Create a cold homemade chocolatey treat using your own ice pop molds and you are bound to make anyone happy! What I love about this recipe is that it contains chocolate, avocados, maple syrup, and coconut...4 of my favourite things. But the best part? When enjoying these, you will think you are eating a sinful treat when really, they contain protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. The sweeteners are the banana and the maple syrup, so they contain no refined sugars. It's a win-win situation all around!
Summer weather is coming and that means popsicle season, but not just any popsicles, homemade, delicious, healthy popsicles. Both Justin and Reece love popsicles, I could take them or leave them. I often make them up for the two of them to enjoy as they play in the yard on a hot summer afternoon.
1. In a food processor, blend the avocado and banana until smooth. Add coconut milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder and almond butter, blend until well mixed. You can taste test now to see if you would like to increase the sweetness with a little more maple syrup. You may also wish to add a little more coconut milk if it seems a little thick.
2. Once you have perfected it to pass your taste bud test, fill your ice pop molds and freeze for a couple of hours.
Kim is a holistic nutritionist and author, who has a passion for health, wellness, real food and cooking, and is dedicated to helping parents raise happy healthy babies. Kim is the founder of Your Green Baby and also blogs at Mothering with Mindfulness.
The fun in having your own ice pop molds is experimenting with the countless ingredient combinations and coming up with unique and healthy creations. This tropical themed ice pop recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth without any added sugar and both kids and adults will enjoy it!
These pineapple ice pops have a wonderful, refreshing flavour and just the right amount of natural sweetness. The coconut milk and banana provide potassium and the pineapple is a yummy source of vitamin C, making these homemade ice pops both nutritious and delicious. They passed the taste test with flying colours with my 4 kids who are already asking for them again.
This recipe makes quite a big batch so I froze the extra mixture in a muffin pan to make "smoothie starters".
Homemade ice pops go far beyond pouring some plain old juice into your molds and waiting for them to set. To boost nutrition, you can add in some unconventional ice pop ingredients like flax seeds, chia seeds, and even oatmeal as in the recipe below.
These ice pops contain fibre, protein and healthy fats...but don't let that scare you into thinking that because they are healthy, they can't possibly taste good...because they do!
I was cleaning up the kitchen the other morning and noticed that there was left over oatmeal. I don't like to waste food, so I tossed it into the blender because I was inspired to make ice pops for later. This recipe can be a refreshing snack or light meal on a hot summer day when appetites are suppressed. It is full of: protein from the oatmeal, healthy fat from the coconut, and fibre from the fruit, flax seed meal and chia seeds. I added a few dates for a little extra sweetness but they are optional. They were a big hit with the little ones over past weekend.
Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Ice Pops
Ingredients:
3/4 cup oatmeal, cooked
2 cups strawberries, quartered
1 banana
1 tablespoon flax seed meal
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
1/2-3/4 cup water
2 medjool dates, pitted (optional)
1. Combine all ingredients into a high power blender.
2. Blend until smooth. Add water until the mixture is smooth.
3. Pour mixture into popsicle molds and freeze.
Yield: 12
Jayda is a nutritionist at EatWhole BeVital, and a Clean Plate Cleanse coach, living under a co-dictatorship, a master mediator, whole food advocate, trying to live a little greener everyday.
The hot days are here and if your kids are like mine, they love cooling off with an icy treat. Gone are the days when your only way to make homemade ice pops were with those not so safe plastic molds. Now, there are plenty of safer options such as Kinderville's Little Bites Ice Pop Molds.
Kinderville Little Bites Ice Pop Molds are:
Mess Free! The unique tapered design allow for the popsicle to be pushed up as needed and the only place the drips go are back into the mold, which minimizes sticky messes
Plastic free which means they are toxin free
BPA, phthalate and lead free
Bacteria resistant
Dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave safe
A great way to try out healthy sugar free ice pop recipes!
Kinderville Ice Pop Molds come in boxes of 4, each box includes 4 colours: red, yellow, green and blue.
There has been a lot of buzz about triclosan in the news lately, and most of the issues being brought into the spotlight are not new, but it is important that they are reiterated so everyone is aware.
