Great Greens: Spinach Health Benefits and Recipes

Here’s to your baby’s health!

Spinach has a legendary reputation as a healthy food – and for good reason! Spinach is low in calories and is a good source of vitamins A, B2, C, E and K, and minerals, including manganese, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium. Although glorified as a strength-building source of iron by the infamous Popeye cartoons, spinach actually contains low amounts of this mineral and has minimal benefits to baby. But collectively spinach is one of the … (read more)

Transitioning Your Toddler to Whole Milk

The time leading up to your little one’s first birthday is so exciting! Daily changes and development are peppered with major milestones that keep life interesting (to say the least). One of the many important milestones during this time is the transition from breastmilk or formula to whole milk. As a pediatric dietitian, parents often ask me how to make this transition and why it is so important to wait until their child’s first birthday to make the big switch. … (read more)

Spinach Pizzazz Pizza

Not only is pizza one of my favorite foods, but I am always looking for new, easy-to-make recipes. This flavorful recipe helps to add more veggies and variety to your child’s diet in a delicious way. Spinach is one of the healthiest vegetables around. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese and it’s loaded with many other vitamins and nutrients. For more information on all of the nutrients your child needs, check out our nutrient chart.

To make this recipe, … (read more)

No-Bake Apricot Bites

This recipes makes an easy on-the-go snack that is perfect for a springtime picnic.  What I really like about this filling and naturally sweet snack is that it’s a great source of vitamins and minerals. For example, apricots provide Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium, and dates help with proper muscle development and are high in fiber. For more information on all of the nutrients your baby needs, check out our nutrient chart.

To make this recipe, here is what … (read more)

Play With Your Food: Sensory Activities at Mealtime

Introducing foods to your little one can be such an exciting experience! Finally, you are able to offer something along with breastmilk or formula! It’s a huge milestone and can be quite an adventure. Many moms are surprised to find that foods are important for reasons other than nutrition. Food actually provides a great way for your child to learn and explore their five senses. Sensory activities are extremely helpful for encouraging brain development, fine motor skills and language.  The following sensory activities provide an easy and fun way to introduce your … (read more)

Healthy Apricot Recipes for the Whole Family

There’s a reason why apricot means “precious” in Latin.

This healthy summer fruit is loved by both babies and mothers alike. Closely related to plums, apricots can be a great addition to your baby’s meals. Their vibrant orange color reflects the fact that they are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which your baby’s body converts to vitamin A. Apricots are also loaded with vitamin C, fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. Collectively, these healthy … (read more)

Tips to Determine Toddler Meal Portions

Is my child eating enough?

If you have ever wondered about this you are not alone! As a pediatric dietitian, I get this question often from concerned parents of toddlers and children who seem to have little to no appetite. The first thing I ask any parent to do is describe the portion sizes of what the child eats for each meal and also what they drink throughout the day. Over consuming beverages such as milk, juice and other sugar … (read more)

A Heap of Bean Benefits and Recipes

A versatile source for vitamins and minerals.

Often called the magical fruit, beans are actually a vegetable. Although not typically top-of-mind for baby diets, beans offer a variety of benefits, including high doses of protein, potassium, and calcium, plus vitamins A and C for your little one’s healthy growth and development. Most pediatricians recommend introducing dried beans into your baby’s meals when she is eight to ten months old. It is important to start with small amounts of beans, as … (read more)

Healthy Ideas for Entertaining

Last month my son turned one!  His birthday was a bittersweet day for me and my husband, but it was also an exciting milestone. Our baby had transformed into a curious and active little boy, and we had survived our first year of parenthood! It definitely called for a celebration, and I took on the party planning like I was preparing for my wedding all over again. I decided that we were going to have a little man themed party full of bow ties and mustaches.  I … (read more)

Black Bean Brownies

These brownies are a perfect sweet treat and a great alternative to other high sugar and high calorie brownie recipes.

When I first read this recipe, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical of the words “black beans” and “brownies” being in the same sentence. After making them, I was pleasantly surprised  in how chocolaty and delicious they turned out to be. These brownies are great for special occasions. They are a nice alternative to a traditional cake and other super-sweet, sugar-shocking desserts. The black beans add bulk … (read more)