that has been bleached and reacts in your body just like sugar, causing weight gain and blood sugar imbalances.

7.  French Fries—Not only do French fries typically contain trans fats that have been linked to a long list of diseases, they contain one of the most potent carcinogenic substances in food—acrylamide.  Acrylamide is formed when white potatoes are heated at high temperatures.   Additionally, most of the oils used for frying turn rancid in the presence of oxygen or at high temperatures, resulting in foods that cause inflammation in the body.  And, researchers are discovering that inflammation is a factor in many serious health conditions, including:  heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

6.  Potato Chips—Potato chips offer all the health benefits (none) of French fries, but according to Health Canada, potato chips typically contain the highest levels of acrylamide, which is a carcinogen.

5.  Bacon—Yes, bacon!  Sorry bacon lovers.  According to research in the journal, Circulation, daily consumption of processed meats like bacon can increase the risk of heart disease by 42 percent and diabetes by 19 percent.  A study at the University of Columbia found that eating bacon 14 times a month was linked to damaged lung function and an increased risk of lung disease.

4.  Hot Dogs—A study at the University of Hawaii found that consumption of hot dogs and other processed meats increased risk of pancreatic cancer by 67 percent.  One of the ingredients found in both bacon and hot dogs is sodium nitrite.  This carcinogen has been linked to leukemia in children and brain tumors in infants.   Other studies show that sodium nitrate also promotes colorectal cancer.

3.  Doughnuts—Most doughnuts are 35 to 40 percent trans fats—the worst kind of fat you can eat.  Trans fats are linked to heart- and brain-diseases as well as cancer.  That’s before you consider the sugar and artificial dough conditioners and food additives many doughnuts contain.  The average doughnut also contains about 300 calories.

2.  Soda—According to research reported by Dr. Joseph Mercola, “one can of soda has about 10 teaspoons of sugar, 150 calories, 30 to 55 mg of caffeine, and is loaded with artificial food colors and sulphites.”  That alone should make you rethink your soda habit.  But, soda is also extremely acidic.  It takes over 30 cups of pH-balanced water to neutralize the acidity of one cola.  This acid residue can be extremely hard on the kidneys since they have to filter it.  Additionally, the bones act as mineral reservoirs.  Alkaline minerals like calcium are dumped into the blood to help neutralize acidity, which can weaken the bones over time.  For more information on pH balance, check out my book, The Ultimate pH Solution.  In studies, soda is also linked to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay, and heart disease.

1.  Diet Soda—Diet soda is my choice for the Worst Food of All Time.  Not only does diet soda contain most of the problems of regular soda, it contains aspartame, now called AminoSweet.  According to research by Lynne Melcombe, author of Health Hazards of White Sugar, aspartame is linked to the following health conditions: anxiety attacks; binge-eating and sugar cravings; birth defects; blindness; brain tumors; chest pain; depression; dizziness; epilepsy; fatigue; headaches and migraines; hearing loss; heart palpitations; hyperactivity; insomnia; joint pain; learning disabilities; PMS; muscle cramps; reproductive problems; and even death.  Aspartame’s effects can be mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, epilepsy, Epstein-Barr virus, Huntington’s chorea, hypothyroidism, Lou Gehrig’s disease; Lyme disease, Ménière’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and postpolio syndrome.  That’s why I give Diet Soda the Worst Food of All Time award.

Adapted with permission from The Vitality Diet by Michelle Schoffro Cook, MSc, PhD, RNCP, ROHP.

Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday, also known as the season of Lent in the Catholic faith.  It lasts from March 9 - April 23, 2011.  Though I wouldn't consider myself a strict Catholic, i've decided to take part in this annual tradition/penance/sacfrice/reflection just as a test of strength for my own knowledge.

To learn more about Lent, here is a link to Wiki:  Lent- Wikipidea
Since my current super indulgences have been facebook (thanks to lexulous) and good ol' Chips, I have decided to withdraw from these as a sacrifice.

Starting small!

Foods and Things to Avoid While Pregnant

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There are sadly foods that one should avoid while being pregnant.  Just for 9 months right? And if that's what it takes to ensure better chances of having a healthy happy baby, like Nike says, "JUST DO IT!"

Firstly, What are the bad food bacteria?

• LISTERIA- causes listeriosis.  Causes miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection of the newborn.
• CAMPYLOBACTER- source food poisoning.  Causes diarrhea, cramps, fever.  Detrimental to the mom and babe if liquids and electrolytes aren't replaced.
• SALMONELLA- source of fod poisoning.  Causes diarrhea, cramps, fever.  Detrimental to the mom and babe if liquids and electrolytes aren't replaced.
• TOXOPLASMOSIS- parasite found in cat poop, and may be found in dirt in unwashed fruits/veg, undercooked meat.  click here for more info Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy
• High doses of VITAMIN A- high doses can cause liver toxicity and birth defects.