The cause of the recent buzz is a new report called The Trouble With Triclosan by the Environmental Defence. The report contains everything you need to know about triclosan including its effects, how to avoid it, and surprising products it can be found in (did you know it may be in your flip flops?). The report also includes the results from 8 adults who were tested to find out if the additive was present in their bodies and what the levels were. It is an interesting read, if you have the time you should take a look.
What is Triclosan?
Triclosan (which can also be listed on labels as "Microban") is an antibacterial ingredient which can be found in cosmetic products, personal care products, and even prescription drugs here in Canada. Triclosan is actually classified as a pesticide...not something you want to be putting on or around your body is it?
There are over 1600 personal and cosmetic products in Canada that contain triclosan. It can be found in products such as hand and face washes, toothpastes, mouthwashes, deodorants, shaving cream and shaving gels. It doesn't stop with body care though, triclosan can be found in your dish drainer, your shower curtain, rubber gloves, and even your cutting boards. Sadly, these lists can go on and on.
Why Is Triclosan Harmful?
For starters, it is a skin irritant. It has also been shown to interfere with hormones and is linked to an increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses and other diseases. It may also have an effect on learning abilities and it is a suspected carcinogen. Triclosan builds up in our bodies over time.
Triclosan is not only harmful to humans, but it is also harmful to the environment. When a product containing triclosan gets washed down the drain, it converts to dioxins and contaminates waterways which in turn makes its way to wildlife drinking water and where fish, amphibians and algae reside. Dioxins are toxic to marine life.
How Can You Avoid Triclosan?
As always, do your homework to learn what ingredients are in the products you want to purchase.
Only buy personal care and cosmetic products that do not list triclosan or microban in the ingredient list
Remember that triclosan can also be found in household items, so read the packaging to make sure it is not included before buying
It seems as if the sun is here to stay (we all hope so anyways!), so now is a great time to remind ourselves about the best ways to stay safe in the sun. Being in the sun feels great, especially after being cooped up all winter, but follow these tips and you will be taking steps to keep yourself healthy.
1. Use A Natural or Organic Sunscreen - When choosing a sunscreen, be sure that you are choosing a natural or organic broad spectrum mineral sun block that does not contain nanoparticles, parabens, vitamin A, oxybenzone, fragrance or any other nasty ingredients. And don't forget your lips! They are extra sensitive to the sun's rays. Also remember that your skin is not only vulnerable in the summer months. The sun may not be as strong during the winter, but it can still be damaging. If you will be in the sun for extended periods during the winter months, be sure to apply a sun block. For children 6-months of age and under, keep them out of direct sunlight and keep them shaded as much as possible. Consult a doctor before deciding to use sunscreen for a child under 6-months old.
2. Wear A Hat - I am a hat kinda girl, whether it is sunny or cloudy, it has become a bit of a habit, both for sun protection and because I just like them! A hat with a brim shades and protects the face, scalp and ears. If you are wearing a baseball style cap, be sure to cover up tops of your ears with sunscreen since they are usually overlooked but can burn very easily. For the kids, the best kind of hat for them is one with a wide brim so everything is protected.
3. Sunglasses - The eyes are especially sensitive to UV rays, so aim to always wear sunglasses when out and about in the sun. When buying, make sure the label says that they provide 100% UV protection.
4. Remember That Dark Skin Is Also Vulnerable - It is a big misconception that those with dark skin do not need to wear sunscreen. It is true that dark skin rarely burns, but it can still happen depending on skin tone. Because dark skin contains more melanin than those with lighter skin, the melanin naturally provides some protection from the sun's rays...BUT, it is important to remember that sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, and that it doesn't only protect it from burning. Long term exposure to UV rays will damage the skin, cause premature wrinkling and even cause skin cancer. Dark skin is not immune to these things.
5. Hang Out In The Shade - Take a break from the rays and heat every now and then and relax in the shade.
6. UV Protective Clothing - This is a good option for those who will be outdoors for long periods of time or for children who just won't sit still to have sunscreen applied and then re-applied. UV protective clothing works by using tight stitching so the rays cannot get through. There are also a few other things that are done to the fabric such as using dyes that will deflect rays. If you are going to invest in UV clothing, be sure to read up on the brand you are buying to be sure that chemical treatments are not used to enhance the UV protection (the chemicals most likely will not be very healthy for you).
