Mambo Sprouts

People who regularly purchase organic foods often find them to be more expensive than similar conventional items. However, not everyone understands exactly why producing food in a more sustainable, environmentally friendly manner should cost more. We hope to shed some light on this. For example:

• The price of organic foods reflects the production costs involved. Clearly, more labor and management are required when farmers don’t use chemicals to manage weeds and pests. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re not always sure what you can expect when purchasing organic foods, you’re not alone. Part of the confusion may stem from the fact that not all items featuring the word “organic” are held to the same standards. Our recent post entitled “What Does the Organic Label Really Mean?” was aimed at clarifying that.

As it relates to genetically modified organisms (GMOs), you can rest assured that items labeled 100% organic with the USDA organic seal are completely GMO-free by government regulations. On the other hand, foods that are labeled “Made with Organic Ingredients” or simply “Organic” are not as tightly regulated─and may contain GMOs. To be sure your food is GMO-free, buy USDA certified 100% organic food.
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Are you clear on what the term “organic” actually means? It’s a confusing topic for many health-conscious consumers─especially with the many changes associated with this term in recent years. This update can help clarify matters:

As you may know, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established an organic certification program strictly regulating how these foods are grown, handled and processed. Any farmer or food manufacturer who labels and sells a product as organic must meet these government standards to be USDA certified. Only producers who sell less than $5,000 a year in organic foods are exempt from this certification. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you select organic foods when you shop? By definition, organic products are grown and produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, or growth hormones. Organic farmers don’t feed or inject animals with hormones or antibiotics, nor are genetically modification organisms (GMOs) used.

Currently, 70% of the U.S. population buys organic food on occasion─with nearly 25% investing on a weekly basis, according to the Hartman Group. Organic items are generally perceived as safer, healthier, and better for the environment. Here are some powerful reasons to make organically grown foods a priority in the New Year:
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Are you still in the midst of holiday shopping? Many people are, making it an ideal time to call attention to an important safety issue. Prevent Blindness America─the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization─has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. It’s a good reminder to make conscientious purchasing decisions based on what is best for each individual child.

“In the excitement of the season, sometimes we may forget that not every gift is
appropriate for every child,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent
Blindness America. “By taking a few easy safety precautions, we can keep the holidays
happy for everyone!” Read the rest of this entry »

September is Baby Safety Month─sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). JPMA initiated Baby Safety Month to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of the safe use/selection of baby products. Since many families like to be on the move with their wee ones, this year JPMA is emphasizing the importance of safely using soft infant carriers, frame carriers, and slings. For example: Read the rest of this entry »

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, which helps raise awareness about children and their vision. Did you know that according to Prevent Blindness America, one in four school-age kids experiences vision problems? If left untreated, these problems can affect learning ability, as well as social development and overall adjustment in school.

Good vision includes age appropriate visual acuity, visual integration and visual skills such as eye teaming, eye focusing and eye motility. However, many eye conditions have no symptoms that can be identified by parents or teachers. Detecting possible issues early is the best way to ensure your child has healthy visual development. These signs indicate that your child might be at risk for eye problems/requires medical attention:

• Obvious pain or trouble seeing
• Cuts or tears in the eyelid
• One eye does not move as well as the other, or one sticks out more than the other
• Unusual pupil shape or size
• Blood in the clear part of the eye
• Something in the eye or under the eyelid that cannot be easily removed

Though most eye problems in children can be corrected if detected and treated early, some kids may have serious vision issues they are unaware of. Certain problems─if left untreated for even a short time─can lead to permanent vision loss, so appropriate eye care/protection is essential.

According to the American Optometric Association, children should have an eye exam by 6 months of age, again by age 3, and just before starting school. School-age kids should then have an exam every two years if they have no visual problems. However, if your child requires eyeglasses or contact lenses, schedule visits annually. These tips can also help:

• Take care to prevent accidental falls, mishandling of sharp objects, and contact with harmful household products
• Guard against sports-related eye injuries by encouraging goggles, helmets, and other protective gear
• Provide your children with sunglasses. The effects of UV radiation are cumulative and may increase the chance of developing irreversible eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.

So, along with back-to-school shopping, you might designate August as the month for basic healthcare services like immunizations, dental cleanings, a physical─and a thorough vision/eye exam.

Father’s Day approaches, and it’s time to celebrate Dad. Would you consider opting for a green gift this year? You may find that “the dad who has everything” will be especially touched, knowing that a greater good will be done for the earth in his name. These suggestions should get the ball rolling: Read the rest of this entry »

We asked: “What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to get kids to eat their vegetables?”

And you answered! Here are 15 great tips we received from our very own Mambo community!

Jill N.: “I put baby food veggies into their mac and cheese; I put pureed spinach into their brownies, I am the master of mixing veggies into things!”

Rochelle D.: “Some nutrients are not properly released without cooking. You just want to avoid over cooking. I mix them in casseroles and pasta dishes, like spinach in my lasagna. My 3 year old loves it.”

Amy S.: “… you can add raw purees. I puree spinach and blueberries raw and add it to all sorts of things. Chill, spaghetti sauce, cocoa pancakes. I still give them veggies at their meals, but don’t have to make WWIII out of it when I know they are getting some snuck in there. Dip helps a lot at my house. Lots and lots of dip.”

Chrystal L.: “…This year we are getting our produce through a CSA program and I have found that taking the kids to the farmers market to pick up the produce and going through it together at home, they are more likely to try it.”

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This summer, make the most of that extra time with the kids by getting them into the kitchen! Kids need to learn life skills like cooking and baking – and it never hurts for parents to get some practice! Plus, when kids cook something, they’re much more likely to eat it. So we’ve found these ten kid-friendly recipes that are delicious, healthy and easy enough that kids will actually have fun in the kitchen! Try them all this summer season.

• The Well-Rounded Mama: Chocolate Chip Scones Scrumptious scones! There’s nothing like a sweet, homemade pastry to bring the family together.
  “Find three cute kids in aprons to help you; Make sure they all get a turn to stir; Convince them not to eat the dough or pick out the chocolate chips while you are rolling them out.”

• Working Mom Chris Jordan’s Easy Peach Cobbler (Gluten-Free) Mmm… What’s more of a comfort food than peach cobbler? Create sweet memories as you mix and bake!
  “Your children can make this entirely by themselves. And it is delicious. As a matter of fact, I hid the leftovers so that I could have it all for myself. What? Don’t judge me! You have done the same thing.”

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