3 Small Steps To A Healthy Family: Exercising, Using More Nutritious Bread And More

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A healthier family can start with small steps.  As you kick off your new year, why not consider getting easy ways to get everyone active and making small changes when it comes to bread and vegetable selections?

Get Active!

Instead of retreating to the couch after dinner, get everyone up and out for a walk.  It’s a great way to get the entire family active and spend some quality time together.  Sometimes the cold weather or snow will get in the way – if you can’t get active outside, try gathering in front of the television with an interactive family video game night.  Many of today’s video games are designed to get people on their feet, playing sports and even dancing right in the living room!

Use More Nutritious Bread, Consider Artificial Preservative Free Choices

There are lots of options available when it comes to bread and each offers different nutritional benefits.  Compare food labels the next time you’re shopping for bread and you may be surprised at what you find.  There are healthier white bread options, and whole wheat bread and whole grain breads can be a source of fibre and other vitamins and minerals.  You may also want to consider artificial preservative free bread like the new WONDER+TM breads – they’re made with easy to pronounce ingredients and are free of artificial preservatives and other added chemical additives.  Plus they’re available in white, whole wheat and whole grain options and each has more than 10 essential nutrients per serving.  Swapping your typical bread for a more nutritious option in your favourite healthy sandwich recipes is a quick and easy step towards a healthier family.

Swap Your Veggies

Canned vegetables can be high in salt and often have lower nutrient content than their fresh or frozen counterparts.  Instead of using canned options, try fresh veggies such as carrot sticks, broccoli florets and green beans.  If your favourite vegetable is out of season or you can’t find it fresh, check out frozen vegetables – they’re often frozen shortly after being picked which helps to preserve their nutrients and can be just as easily cooked as fresh veggies on the stove or microwave.  The key is to always read the nutritional label so you can make informed choices.

Little steps can add up to big benefits over time.  Get your family active this winter and try boosting the nutritional value of healthy sandwich recipes and vegetable selections.  You may even want to check out artificial preservative free bread options.  Why note get started today?

Upping the Nutritional Content Of That PB&J: Using Nutritious Bread And More

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A great peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a family favourite.  Both kids and adults love the classic taste, whether for lunch or as a snack.  With some small changes like using more nutritious bread, healthier peanut butter and alternatives to your usual jelly, you can boost the nutritional value of the typical PB&J.

Start With A Good Base Of Nutritious Bread Such As Whole Wheat Bread

Every good PB&J starts with bread, so why not swap out your regular choice with a more nutritious option?  Try whole wheat or whole grain breads, for example – they can be a source of fibre and other essential nutrients and choices like WONDER+TM 100% Whole Wheat bread and WONDER+TM INVISIBLESTM bread are also free of artificial preservatives and other added chemical additives.

Use Healthier Peanut Butter

The next time you’re shopping, take a closer look at peanut butter labels – just like bread, there are lots of differences when it comes to ingredient lists and nutritional values.  Some options are higher in salt and fat than others.  Choose the one that best meets your nutritional needs.  You may even want to check out what is available in your local health or natural foods store.

Look For Jelly Alternatives

Once you’ve picked your nutritious bread and peanut butter, take a look at your usual jelly.  Spreads can be high in sugar, so compare labels and look for lower sugar options.  You can even use apple or banana slices instead of jelly to give your sandwich that sweet kick.

Eating healthier doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your favourite foods.  Look for small ways to incorporate healthier changes, such as making your PB&J sandwiches on more nutritious whole wheat bread and using healthier peanut butter and jelly alternatives.  These small changes can really add up without compromising taste!

Why Grown Up Whole Grain Bread Doesn’t Have To Taste Bad

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Many adults want to eat better and sometimes think that means giving up beloved childhood favourites.  This isn’t necessarily the case when it comes to bread, with several healthy white bread and whole grain bread options available.  Take some time to read food labels the next time you’re shopping and you may be surprised at what you find!

