Green Treehouse

I grew up in a no-apple slice type of family. Come to think of it, it was also a no-cheese cube type of family. It’s not that I didn’t eat these healthy foods. I did. A lot. It’s just that apples and cheese were never cut up and served as cute little bits in my school lunches or at snack time.

As silly as it may sound, after seeing another mother’s perfectly sliced apples one day, I decided that was that. My children would grow up in a slice and cube type of family. Beyond cute, smaller chunks are more practical and safer for small children, especially when they’re discovering the art of eating. But how did other moms get those slices and cubes to look so perfect and adorably tasty looking? Apparently, with a little help….

If only I had known earlier that it could be this easy. Should have known KidCo would offer this cool baby gadget.

Oh, in case you’re wondering, good nutrition and environmentalism go together like peas in a pod. For example, eating less processed or natural food is less taxing on environmental resources, and planting fruit trees and vegetables supports a greener environment.

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At a well-child visit today, the pediatrician asked, “is your baby eating much meat?” Given that my older two children don’t eat any meat, other than bacon (hey, they love it…I buy the nitrate free kind), I just assumed my youngest would follow suit. But something about the question put me on the defensive. It seemed like the Doctor was suggesting that my baby should eat meat.

It’s not that I have any issues with meat or meat eaters, or believe that everyone should convert to strict vegetarian or vegan lifestyles. In fact, I was devoted to a vegetarian diet for years. This ended abruptly during pregnancy–I intensely craved cheeseburgers, even though I hadn’t eaten a meat burger for years. Three children later, I’m not back to the point where I can really call myself a vegetarian, but it’s rare that I do eat meat.

What troubles me, though, is that I’m not particularly fond of pediatrician-induced guilt–even if I did have to read between the lines to see it. The way I see it is, my baby may or may not eat meat, and volume shouldn’t factor into the equation. If she comes to love meat, great. If she’s not a huge fan, that’s fine, too. If she only wants bacon, well, I can work with that.

Ever wonder why non-animal product consumption is said to be an eco-friendly lifestyle? These definitions will clue you in.

Vegetarian: Broadly describes a diet that excludes meat, poulty, and fish. There are different types of vegetarians, ranging from vegans to vegetarians who consume dairy and eggs (”lacto-ovo-vegetarian”).

Veganism: Vegans choose to avoid using or eating animal products, including dairy or products tested on animals. This lifestyle is believed to benefit the environment, animals, and our health.

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Stonyfield Farm (my kids’ favorite organic yogurt company–we go through a six-pack just about every two days), makers of YoBaby and YoKids yogurt has introduced this month YoMommy yogurt.  This yogurt sounds like the ultimate in nutrition for pregnant moms.  Yogurt is already a superfood, but YoMommy contains added Folic Acid, DHA, and vitamin D for mom and baby.

If you haven’t yet seen YoMommy on your grocery store shelves, hopefully it will be there soon (or make a request for your store to carry it).  Word has it that the yogurt is just now hitting store shelves.

Remember, pregnancy is a time to take care of yourself (along with baby).  Eat well.  Rest when possible.  Find joy in the moments of pregnancy.  You deserve it, Mommy!