Easy Weeknight Meal Prep

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Who knew that becoming an adult meant that you have to figure out what to eat for dinner every single night for the rest of your life? Add in a spouse and kids, and meal prep takes on a life of its own!

To make things less stressful, and to share a few of our family’s go-to options that don’t include pizza, I have compiled a list of awesome meals, snacks and more for you. Let me know what you decide to check out in the comments!

Nurture Life

We have found our new favorite meal service… and it’s for kids! Nurture Life offers a wide variety of healthy Baby, Toddler and Kids Meals that can assist with the busy back-to-school routine. If parents don’t have time (or the energy!) to create well-balanced lunches or busy weeknight dinners, Nurture Life’s nutritious ready-to-eat meals for kids is a convenient option. Grab the meals right out of the fridge to get the nutrition and quality of a homemade meal in just 1 minute. Heat it up to serve for dinner or pack it in a thermos and your kids are ready to go! Kids will enjoy the delicious meal and parents will enjoy the no-prep, no-stress mealtime win. My kiddos absolutely loved the Chicken Dumplings with Edamame!

Nurture Life also has school-safe, cookie-inspired snacks with little to no added sugar that are made with plant-based protein and other nutritious ingredients. A quick breakfast, an easy snack or a satisfying dessert. Mighty Bites are yummy and delish. Yes – I might have eaten quite a few myself, lol!

Fry’s Chk’n Nuggets

Have plant-forward kids at home? These plant-based nuggets from Fry’s are the perfect easy weeknight dinner option or plant-based protein after-school snacks! Each delicious Chicken-Style Nugget is carefully shaped into a bite-sized chunk and evenly coated with crumbs before pre-cooking. Serve with a green salad or steamed veggies for a simple, healthy meal.

True Made Foods

The Fry’s nuggets also pack well in a lunchbox, so you can add them into your child’s lunch for the day at school. Pack a few favorite dipping sauces, such as True Made Foods Mustard, Veggie Ketchup or BBQ Sauce, and you’ve even added some hidden veggies in for the winning combo!

Keen One Foods

Quick cooking quinoa cups from Keen One Foods are healthy, simple and satisfying… making lunch & dinner a breeze! Ready in just 7 minutes, each cup provides plant-based protein and a nourishing, hearty meal. These are great preparing the night before and adding into a lunchbox, too, when everyone is bored of sandwiches. Choose from 6 unique flavors, such as Garden Medley, Pesto Pasta (a kid favorite!), Jamaican Jerk, Chipotle, Harissa Red Pepper, & Thai Coconut Curry. An ideal pantry staple, Keen One Foods quinoa cups are Gluten-free, Non-GMO, Certified Organic and Vegan.  

B’Free’s Family Faves Bundle

All of BFree’s products are gluten-free, wheat-free, non-GMO and vegan-friendly! The Family Faves Bundle includes all family favorites that make back-to-school lunch and meal prep a breeze. The bundle includes Pizza Crust, Bake-at-Home Demi Baguette, Burger Buns, Panini, Pita and Sweet Potato Wrap. It’s easy to get the kids involved when making pizzas, wraps or sandwiches, too. You can check out their recipes section for tons of inspiration!

Maple Hill 100% Grass-Fed Organic Milk

Perfect for breakfast, tucking in lunchboxes or serving with an after-school snack or dinner, Maple Hill’s shelf-stable milk boxes make mealtimes so easy! Available in Whole Milk, 2% Reduced Fat Milk and Chocolate, the single-serve milk boxes don’t have to be refrigerated. We love that the no spill screw cap can be placed back on if kids don’t finish it all, so no worries about spills in the lunchbox or wasting food. The container is also 100% recyclable.