Today’s White Bread Can Be Healthy

Lots of people, particularly kids, love the taste and texture of white bread, but it has developed a reputation as a less healthy choice.  While it may not have all the same nutritional benefits as some other options, it can still be a great choice for your family.  Two great choices to consider are WONDER+TM White with Fibre and WONDER+TM INVISIBLESTM breads.  Both are a source of fibre, have more than 10 essential nutrients per serving and are completely free of artificial preservatives and other added chemical additives.  WONDER+TM INVISIBLESTM bread is also great for picky eaters because its 14 whole grains are so finely ground you can hardly see them!

Look For Whole Grain or Whole Wheat Bread

Whole grain bread and whole wheat bread can be packed with essential nutrients, but this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste and texture.  WONDER+TM 100% Whole Wheat bread is a whole grain wheat bread, making it a source of fibre.  It’s also free of artificial preservatives, artificial colours and artificial flavours and its soft texture makes it a perfect choice for sandwiches, toast and more.

Eating healthier doesn’t necessarily mean giving up your favourite foods.  Whether you’re looking for a great sandwich bread for old standbys like PB&J or want a grown up gourmet grilled cheese, look for healthy white, whole grain or whole wheat breads.

Small changes can add up to big health benefits and you might be surprised at how different you feel when you start to include healthy whole grain bread in your regular diet.

Show Your Love: Valentine’s Meals The Whole Family Will Love

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Why not turn Valentine’s Day into a full day celebration for the whole family?  Here are some easy meal ideas perfect for this occasion!

Start With Pink French Toast or Pancakes

Pink is the colour of love, so start Valentine’s Day breakfast with some pink French Toast or pancakes.  Just add a bit of juice or food colour for colour and off you go!  If your mornings are too hectic, consider making the night before – both heat up nicely in the microwave and no one will know that you didn’t pull them hot off the griddle just before serving.

Include A Heart Shaped Sandwich Made With Nutritious Bread In The Lunchbox

Add a little love to the lunchbox and any nutritious bread sandwich by using a heart shaped cookie cutter.  Toss in other heart shaped snacks such as cheese slices and melon pieces as sides and add some pink strawberry milk powder to a thermos full of milk to complete your Valentine’s Day theme.

Fondue Makes a Fun Dinner

Fondue is a fun and easy dinner the whole family can enjoy together.  Cut up nutritious bread, apples, carrots, celery and more and then give everyone a fork so they can dip into melty cheeses.  Consider starting off your meal with a fresh spinach salad topped with cheese crumbles and homemade croutons made of nutritious bread.

After The Kids Go To Bed, Parents Can Enjoy A Special Dessert

No Valentine’s Day is complete without a special dessert.  Bread pudding is a perfect treat.  While it may sound complicated, it can actually be pulled together quite quickly.  The trick for best results is to cube some nutritious bread and let it sit out to stale the day before.

Valentine’s Day is usually a very busy evening at local restaurants so if you have children, don’t fight the crowds or struggles to find a babysitter. Instead, plan a full day of fun meals to celebrate your love together!

Artificial Preservatives vs. Natural Preservatives

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There’s no denying that food preservatives are a necessary part of life.  Without them, our range of food options would be limited to only things locally grown and in-season.  While the term ‘food preservative’ may sound daunting, there are some relatively straightforward differences between artificial preservatives and natural preservatives.  Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for when you read food labels so you can make informed choices for your family.

Artificial Preservatives

Artificial preservatives are substances that have been synthetically created to slow or stop food spoilage.  They are either added to the food or sprayed on during the production process.  Some of the more commonly used artificial preservatives are sorbic acid, propionic acid and benzoic acid.  While you may not expect to find artificial preservatives in bread, chemicals like calcium propionate, potassium sorbate and sorbic acid are commonly used to extend shelf life.

If you’re trying to avoid artificial preservatives, the best thing to do is read the food label.  All foods must be clearly labeled with its ingredients, which will help you see exactly what’s in the food you’re serving your family.

