our fuzzy mascot for the day!

Standing in line at the grocery store, my eyes slightly bulge out of their sockets. The conveyor in front of me and the cart behind me, chock full of sugary sweetened drinks, and snacks. Doing a quick scan, nothing healthy in sight. Trying to take a second less obvious scan confirms that yes, we have obese children on the verge of rage or tears. Anxious, and ready to board the sugar train, with a round trip ticket to...diabetes.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. For kids to be healthy and nutritious, parents must be healthy and nutritious. All of your habits, what your kids will, and will not eat, come from YOU. If you're a picky eater, expect the same from little Suzy, if you eat kale and it's abundant in your fridge, so will Adam. The inventory in our kitchen is the foundation for nourished and healthy families, OR...extra large paints and insulin injections.

Sugar is a highly addictive substance people. It has no right in an abundantly unnatural form especially for these little beings and bodies that need you to know what is good for them.

The United States has the highest obesity rate of anywhere else in the world.
I bet Canada sits snugly high up in those rankings.
Ironically the more abundant we are in resources and wealth, the fatter and sicker we become.

I know I know, you don't know what to feed them.
I get it, you don't have time.
Totally, you're so busy.
Of course, she doesn't like anything green.

The problem is, these aren't problems, they're excuses.
And if the health of ourselves and our families isn't THE priority, then I'm not sure what is.
Because without it, the rest won't matter.

These days, life IS busy, yes.
Something is off however if you have to take from the places that are most important.
Kids will test our patience and we can NOT cave for convenience sake.
Busyness cannot equal poor food choices.

Enter, GOOD Bag for Kids.
And a mom raising two boys as an entrepreneur launching this incredible product together with Dr. Natalie Geary, author of the best selling book The Food Cure for Kids, voted one of the Top Doctors in the US by The US News.

GOOD BAG for Kids is a GOOD alternative and makes feeding your kids on the go, healthy, easy and accessible. - Tammany Atkinson, Founder, COO

All of the products in the bag have been hand selected as THE best products on the market, with every bag including: a protein, healthy carbohydrate, fruit supplement, healthy sweet treat, a probiotic, healthy fat/fish oil, kid's vitamin mix to be added to water, educational information for families, fun surprises and activities for the kids.

I am so honoured to be a part of something that encourages a healthier lifestyle for families and kids.
Even more honoured that I was hand selected (getting the Natalie Geary Seal of Approval!!) as the best and official photographer for GOOD BAG for Kids!

Make sure to check out their website, say hi on Facebook. You can also catch them on twitter!
xo
jodi renée

Labels: commercial, family, GOOD BAG, health, healthy, kids, life, lifestyle, nutrition, Oakville

kinda Quinoa Tabbouleh salad...{keen-WA!}
fresh and simple.
not just simple - EASY! I think we've been over this little SUPA seed before.
We're talking PRE-Incan. That's pretty old.
So this seed has some H-I-S-T-O-R-Y! (not like the processed and packaged foods of today).
Which is a different aging process all together. Strip you down, then load you up with all the nasties so you can SIT ON THE SHELF FOREVER! mmmm...
OR, pre-historic, jacked with nutrients. Not JUST nutrients - essential nutrients. High fibre, high "complete" protein...
And just really nutty and tasty :)

The scrumptious salad above is quinoa bought in a box (if you buy it in bulk I recommend soaking it for up to ...uh...8 hours. Improves digestibility and your family will thank me) ...
so the boxed kind is usually pre-soaked and just give it a good rinse.
Cook up as per directions.
Then add:
*sliced roma tomatoes (if you cut out the juicy centre of the romas then the salad is less runny
*sliced and diced cucumbers
*a few sliced green onions
*handful of chopped fresh coriander (you can definitely use parsley or mint works wonders here!)
*tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
*sea salt
*lime or lemon to taste
Stir it all up, throw it in the fridge and serve with whatever you're having for dinner!