7. Keep Peak UV Index Times In Mind - If possible, try to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10am and 2pm. During this time, the UV index is at its strongest with the peak being at 12 noon. Pay attention to your city’s daily UV index reports.
By following some, or hopefully all of the suggestions above, you will be taking big steps towards keeping yourself safe from the sun. A big part of summer fun is being in the sun, and it definitely can still be done, just be more mindful about it. Doing these things will make your future self grateful :)
There are many more ideas on how to stay safe in the sun, these are just a few suggestions. How do you stay safe during the sunny summer months?
BABYBEARSHOP is not new to Nayla Natural Care, nor is it new to Canada, but it is not very well known here so I would like to tell you a little more about this fabulous line so you understand why I love it so much and why I chose to carry it in the store.
BABYBEARSHOP was founded by a mom of 2 who wanted a pure alternative for her baby with allergies, The entire line is 100% USDA certified organic which means that it is all-natural, it contains absolutely no parabens and it is not only safe to use on our bodies, but it is also safe for the environment.
The first thing that caught my eye about this line was the cute vintage images on the bottles, but as I read more about the products, I knew they would be a great fit for my store. At the time when I brought the line in in January 2009, the only products available at the time were the Mama Belly Oil, the All The Better To Kiss You With Lip Balms and the Cheeky Baby Butter. I emailed Diana, the founder, and asked her if she would be adding a body wash to the collection any time soon and she said that she was working on it. Well, it took 5 years of perfecting but it was time well spent because in 2010, the Organic Wishy Wash Baby Wash & Shampoo was finally introduced and it is pretty amazing stuff.
You may have noticed that BABYBEARSHOP products are a little pricier than some of our other product lines, but they are worth every penny you will spend on them. The care and quality that goes into these products speak for themselves and you will certainly feel and see the difference when you use them.
We currently carry the following BABYBEARSHOP products:
Mama Belly Oil - This oil is light and is quickly absorbed by the skin. Mama Belly Oil was designed especially for pregnant woman who may be adverse to strong, artificial fragrance as it has a very light, natural aroma.
All The Better To Kiss You With Lip Balms - Lavender Vanilla, Pepperminty and Chai Mandarin, 3 great flavours that are safe enough to use on both your lips and your children's lips.
Cheeky Baby Butter - An excellent light scented solid form butter great for baby, child or adult (I use it during the winter months, because it is great for dry skin!) Cheeky Baby Butter is effective in soothing eczema, rashes, and other skin conditions
Baby Bird Soap - Handmade bar soap that is made with the gentlest of ingredients, perfect for sensitive skin.
Wishy Wash Baby Wash - The pure and organic oils in the Wishy Wash Baby Wash creates a powerful, yet incredibly gentle and moisturizing cleanser for babies, children, and even adults.
We only manufacture products that we feel good about using on our own skin and our children's skin. When you use a BABYBEARSHOP product you know that we are also using these products and that we care about each and every customer and hope that you will love and enjoy our products as much as we do.
BABYBEARSHOP's products are made in the USA, are 100% cruelty-free, never tested on animals, are made of pure, organic and nourishing plants and plant extracts and are packaged in recyclable containers.
Our products have absolutely no parabens, no phenoxyethanol, lactoperoxidase, no citrus seed extract and no other synthetic preservatives or additives.
They contain no dairy, no nuts, no gluten, no soy, no egg, no oat, no colors, no artificial anything. We only use ingredients that we can put on our own children who have allergies!
We are committed to Organic. Our ingredients are organic and we'd like to keep it that way. We believe in supporting organic sustainable farming methods.
We are committed to our Planet. For every order that is placed, we plant a tree to offset carbon emissions.
BABYBEARSHOP products all carry the USDA Certified Organic Seal, they are part of the Trees for the Future program, they are registered with the Leaping Bunny Program, they are a Green America approved company, and they are part of the Organic Trade Association.
Chocolate Ice Pops