Natural Preservatives

Natural preservatives have been used for centuries.  Before refrigeration, people used simple products like salt, sugar and vinegar to keep food fresher longer.  These natural preservatives help slow food spoilage.  There are other natural ways to preserve food, including freezing, pickling, dehydration, freeze drying and smoking.

Consumers are increasingly seeking more natural products – whether cutting use of chemical cleaning products, using natural remedies like vinegar and baking soda or eliminating artificial preservatives and artificial sweeteners.  Because of this movement, they now have many choices across food categories – even bread!  New WONDER+TM bread is made with a simplified ingredient list and is free of artificial preservatives and other added chemical additives.

Healthy Meals Kids Will Love

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There are some foods nearly all kids love – like chicken nuggets and hot dogs.  Others can be more of a challenge, especially if you have picky eaters.  If your kids have a limited number of things they’ll eat, don’t fight the food wars.  Instead, make small changes such as adding nutrient rich bread to boost the nutrition of their favourite meals.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets Made With Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs

These aren’t your typical fast food nuggets!  Grab some frozen chicken breasts from your freezer.  While they thaw, put out a few slices of nutrient rich bread, such as WONDER+TM 100% Whole Wheat bread and let it stale.  After it has hardened a bit, pulse in a food processor to make whole wheat bread crumbs.  If you want, add a little kick with dried spices or powdered ranch mix.  Cut the chicken in strips or squares and dip in milk before rolling in your whole wheat bread crumb mix and then bake until cooked through.  These no-fry whole wheat chicken nuggets are sure to be a family favourite.

Turkey Hot Dogs With Whole Wheat Hot Dog Buns

While hot dogs are a kid friendly favourite, the regular beef hot dogs can be high in fat.  Try switching to a lower fat turkey dog without sacrificing on taste.  Also consider using whole wheat hot dog buns to give your kids a good start on daily fibre requirements.  Adding sides of fruits and veggies helps to round out the meal and your kids will love this healthy alternative.

Battles over food aren’t fun for anyone.  Instead of fighting with your child about what he or she will eat, try healthier versions of the foods they already love.  For an easy switch, try adding nutrient rich bread like WONDER+TM 100% Whole Wheat bread – it has more than 10 essential nutrients per serving, is a source of fibre and is free of artificial preservatives and other added chemical additives!

Easy Snack Ideas for Kids: Cut Out Sandwiches Made With Nutrient Rich Bread And More

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Moms and dads all over know the words “I’m hungry!”  If it’s still hours until dinner and your kids need a snack, consider one of these easy and healthy ideas that won’t run your meal.

Cookie Cutter Sandwiches with Nutrient Rich Bread

Kids love sandwiches and parents love that they can be made with nutrient rich bread, such as whole wheat bread or whole grain bread.  Jazz up the everyday sandwich with a cookie cutter to make hearts, stars and other shapes out of nutrient rich bread.

If you’re using meats and cheese between your whole wheat bread slices, consider cutting each piece individually and letting your children assemble.  For a more interesting PBJ, melt down some jelly or honey and let your kids use a clean paintbrush to ‘paint’ it on their nutrient rich bread.  While they’re at it, make two whole wheat bread sandwiches pack one in their lunchbox for the next day!

Homemade Apple Sauce

While it sounds like a lot of trouble, homemade apple sauce is actually easier to make than you might think.  Just peel, core and chop up your favourite apples.  Simmer in a pot of apple juice or apple cider until soft (you can even add fun flavours like cinnamon or dried cherries if your kids are adventurous).  Once cooked, use a blender to smooth out texture or leave a bit chunky if that’s what your kids prefer.  Your homemade apple sauce should stay fresh in the refrigerator for at least a week, but most parents report it doesn’t last that long!

Starving off afternoon hunger is just as important as a nutritious breakfast.  Try these great snack ideas and keep your kids happy until dinner.  Homemade apple sauce or nutrient rich bread sandwiches made with whole wheat bread or whole grain bread are easy options that won’t ruin dinner!