Seriously...there's no reason you need to be serving up plain ol' potatoes or pasta when we've got some SERIOUS grains out there. Explore a bit. You'll be surprised!
go get your grains on! xo
jodi renée

Labels: food, grains, health, nutrition, quinoa, recipe

Labels: food, health, nutrition, recipe

A breakfast of body love, mind love? = SUCCESS

Follow the recipe below...
*Bob's Red Mill Organic Kamut Cereal (cooked according to directions on the package. And I'm still practicing the fine art of NOT boiling over these cereals while cooking stove-top) You could also use any of the other grain cereals or just grains (rice, quinoa, buckwheat...etc.)
*Scoop your serving size into a bowl and drown in a 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk. No sugar added in this baby and the almonds naturally give off some of their sweet-nass. Let's leave the cow's milk for the baby cows...I think the design was brilliant that way. Ever wonder why so many people are lactose intolerant? I'm sure the cows would be a lot intolerant to our milk too.
Dairy consumption can also be linked to ...allergies, eczema, asthma, arthritis, inflammation, zits and weird rashes!
Anyhoo...back on track here before I get into the really gross stuff and then the segue into jam will be really tough!
*Jam! home-made, organic...sweet JAM! Paying a little homage to my roots with some Partridge Berry jam. Super tart, super yummy. Dollop a little on top of the Pharaoh's sinking Kamut (yes! the grain dates that far back! And once you're recharged on this ancient grain you might be energized enough to build your own pyramid!) Don't say I didn't warn you...
Bon Appetite!

Books. Books. and more Books! It's no secret that I'm a geek still rocking my library card (hello? it's free education people!) Probably more important for me than feeding the body good nutrition is the fuel that I feed my mind.
The start of your day should empower you, inspire you and encourage you. I can't stress the importance of making sure you fuel BOTH your body and your mind as you start your day.

The above book 'cue' is currently what I've read, am reading or about to read. A nice blend of business, self development, spiritual awakening and pure enjoyment.
Crazy, Sexy Diet - FOOD and LIFE BIBLE. Buy a copy and own a copy. Kriss Carr illuminates how to live your crazy, sexy potential by becoming a warrior for your own health, blissful in your own skin with a by-product of awesomeness for the rest of the world.
The Thank you Economy - need I say more? We are uber connected and disconnected at the same time. Businesses have a great opportunity, more so than ever, to speak directly to their people. Life/business is all about 'relationships' and Gary V is a master at using social media to it's fullest to both jump-start or kick-start AND maintain super biz success.
Fierce Conversations - conversation IS the relationship. Enough said. There are always conversations AKA communications that you need to have with others and more importantly yourself to move ahead to the next level, get you out of a rut and remove the barriers from your life. What conversations are you having? OR...what conversations are you not...
The Purpose Driven Life - Wonderful changes begin to happen when you live your life on Purpose. Thanks Rick for the reminder of what's important. Get off auto-pilot folks! Who's life are you living anyways?
The Happiness Project - Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence. Yes! Are you feelin my theme here? :)
I'm still reading the other three and will write a review for each when I'm done!

What are you currently fueling your body and mind with? and does it clear an abundant life for health, happiness and success?

Let me know if you have any questions, I'd love to help! and did you find my ramblings beneficial? Let me know on my Facebook Fanpage!

here's to health, happy and success!
xo
jodi renée

Labels: books, food, health, inspiration, nutrition, recipe

These bold beauties pack a powerful punch where health is concerned and we often drive the cart.
Right. On. By.
Might wanna throw the breaks on and reconsider.
Raw beets contain high levels of fibre, the natural sugars, beta-carotene, folic acid, chlorophyll, potassium, vitamin C, and iron...
if that's not enough?
Brain booster
Cancer fighter
Inflammation reducer
Endurance rev'n
Sex drive Super Charger
Supa! antioxidant
They get their beautiful vibrant colour from betacyanin which can increase the oxygen carrying ability of the blood by up to 400%! Ironic that these red bad-asses are so blood nourishing...I think not!
If you're not incorporating these into your diet at least a few times a week, you're truly missing out. Those who can include RAW beets daily...your cells will thank you... :)

RAW beet salad (above)
1 med or (2 small) beets grated
1 large carrot grated
handful of raisins
fresh crumbled walnut
I don't always need any kind of dressing however if you need something perhaps try:
1/2 squeezed lime with 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
You can add any kind of fresh herb, like parsley or cilantro...
Mix it up and create something that YOUR taste buds like!

xo
jodi renée

(oh and if you start to see red after your visit to the loo, don't be alarmed! Beeturia is common after ingestion!)

Labels: food, health, nutrition, recipe, superfood