FILLO’S

If you love Latin American food but haven’t found the time to find the perfect recipe for pinto beans or black beans, we have found a delicious solution! FILLO’S is a line of vegan non-GMO beans and grains flavored with real sofrito that offers a shelf-stable, ready-to-eat meal option that is traditional, nutritious, and convenient. Inspired by family recipes to bring the traditional foods of the Americas to your table, the dishes are delicious on their own, paired with an avocado, served as a supper side, or with rice, which is how we enjoyed the Cuban Black Beans. The seasoning and spices are pure perfection! There are a large variety of flavors to try, including Cuban Black Beans, Peruvian Lentil, Puerto Rican Pink Bean, Tex Mex Pinto, Mexican Mayocoba Bean, Panamanian Chickpeas, Peruvian Quinoa & Lentils, Cuban Congri, Puerto Rican Arroz con Gandules, and Carolina Peas & Rice. The best part is that we can grab these easily at our local Publix when meal prepping for the week!

*Companies generously provided samples for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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5 Healthy Back-to-School Snacks

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Without a Trace Foods

Healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to pack in your kid’s backpack or lunchbox that are free from the top 8 allergens! Without a Trace offers a mouthwatering variety of plant-based, gluten-free Chewy Granola Bars, Power Bites and Cookies. Perfect for tucking in lunchboxes or as a grab-n-go snack for everyone in the family. Their Rad Raspberry Power Bites & Strawberry Surprise Chewy Granola Bars are truly phenomenal and a favorite in our home!

Undercover Snacks

Healthy ingredients… in disguise! Undercover Snacks are made with carefully sourced all-natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, simple ingredients and Rain Forest Alliance Certified chocolate. Undercover Snacks are made with crispy quinoa, which is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and nutrients, and has an incredible crunchy texture. Made in a dedicated facility that is free of the top ten food allergens. Certified Nut-Free, Certified Gluten-Free and Kosher. Comes in 8 decadent varieties. For lunchboxes, tuck one of their single serve packs in as a treat. These are so good that they actually might not make it in your child’s lunch!

Sun & Swell Foods

Delicious, sustainable and healthy – Sun & Swell Foods offers delightful grab-n-go snacks that are the ideal snack size for lunchbox packing or after school snacking! Your kiddos will love their date bites or cookie bites in perfectly portioned snack-size bags. Sweetened only with dates, and 100% Organic, Gluten-Free, Vegan, and with no added sugars, flavors, or preservatives.

Jax’s Monster Mix

A fun and tasty snack for your little monsters, Jax’s Monster Mix is an all-natural, gluten-free, peanut-free snack mix for kids. Unlike most snacks on the shelves, Jax’s is free from added sugars, contains a delicious mixture of sesame sticks, chocolate covered sunflower seeds, dried fruit such as mango & papaya, and coconut chips, and will give your little ones the fuel they need to get through soccer practice, dance class, or playdates. Tuck a bag into their backpack or lunchbox for a snack you can feel good about giving your children!

Pop Bitties

Move over, potato chips! Pop Bitties are light, crunchy, air-popped chips made from 100% whole grain sorghum, brown rice, quinoa, and chia….and kids (and adults) LOVE them! They’re perfect for snacking on their own or serving alongside a healthy lunch. The Vegan Sour Cream & Onion and Hickory BBQ were devoured by the family within hours, so looks like we will be picking up quite a few more bags before school starts in 2 weeks!

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Falling For All Things Pumpkin!

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Falling For All Things Pumpkin

I went outside this morning and guess what? There is actually a (slight) coolness in the air here in FL! I am hopeful it is the start of Fall! But even if the weather doesn’t cooperate with my vision of cooler mornings & evenings or an end to the humidity… I’ve got my mind on all things pumpkin! Halloween is just around the corner, everywhere you look you see pumpkin spice…it’s time!

To celebrate the changing of the seasons and yes, all things pumpkin, I have included a few of my favorites to enjoy this time of year!

Barbara’s Pumpkin Puffins

Now that Fall is here, Barbara’s has debuted their Limited Edition Pumpkin Puffins! A combination of real pumpkin, corn, and whole grain oats and rice makes these crunchy pillows absolutely irresistible. Not to mention, these Puffins are non-GMO, gluten free, whole grain, and only contain 5 grams of sugar! Delicious and flavorful, Pumpkin Puffins can be enjoyed anytime of the day, whether starting each day with a bowl of cereal comparable to pumpkin pie, or needing a to-go snack for all of your autumn adventures. The kiddos and I really enjoy this yummy cereal!

siggi’s Icelandic-Style Yogurt – Pumpkin & Spice

Move over pumpkin spice latte! What’s not to love about siggi’s Pumpkin & Spice Yogurt?! Made with real Pumpkin, Spices such as Cinnamon & Nutmeg, Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla and packing in a whopping 15 grams of protein… this is one pumpkin spice snack you can feel good about indulging in this season!

