healthy Archives « One Megacoolmama... One Megacoolmama…

One Megacoolmama…

…with fun and healthy ideas for kids!

Jan 31

After a little break…

by megacoolmama

So, it’s definitely been a while since I have posted…to tell you the truth, I was having a hard time trying to decide the direction of the site and what exactly I wanted it to do for those who read it.  As I sifted through all my previous posts, I realized that I was turning more into one of those “deal-of-the-day” websites, and that is NOT what I wanted.  My initial goal of starting this blog was to help out anyone who could benefit from my own life experiences.  I was spending way too much time scouring the Web for good deals (which, yes, benefited some people, but did not serve the purpose of what I wanted my page to be), and not enough time just being.  That’s it…just being.

 

So, from now on, my posts will take on the format that I originally had planned…organic, positive vibe, happy family, healthy you kind-of-stuff.  If that occasionally means that I want to share an extra good bargain with you, so be it.  But, I needed to take this page in a different direction, and this post explaining that direction is where I felt I needed to start.

 

My hope is that all who visit my page will get something positive from it.  May you continue to be the amazing person you are and were always meant to be!  And, with that, I leave you with some more-than-wise words from the amazing Dalai Lama:

 

“Every day, think as you wake up…

‘Today, I am fortunate to have woken up.  I am  alive.

I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.

I am going to use all my energies to develop myself,

To expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the

benefit of all beings.  I am going to have kind thoughts toward others.

I am not going to get angry or think badly about others.

I am going to benefit others as much as I can.’”

Image used from http://adnamac.deviantart.com/art/Peaceful-Reflection-38187536

 

Uncategorized

No Comments »
Jul 3

Healthy snack idea for kids for July 4! 7/3

by megacoolmama

Are you looking for a kid-friendly healthy snack idea for July 4?  Well, then you have come to the right place because I have a little example to show you of what I did with my little ones!  Honestly, what I did was very simple, but sometimes it takes someone else to point it out before we realize the ease with which we can actually do something healthy.  Here is the patriotic snack that my kiddos and I made:

Yum!

 

What you need:

-fresh strawberries

-fresh blueberries

-celery sticks

-mini snack crackers (or regular size will work…I used the Trader Joe’s mini snack crackers)

-light whipped cream cheese

-kid-safe knife (I use and LOVE the IKEA brand of tableware for the kids.  The knives are safe and excellent for little hands that are just learning to cut and spread!)

 

What to do:

1.  You will need to wash the strawberries and blueberries first.  Then, cut the tops with stems off of the strawberries and toss them.

2.  Next, slice some of the strawberries width-wise (so that they make nice circular shapes when sliced) and some length-wise (so that the slices are longer and narrower).

3.  Then take the snack crackers and spread a bit of cream cheese on each one.

4.  Top each cracker with one circular strawberry slice and one blueberry.

5.  Evenly spread some cream cheese on to each celery stick.

6.  Top the celery stick with the long strawberry slices and two to three blueberries.

7.  Enjoy!

 

What the kids can help with:

-washing of the fruit

-taking crackers out of the box and counting them

-spreading the cream cheese on the crackers and celery sticks (with a kid-safe knife or spatula)

-placing the strawberry slices and blueberries on top of the crackers and celery

-EATING THEM!

 

Come back and let me know if you and your little ones did this!  Also, this would be a great snack/appetizer to serve at a Fourth of July BBQ!  That is what we will be doing!  :)  Happy Fourth of July!

 

 

 

Uncategorized

No Comments »
Feb 22

Living Social Organic Food Great Deal! 2/22

by megacoolmama

 

So, if you have been thinking about going organic or just love the idea of eating healthy and getting the best bang for your buck, you will want to check out the current deal that Living Social has going on right now!  I just purchased a deal for $18 from Door to Door Organics, which includes a Bitty Box delivered to my door and $10 worth of organic groceries!  (A Bitty Box is a select box of the freshest, organically grown produce from my area that changes on a weekly basis…delivered to my home…yay)!  I hope this can help you on your way to healthy eating!  Enjoy!