Here is a small compiled list of foods to avoid from HealthCastle.com:

• Raw Meats and Seafood including sushi - all uncooked and rare meats and seafood should be avoided due to high risk of listeria and salmonella poisoning.
• Deli meats including hot dogs - these deli meats might be contaminated with listeria bacteria which may result in miscarriage or even a stillbirth. It's safe to eat deli meats if you reheat them until steaming hot.
• Refrigerated smoked seafood - for the same reason of listeria contamination. It is safe if they are contained in cooked dishes. Canned and shelf-stable versions are safe to eat.
• Raw eggs - raw eggs may contain salmonella. Some Caesar salad dressings, mayonnaise, homemade ice cream and custards as well as Hollandaise sauces may be made with raw eggs. It is best to check with your server in a restaurant; if in doubt, it is best to avoid it. In addition, unpasteurized eggnog should be avoided.
• Fish high in mercury - avoid high-mercury fish such as Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel and Tilefish. Also limit fish intake to no more than 2 servings per week.
• Soft cheese - avoid the following soft cheeses: Feta, Brie, and Camembert cheeses, blue-veined cheeses, queso blanco, queso fresco and Panela. They are safe to eat if they are labelled pasteurized.
• Refrigerated pâtes or meat spreads - for the same reason of listeria contamination. It is safe to eat the canned or shelf-stable versions.
• Liver - liver is a rich source of iron. However it contains a high level of Vitamin A. Large amounts of Vitamin A can be harmful to the baby.

Unpasteurized milk and juices Alcohol - many documented fetal abnormalities and birth defects have been associated with alcohol use during pregnancy.

More foods to avoid not listed above from various websites are:

• Caffeine (affects the iron absorbing ability of the baby)
• SMOKING (for obvious reasons)
• Various medications (check with your doctor or pharmacists before using anything, even over the counter stuff)
• artificial sweetners (aspertame, sucralose etc)
• Shellfish (just make sure the stuff is cooked, ie. no raw oysters)
• Raw sprouts (alfalfa, radish, clover as they may contain bacteria such as E. coli)
• Pre-prepared salads (coleslaw, potato salads that are pre-packaged for listeria risks)

of the foods above, i'm really sad about SUSHI!  I'm hungry just thinking about it!  Even if you don't eat the raw sashimi, I wouldn't be 100% trustworthy that the sushi maki rolls are ok as they must cut those rolls on the same cutting board as the sashimi.  Sad!

Prenatal Vitamins

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Although I like to think I take care of myself, truthfully, my diet doesn't meet the recommended food intake of the Canada Food Guide, especially when it comes to fruits and vegetables.  I am working on at least one fruit a day, but veggies..enh..I probably get one to two servings?  I just don't want to be constantly eating as it's such an interference!  Fortunately, there's a 'magic' pill called a multivitamin, that makes up any deficiences I may have in my diet!

For those planning on having a baby, there is a different formulation of multivitamins, one which specifically targets the prenatal woman.  The recommended multivitamin plan is at least 12 weeks prior to trying to conceive until you are done breastfeeding.  Then, maybe go to a regular multivitamin dosing as we probably don't need as much iron (aka constipator).  According to WebMD, a website that in no way should substitute for a real physician, the recommended prenatal vitamin and mineral intake should be

• 400 mcg of folic acid
• 400 IU of vitamin D
• 200 to 300 mg of calcium
• 70 mg of vitamin C
• 3 mg of thiamine
• 2 mg of riboflavin
• 20 mg of niacine
• 6 mcg of vitamin B12
• 10 mg of vitamin E
• 15 mg of zinc
• 17 mg of iron

Folic acid (prevention of neural tube defects), calcium (for mom and fetal bone growth and density), and iron (for oxygen carrying purposes), I would highlight as one of the top 3 most important.  However, like many things, they intertwine in one way or another (think Vitamin D and Calcium) and the sum of all these vitamins/minerals is stronger than nit-picking and taking certain ones.  Plus you only have to take one pill to get everything!

Which one to buy?

You can get presciption ones from your MD, and I think depending on your plan, they will even be covered by your insurance.  I think you would have to be some special case though to get a prescription as multivites are readily available over the counter.

There's also a very popular multivitamin brand that is so so so overpriced when it comes to the others that are nearly identical.  It definitely goes to show that there is money made in trustworthy brands, concept of brand loyalty, and or brands that bring back that nostalgic feeling.  I didn't buy this popular brand though, instead I went with a stores housebrand version that was significantly cheaper, and had fulfilled the recommended dosage amounts and was IDENTICAL in its vitamin/mineral dosing.