Carrington Farms Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil

Made from cold pressed pumpkin seeds, Carrington Farms Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil can be drizzled on salads or used to craft salad dressings, mixed in smoothies & soups, or even enjoyed on ice cream! High in Oleic and Linoleic Acid. A light oil, it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids.

Perfectly Pumpkin Cake Mix with Cream Cheese Frosting from King Arthur Flour

Guys! This is THE most amazing cake mix for Fall! Everything is included in King Arthur’s Pumpkin Cake Mix with Cream Cheese Frosting… making it a breeze to bake bread, muffins or cupscakes with a delightful pumpkin spice flavor topped lovingly with cream cheese frosting! It’s an ideal mix to bake with the kiddos this Fall that shows off pumpkin and aromatic Fall spices. Kosher.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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PB & J Overnight Oats

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Simple, healthy, and affordable – here’s a kid-friendly recipe for PB & J Overnight Oats from Registered Dietitian Jessica Cording for our back-to-school series on nutritious meals the whole family will love.

PB & J Overnight Oats

Ingredients

3/4 cup frozen DOLE® Mixed Berries, divided
1/3 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup 2% milk or unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice (“Mom” prefers organic unsweetened almond milk)
1 tablespoon peanut butter or your favorite nut or seed butter (“Mom” prefers No Nut Butter from The Sneaky Chef)

Preparation

1. Mix 1/2 cup of frozen mixed berries, oats, chia seeds, ground flax seeds, cinnamon, vanilla and milk in a container with a lid.

2. Cover mixed oats and store in the fridge overnight.

3. When you’re ready to eat, uncover and enjoy cold or heat in the microwave 1-2 minutes on high.

4. Top your overnight oats with peanut butter, fruit preserves, and remaining berries, which can be enjoyed from the freezer or thawed for 30 seconds in the microwave.

Note: Add your favorite fruit preserves for extra sweetness. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free rolled oats.

Makes: 1 serving
Prep: 5 min.

*Recipe and image courtesy of RD Jessica Cording.*

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Chocolate Banana Pancakes

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Ashley Pettit shared one of her favorite kid-friendly recipes, Chocolate Banana Pancakes, as the kids head back-to-school. It’s a healthy, flavorful recipe that little ones will have a hard time saying ‘no’ to!

Ashley says, “My biggest challenge with my 3 ½ year old daughter is getting her to sit down for breakfast. The only thing I can do is make it impossible for her to say no! These banana-chocolate pancakes are a great incentive, while healthier than regular pancakes, so parents don’t have to feel guilty or worry about plying their kids with sugar first thing in the morning!”

Chocolate Banana Pancakes

Ingredients

2 cups oat flour, gluten-free
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
1 cup unsweetened hemp or oat milk (“Mom‘ prefers Banana Wave Bananamilk)
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 bananas, sliced (wait to slice them for when you serve the pancakes so they do not brown)
1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips, to top
Coconut oil for pan – tip: to save on fat, use the coconut oil spray!

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients; flour, baking soda, salt, + cinnamon

2. In a smaller mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: yogurt, milk, egg, + vanilla.

3. Mix the wet ingredients slowly into the dry- mix well.

4. Heat a skillet over medium heat + spray with the cooking oil.

5. Using a 1/3 cup measuring cup, pour the batter into the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes, then flip + continue until lightly browned. Continue to cook the entirety of the batter.

6. When ready-to-serve; top with 1 TBSP chocolate chips + some banana slices!

Makes 8 pancakes.

Ashley’s Tip: Make the pancake base plain so you can change toppings throughout the week. Double the recipe, save half fresh + freeze the rest for the following week. Parents need more free time outside of the kitchen after all!