(Thanks, Lisa, for sharing!)  :)

Uncategorized

No Comments »
Oct 25

Health’s Look and Feel Great Giveaway! 10/25

by megacoolmama

Look & Feel Great Giveaway

We all love free money, right?  Then how about some free money to do something that would make your life easier?  Well, Health magazine is offering a “Look and Feel Great Giveaway” right now until January 31, 2012.  You can enter daily here; the grand prize winner will walk away with $25000, either in cash or prizes (her choice).  There are also lots of other prizes to win, so go ahead and enter.  You have nothing to lose!

Uncategorized

No Comments »
Oct 10

What does your tea do for you? 10/10

by megacoolmama

So, if you have read many of my posts here, you know I am an avid coffee drinker.  However, a little known fact about me is that I also love tea!  I actually used to drink a lot more tea before I switched to the more potent potion, coffee, but I still enjoy a good cup every now and again!  Anyway, tea has so many benefits for you that even if you do not drink tea, maybe you should consider it.  Read more below about which teas can do what for you AND for links to coupons and my recommendations on the best brands!

Different types of teas and their benefits:

  • Black tea:  Can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of a stroke
  • Oolong tea:  Can help with weight loss
  • Green tea:  Could lower the risk of cancer and heart disease; also known to help burn calories throughout the day when consumed enough
  • White tea:  Good for your heart and for fighting cancer
  • Herbal teas:  Chamomile is good for relaxation/sleep; Peppermint is great for calming the stomach (this is especially useful for IBS sufferers- this tea is a staple in my pantry)
  • Read tea:  Can be used a source of calcium; also is a powerful antioxidant

Brands I have used and links to coupons where available:

This, obviously, is not a comprehensive list of all of the teas out there.  These are just the ones I have bought regularly. 

Do you have any suggestions for good brands?  Also, do you have any unique uses for tea?  Let me know in the comments section!  :)

 

 

 

Uncategorized

No Comments »
Sep 22

Megacool Healthy Apple Cake Recipe! 9/22

by megacoolmama

Healthified Fresh Apple Cake

Fall is the perfect time to bake with the freshest apples you will find all year!  Some day soon, after you have returned from apple-picking at your nearest apple orchard, try out this recipe.  This cake will freeze quite nicely if you don’t use the entire cake after baking.  Just plastic wrap it and freeze! 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. granulated sugar
  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1 c. buttermilk
  • 1/2 c. all natural applesauce
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 c. flaxseed meal (found easily at Trader Joe’s or Costco…I think even Walmart and Target sell this in the baking sections now)
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3 c. finely chopped unpeeled apples
  • 1 c. chopped walnuts

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom only of 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray.
  2. In large bowl, beat sugars, buttermilk, applesauce, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 20 to 30 seconds or until blended. Add all remaining ingredients except apples and walnuts; beat on low speed about 1 minute or until blended. Stir in apples and walnuts. Spread batter in pan.
  3. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on cooling rack 1 hour.

Do you have your own twist on the recipe or a “cool” way to serve this apple cake?  Leave me a comment so I can try it out!  :)

 

 

 

Uncategorized

No Comments »
Sep 22

Tasty, Healthy Foods to Boost Metabolism and Burn Fat! 9/21

by megacoolmama

 

Being the health-conscious Megacoolmamas that we are, isn’t it nice to know that some of those foods you are eating every day can actually help boost your metabolism and burn fat?  Take a look at the following list of foods that do just that, and amp up their intake in your day to get your metabolism revving!

  • Bananas-  They help beat puffiness and diliver over 400 mg of potassium, which helps to fight stomach-bloating sodium in your body.
  • Green tea-  If you sip three cups of this a day, you can burn 30 extra calories!  That actually equals out to about 3 lbs a year without dieting!
  • Spinach-  Boosts levels of calcium and vitamin C, both which lower your odds of gaining belly fat!
  • Oranges-  Been shown in studies to help curb fat absorption, due to the levels of vitamin C, therefore making you slimmer!
  • Whole grains-  Eating three 1 oz. servings of these a day can keep your insulin levels low, which may shrink fat cells!
  • Yogurt-  Encourages the growth of good bacteria in your gut, helping to fight off the kind that cause bloating!