Choosing A Nutrient Rich Bread Both Kids And Moms Can Love

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It’s no secret that lots of kids live off sandwiches. From PB&Js in the lunchbox to grilled cheese at home, finding a nutrient rich bread that kids love is vital. In year’s past, it was difficult to find nutrient rich bread that made both kids and parents happy. However, now there are many nutrient rich bread options available, including bread with fibre and more.

Choose A Bread With Fibre

Most kids (and adults!) aren’t getting enough fibre. Depending on your age, you need anywhere from 19-38 grams of fibre a day. One easy way to make sure you’re getting the fibre you need is to find a bread with fibre. Look for bread that has at least three grams of fibre per two-piece serving. Add in fibre-rich sides such as apples, raspberries, bananas and other fruits and you’ll have a fibre-rich meal kids and adults will love.

Consider Switching To Whole Wheat Brown Bread

Using whole wheat brown bread is one of the healthiest ways to make a sandwich because whole wheat brown bread can be a nutrient rich bread. Whether you’re using peanut butter and jelly or deli meats and cheese, a whole wheat brown bread can help kick your sandwich’s nutrient level up a notch. Look for whole wheat brown bread that has essential nutrients such as vitamins, folate and fibre.

Look For A White Wheat Bread

If your kids have gotten used to white bread, they may balk if you try to make the switch to whole wheat brown bread. Instead, try a white bread made with whole grains like WONDER+TM INVISIBLESTM bread – it looks and tastes like regular white bread, but is made with 14 finely ground whole grains and has no artificial preservatives or other added chemical additives. It’s the best of both worlds since it offers the great taste kids love in a nutrient rich bread parents love too.

With so many different choices on the grocery store shelves, there’s no reason not to include a great tasting nutrient rich bread in your kids’ daily diets.

 

Family Vacations That Don’t Cost A Bundle

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You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a great trip with your family.  Enjoy some great bonding experiences while staying closer to home with the following tips and tricks!

Explore Your Local Area

Every town and city has something special to offer.  Whether it’s a historically significant museum, animal farm or amusement park, there are great adventures to be had with your family.  By taking advantage of all your local area offers, you’ll save a bundle on hotel rooms and create memories that will last a lifetime.  Day trips are another great option, so be sure to see what’s within driving distance of home!

Plan A Staycation

Who says you have to leave home to have a great vacation?  Staycations are a great way to relax and unwind and don’t have to cost a thing!  The trick is to make sure you differentiate your daily routine and treat your time ‘away’ as an actual vacation.  If you wouldn’t normally check email or watch TV on a trip, don’t do it on your staycation.  Instead, plan some fun family activities – game nights, outdoor adventures or visit the local recreation centre together.  Making meals or even snacks together is a great way to bond as well.

Amusement Parks, Etc

Extend a day trip to an overnight adventure.  Buying tickets ahead of time may save money and often there are special package rates that combine accommodation with admission to local attractions.  Select something your kids will love and getaway for a night together!

Winter Activities For The Whole Family

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It’s that time of year again – the weather is cold, snow clouds hang in the sky and everyone is home from school.  It’s the perfect time for bonding!  Why not get everyone together and head outside to enjoy each other’s company?

Build A Snow Fort

This classic activity is loved by both kids and kids at heart!  Sharing and collaboration when it comes to creating the structure is a great way to bring the family together.  If you have grandparents or other family members who can’t be active in the building, ask them to help direct everyone else throughout the process.  This is a great activity for drawing the whole family together and enjoying some active time outside!

Have A Snowball Fight

The family that plays together, stays together.  Have some fun this winter with a fun (and gentle) family snowball fight.  Team up boys versus girls, or kids versus parents.  It’s a great way to get everyone together and active outdoors.  Afterwards, warm up and celebrate victories with some hot cocoa and a healthy sandwich.  Recipes should be easy to find or just make your family’s favourite!