*Recipe and image courtesy of Nutritionist Ashley Pettit, of Living with Ashley.*

Follow Ashley on Instagram and Facebook.

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In Mom’s Kitchen: Dinnerly

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It is back to the busy school season routine, with homework, activities, lunch box packing and dinner planning in full swing! I don’t know about you, but time seems to go quickly at this time of year, and I find myself stretched in so many directions! It is so important that I provide my family with healthy meals, but meal planning can be tough. Luckily, I was recently introduced to Dinnerly, which is perfect for busy families like ours, and it’s the most affordable meal kit on the market!

At only $5 per meal, DINNERLY is half the price of other meal kits, making it particularly attractive to young families who want to cook more at home or who want to try meal kits but find them cost prohibitive. Dinners are quick & simple, with only 5 steps and a maximum of 6 ingredients per recipe. Plus, Dinnerly is paperless, and you simply go to their website to view the recipes that you were sent that week!

We had so much fun trying 3 unique and healthy recipes with Dinnerly during the first week back-to-school… Red Pepper Flatbread, Za’atar Chicken, and the Beef & Broccoli Noodles.

Our favorite was definitely the Za’atar Chicken! Accompanied by a fresh cucumber and tomato salad and toasted bulgur wheat, it was flavorful, tender and healthy! Best part – it only took 30 minutes to make from start to finish! It reminded me of all the delicious Za’atar bread I enjoyed growing up as an expat in Saudi Arabia.

Each week, you choose the menu items you wish to make that week with your family. They have so many interesting choices that it was hard to pick only three! You can view more menu items here: https://dinnerly.com/menu

*Dinnerly generously provided a week’s worth of meals for this article & review. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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18 Healthy Lunchbox & After School Snacks for Kids

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18 Healthy Lunchbox & After School Snacks for Kids

Time for a lunchbox makeover as the school year starts! Ditch the junk and sugar-laden snacks, and tuck these healthy items into your child’s lunchbox instead!

1. Slammers Super Food Snacks

Fuel for school! Perfect for lunches and after school sports, Slammers Super Food Snacks were created to be delicious & instant organic fuel for active kids. Packed with superfoods, two of the flavors (Watermelon Kiwi Burst and Pomegranate Grape Crush) contain 7 grams of protein for growing bodies. In addition to these two flavors, Slammers Super Food Snacks offers 3 additional tasty varieties, EPIC (mangoes, bananas, oranges, carrots, Greek yogurt & real vanilla), AWESOME (bananas, blueberries, strawberries, beets, acai, & amaranth) and CHILL’N (bananas, blueberries, butternut squash, Greek yogurt & yumberry). Slammers Snacks can be purchased nationwide at Target, Safeway, Kroger, Costco and Walmart.

2. Rule Breaker Snacks

Rule Breaker Snacks harness the power of beans (yes, beans!) along with oats and other wholesome ingredients to create truly delicious, indulgent and guilt-free goodies. That’s right, Rule Breaker Deep Chocolate Brownies and Chocolate Chunk Blondies are made with chickpeas (they are the first ingredient!), but you’d never know it from the rich delicious flavor and texture. Perfect for anyone looking for a treat they feel better about eating, Rule Breaker snacks contain 3 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and are gluten-free, 100% plant-based (vegan), nut-free and top 8 allergen-free.

3. Banana Wave

Created from one of nature’s most universally-loved fruits, the banana, BANANA WAVE bananamilk is a delicious, creamy and nutrient-filled new option. Derived from an ancient African recipe that has been passed down for generations, BANANA WAVE bananamilk begins with a universally loved fruit that is a staple in most households – bananas. Because BANANA WAVE bananamilk begins with pure banana puree, one serving contains as much potassium as a small banana, 330 mg, and also contains 29 vitamins and minerals and 1200 mg of Omega-3s per serving. BANANA WAVE bananamilk is vegan, all natural, dairy, gluten and GMO-free.

4. Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter

Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter is an award-winning peanut-butter alternative made from naturally sweet and “nutty” tasting golden peas (with yes, more veggie protein!), but without a trace of peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, or soy. Available in Creamy and Chocolate (which has more protein and half the sugar of other chocolate spreads!), Sneaky Chef No-Nut Butter is so good everyone will love it allergies or not.

5. Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars

Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars, available in Strawberry Banana and Pineapple Passionfruit flavors, are dual-flavored, triple-layered fruit snacks produced in a nut free facility, making them the ideal on-the-go, allergy-friendly snack for kids and families! Compared to other mainstream fruit snack brands that may contain artificial additives and preservatives, Pure Organic takes a cleaner and more transparent approach, using all organic fruit and vegetable juices and purees with no artificial flavors, preservatives, or synthetic colors. Both kids and adults love them!

6. Wicked Crisps

Wicked Crisps, a surprisingly healthful snack with an irresistible taste, are chock full of nutrition from veggies, herbs and spices. A guilt-free treat for taste buds, Wicked Crisps are available in seven delicious flavors like Cheesy Cheese Pizza, Spinach Parmesan, Spring Vegetable Medley, Sweet Potato Soufflé and Red Curry Hummus (our daughter’s fave!), that combine the protein and goodness from vegetables in a crisp that is formulated without GMOs, gluten or non-organic ingredients. Wicked Crisps are deliciously deceptive nutrition!

7. Kalot Superfood

Kalot Superfood offers nutritional nut and seed butters blended with fruits, spices and a custom vitamin blend that provides up to 50% of the Daily Value for a nutrient-rich and tasty treat that can be seamlessly incorporated into hectic routines to keep bodies full, fueled and healthy. Kalot Superfood is available in nine delicious varieties including Almond Butter blends: Blueberry Cinnamon Walnut; Cherry Vanilla; Dark Chocolate Coconut; Espresso Hazelnut; Chia Cashew Butter Blends: Blueberry Vanilla; White Chocolate Strawberry; Chocolate Chip and Sunflower Seed Butter Blends: Cinnamon Apple; Chocolate Cherry.

8. HEROFUEL

Need a quick, protein-packed snack for your child’s after school sports game or activity? HEROFUEL has 10g of protein, only 6-8g sugar, the right amount of fiber and carbs for kids playing sports, or just being active! It’s the first and only sports bar made specifically for kids! Kids love the taste, parents love the nutrition. Available in kid-sized portions in two delicious flavors, Chocolate Chip Brownie and Cookies & Cream.

9. Nature’s Crush

Nature’s Crush Microwave Popcorn is a revolutionary new all-natural microwave popcorn. Different because it uses real herbs and spices, not artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, to create a gourmet popcorn experience. Nature’s Crush is whole grain, gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes and parties, Nature’s Crush fills the whole house with the aroma of delicious goodness. Nature’s Crush microwave popcorn is making microwave popcorn a pantry must-have once again.

10. Cherryvale Farms

Cherryvale Farms is a pioneer in 100% plant-based baking and a family business that drew inspiration from their own small farm in Santa Cruz, California to create delicious baking mixes everyone can enjoy at home. All Cherryvale Farms baking mix products are 100% plant-based, egg-free, dairy-free, nut-free and free from preservatives and artificial colors and flavors, making them an excellent option for those managing food allergies or intolerances. New Cherryvale Farms Instant Indulgence Individual Mug Cakes are perfect for middle or high school lunchboxes – or for Mom or Dad to keep in their drawer at work for a sweet treat!

11. Ceres’ Smoothie to Go

Ceres’ Smoothie to Go pack the heavenly taste of perfectly ripe, organic fruit into a healthy, sippable snack that is filled with the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body craves without any fillers, GMOs or added sugars. Packed at the peak of freshness to preserve the pure, crisp taste of exotic real fruit, Smoothies to Go are the ideal way for your littles to get their “five-a-day” recommended servings of fruits and 100% of daily Vitamin C. Each smoothie contains small chunks of luscious real fruit. Available in three mouthwatering flavors, Mango, Tropical with Guava, Mango and Passionfruit, or Apple Berry blends. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.