 

Uncategorized

No Comments »
Sep 10

Farmer’s Markets for National Organic Foods Month! 9/10

by megacoolmama

 

If you are somebody who tries to buy organic and/or locally as much as possible when it comes to produce or have ever thought about it, then you will enjoy this post! 

Since it is National Organic Foods Month, I thought it was only fitting that I post this!  This link  will take you to an online database that lets you search for farmer’s markets in your area.  It has a list of most of the farmer’s markets in the United States!  I entered my zip code and found about 10 markets within 20 miles of my house!  Most farmer’s markets have organic food choices that are grown locally, thus making them better all around- for you and for the environment!

So, never been to a farmer’s market or not sure why you should try it?  Never fear!  This link  will take you to a video and article that explains why buying at farmer’s markets is a good choice!

My favorite organic buys…

I usually try to buy all of my fresh fruit/vegetables that does not have a hard outer skin/peel as organic.  Fruits and vegetables that do not have that peel or skin can easily absorb the pesticides that are used, therefore exposing you and your family to more chemicals. 

And, it might be easier than you think to buy organic.  You don’t have to have a store that specializes in just organic foods near you to do so (though I love my Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods!).  For instance, my Jewel store carries an organic brand, Wild Harvest, that I really like for their organic microwave popcorn and corn chips.  Also, my SuperTarget carries the Archer Farms brand that has lots of organic products.  And, there are many nation-wide brands that are organic that are sold at chain stores, such as Amy’s, Kashi, and Earth’s Best (to name a few). 

Give going organic (or at least partially organic) a try this month!  Get to a farmer’s market near you and see what you can find!  :)

Uncategorized

No Comments »
Sep 5

Mega Good-for-You Yoga! 9/5

by megacoolmama

So, being that September is National Yoga Month (I just found that out today!), a nice little freebie has come your way!  Go to this link  to sign up for a free week of yoga at any of the 1600 participating national locations during the month of September!  Megacool! (Thanks, Hip2save!)

Or, if you don’t feel like actually going out to a location and trying a class, why don’t you give it a try in your own home?  I, personally, think yoga is amazing!  I started practicing yoga about six years ago.  I was at a point in my life when my husband and I wanted to start trying for a baby, so I was on a mission to do what I could to live healthily!  I gave yoga a try and never stopped doing it after that!  Not only does it calm me, but it can give me a great workout when I want it to!  It has helped me ease headaches and body aches & pains, aids in digestion, and stretches out all of that tension that builds up in my muscles after a crazy day! The great thing about yoga is that it truly is “your practice.”  You get to pick and choose the poses you want to do according to what you want out of your workout.  Read more here  about the benefits of yoga.

Here are a couple of links to some nice yoga workouts that I would recommend:

This link features a video with Shiva Rea, a world renowned Yoga master.  It is only a few minutes in length, but gives you a good idea of what yoga should look like.  I would recommend watching the video through at least once before trying it on your own!

This link explains the different types of yoga, as there are many!

This link allows you to build your own yoga sequence and keep a journal about it!  It even shows you what the poses should look like!

Try this link for a detailed explanation as to how to do each pose and what the terminology for each pose means. 

I really hope you can find some time to try yoga this month if you are new to it, or pick up your yoga practice if you have let it go lately.  Your body will love you for it! 

 

Uncategorized

No Comments »
Aug 27

New Printable Kashi Coupons!

by megacoolmama

 

Go to Coupons.com to print out some new high value Kashi coupons!  They have three as of right now…one for $1 off any box of Kashi snack crackers, one for $1.50 off any 3 Kashi GoLean bars and one for $1 off 2 boxes of Kashi TLC bars!  I love it when my favorite healthy foods get coupons!  I will combine these with the good prices that Target has to make for a megacool, cash-saving, healthy buy!  Yippeee!!

Uncategorized

No Comments »
«Older Entries
Brand New Day Theme by Caroline Moore | Copyright 2013 One Megacoolmama… | Powered by WordPress
Easy AdSense by Unreal