12. MadeGood Snacks

My son’s favorite… especially the Strawberry Granola Minis! These healthy, delicious granola-based snacks are made in a dedicated facility free from the eight common allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, sesame, fish and shellfish. MadeGood snacks are also organic, gluten-free and non-GMO project verified, making them the perfect school-safe snack. Choose from a variety of yummy, pint-sized snacks perfect for little ones, including Soft Baked Cookies, Crispy Light Granola, Granola Bars, Granola Minis (found at Costco!) and Crispy Squares.

13. Tree Top Clear Applesauce Pouches

Elevate kids’ back-to-school lunch game with Tree Top clear applesauce pouches! Tree Top’s new line-up of transparent pouches includes seven healthy, on-the-go fruit options. Yummy varieties include Apple, Mango, Cinnamon, Strawberry, Mixed Berry, Tropical, and my favorite, Organic. Along with being delicious, Tree Top’s pouches are also healthy: they are made with 100% American apples, and have no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors and colors. With each pouch at 40-60 calories, parents can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their kids aren’t filling up on empty calories.

14. JUNKLESS Chewy Granola Bars

Seeking a snack option that your kiddos will love to find tucked in their lunchbox? JUNKLESS Chewy Granola Bars are family-friendly, better-for-you snacks that are minimally processed, contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, are Non-GMO Project Verified, and contain 6 grams of sugar or lower. No junk, and they taste good! The four flavors include Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, 100% REAL Strawberries and Cinnamon Roll. JUNKLESS Chewy Granola Bars are available nationally on Amazon and in select grocery stores around the country.

15. Popcornopolis Nearly Naked Popcorn

When you want to provide kids of all ages with a healthy snack they are sure to love, Nearly Naked Popcorn is a sure thing! This healthy snack contains nothing more than freshly popped American-grown gourmet popcorn tossed in a touch of coconut oil and a sprinkle of salt. One cup of Nearly Naked popcorn contains just 33 calories! This whole grain, gluten free snack is available in .55oz snack size bags that are ideal for lunch boxes, class snacks, field trips, road trips, movie nights, and more.

16. TahiniBAR

New from Absolutely Gluten Free, TahiniBAR is a grab-and-go sesame seed snack that weighs in at only 100 calories! Like tahini and its decadent dessert cousin, halvah, the energy bars are made from all-natural roasted sesame seeds. Sesame seeds help boost energy levels and are a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, Calcium, Iron, Zinc and potassium. Much lower in calories than many other bars, this 100% gluten-free treat is available in three delectable varieties, including Cocoa Nibs, Pistachio, and Vanilla, and sold in packs of 7 bars (4.4 oz.). All varieties are certified OU Kosher and dairy-free.

17. NurturMe Organic Ancient Grains Power Blends

These superfruit, veggie and ancient grain meal pouches give little ones a nutrient-boosting tropical snack! Available in 4 yummy varieties, their Pear + Quinoa + Amaranth + Spinach and Strawberry + Banana + Amaranth pouches are my son’s favorite! Easy to tuck in your child’s lunchbox at daycare or preschool, they provide a no-mess option for little hands. Made with no gluten, soy, dairy or egg. Non-GMO.

18. NurturMe Ancient Grain Cookies

Tummy-friendly and good for you, NurturMe has combined 4 nutrient-packed ancient grains to create the perfect organic and gluten-free cookie for little ones! Made with quinoa, amaranth, millet and sorghum, the cookies do not contain dairy, soy or egg. They are available in two delicious flavors, Cocoa & Honey, and their cute shapes promote learning & play! (yes, we think it’s ok to play with your food!) Plus, they are also a complete and balanced protein with all 9 essential amino acids and immune-boosting antioxidants. Non-GMO.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Tiny Green Mom’s Tortilla Soup

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Looking for an alternative to tacos on Taco Tuesday? Look no further than this flavorful tortilla soup! Filled with a variety of healthy vegetables, such as avocado, onions and tomatoes, this soup is one of our favorites! You can even make the broth ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for the next night’s meal!

Tiny Green Mom’s Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

1/2 yellow onion, finely diced

1 garlic clove, minced

2-3 ripe organic tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 carton organic chicken stock (1 quart)

1 can organic tomato sauce

1-2 T. dill

1-2 jalapeno peppers

4 Fresh tortillas

1-2 avocados, cubed

Organic sour cream (1 T. per bowl served)

Organic finely shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, approximately 1/2 cup

Freshly ground pepper and salt, to taste

Preparation

Finely dice the onion and set aside. Finely chop the tomatoes and set aside. Mince garlic and set aside.

Add olive oil to a large saucepan and heat over medium to medium-high heat. Add onions, tomatoes, and garlic; cook until transparent and soft.

Add chicken stock and dill; bring to a boil. As soon as it starts to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, slice the jalapeno peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Be very careful not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth while handling the pepper! Set aside.

Cut the tortillas into thin strips and set aside.

Heat 1 T. extra virgin olive oil in small skillet on medium heat and when hot, place the jalapeno peppers into the oil. Turn after 1 minute. After one more minute, place the peppers on a paper towel on a separate plate to drain.

Next, cook the tortilla strips in the hot skillet until light brown. It is easiest to place in a layer, cooking only a few at a time.  Set on paper towel on a separate plate.

To serve, divide and place the cubed avocado, monterey jack cheese, jalapeno pepper slices, organic sour cream and tortilla strips into 4 bowls. Pour the broth over the top to slightly cover the ingredients in the bowl. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste.

Please do not reprint recipe without permission.

 

 

 

 

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In Mom’s Kitchen: Junkless Chewy Granola Bars

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If you’re like me, you are always searching for healthier versions of your family’s favorite snack foods… and Junkless Chewy Granola Bars definitely deliver! Upping the YUM factor considerably, we are now stocking our pantry with these delish chewy granola bars!

Chocolate Chip Junkless

These family-friendly, better-for-you snacks that are minimally processed, contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and are Non-GMO Project Verified. Produced by Junkless Foods Inc., the bars are made with less than eight ingredients. No junk, and they taste good!

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Junkless Chewy Granola Bars are available in 4 flavors you and your kiddos will love, including Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, 100% REAL Strawberries and Cinnamon Roll. The Chocolate Chip flavor is my little guy’s favorite, and I find the Cinnamon Roll to be almost sinful!

The bars are perfect for lunch boxes or tossing in a diaper bag, purse or backpack for an emergency snack.

Ernie Pang, who used to do marketing for Kellogg’s, came up with the idea after he and his son were grocery shopping and Michael asked about the lengthy list of hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the side panel of a frozen food product. Ernie thought there had to be a better way!

Junkless Chewy Granola Bars are available nationally on Amazon and in select grocery stores around the country. Learn more at junklessfoods.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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In Mom’s Kitchen: Organic Nearly Naked Popcorn from Popcornopolis

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Calling all popcorn lovers! If your family is anything like mine, popcorn is a staple for movie nights at home! We love snuggling up on the couch with a big bowl to share, while the toddler runs circles around the living room as we watch the latest flick. With a massive family size bag – there is (hopefully) enough for everyone!

Popcornopolis - organic nearly naked 14oz_costco_1

Organic Nearly Naked Popcorn from Popcornopolis makes enjoying popcorn deliciously easy! With only 38 calories per cup, Nearly Naked Popcorn is popped in coconut oil and expertly salted to taste. For me, as a total health nut, this fact alone makes this a top pick for my family!

Organic Nearly Naked Popcorn from Popcornopolis is:

100% American Grown Corn
Non-GMO Corn
Certified Gluten Free
No Added Preservatives
No High Fructose Corn Syrup
No MSG
0g Trans Fat
Popped in Coconut Oil
100% Whole Grain

For all of you with Costco memberships, Organic Nearly Naked will be in Costco stores from March 13, selling for $5.39 a bag. From April 19 – May 13, the cost will drop to $3.49. It’ll be the perfect time to grab a few bags for spring & summer fun!

Interested in learning more about Popcornopolis? Check out their website at Popcornopolis.com, and connect with them on social media.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/popcornopolis/
Instagram: @popcornopolis
Twitter: @popcornopolis

*Company generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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