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Syndication

In today’s last episode of the season we’re going to talk about how to create a routine that works for you! I’m going to share a few of the most important elements that you’ll need to prioritize if you want to achieve your health goals and create a healthier life.

This 6th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping you live a healthier lifestyle as a family. 

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • Laura’s personal daily routine
  • Key elements in healthy daily routines
  • Small steps you can take towards a healthier daily life

This episode is brought to you the Family KickStart Program. This is MOMables’s whole-food program designed for families who want to eliminate processed foods and sugars for 30 days without feeling like they are giving up the recipes families love.

More information about the Family KickStart Program here. 

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

Direct download: S6E5_Building_a_Healthy_Daily_Routine_for_a_Happier_Life_v1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

In this week’s episode we discuss how I started working out after kids and how my routines have changed over the years. We also dive into “finding the time” to workout, how I trained myself to be a morning person and the importance of movement in daily life. Lastly, we’ll talk about making a commitment to yourself to live the healthy lifestyle you deserve. 

This 6th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping you live a healthier lifestyle as a family. 

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • How to start working out after having kids
  • Finding time to be active in the middle of a busy schedule
  • The importance of movement for whole-body health
  • Making a commitment to yourself to reach your goals

This episode is brought to you the Family KickStart Program. This is MOMables’s whole-food program designed for families who want to eliminate processed foods and sugars for 30 days without feeling like they are giving up the recipes families love

More information about the Family KickStart Program here. 

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

Direct download: S6E4_Starting_a_Workout_Routine_When_You_Have_Kids_v1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

Today I'm going to answer some of the questions that have come in from the previous two podcasts where I've been talking about eliminating process foods and sugars from our family's die

This can be accomplished easier by doing some meal planning and meal prepping so you don't feel like you're spending an eternity in the kitchen in order to make healthier meals. 

This 6th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping you live a healthier lifestyle as a family. 

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • The first step to clean eating meal planning
  • What happens when kids ask for foods not on the meal plan
  • Saving time in the kitchen when eating clean
  • Laura’s personal favorite recipes on the Family KickStart Program

This episode is brought to you the Family KickStart Program. This is MOMables’s whole-food program designed for families who want to eliminate processed foods and sugars for 30 days without feeling like they are giving up the recipes families love

More information about the Family KickStart Program here. 

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

Direct download: S6E3_Insider_Secrets__Tips_to_Eating_Clean_v1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

Today’s episode is all about how to eat clean, as a family, without breaking the food budget! We talk about how to buy less processed foods and save money all without sacrificing your favorite family recipes. We’ll also talk about how to plan meals to stretch the food budget and of course, spend less time cooking.

This 6th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping you live a healthier lifestyle as a family. 

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • Whether eating clean is really more expensive and time consuming than eating boxed meals
  • How to strategically meal plan so you don’t waste anything
  • The Family KickStart program and how it makes clean meal planning a breeze 

This episode is brought to you the Family KickStart Program. This is MOMables’s whole-food program designed for families who want to eliminate processed foods and sugars for 30 days without feeling like they are giving up the recipes families love

More information about the Family KickStart Program here. 

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

Direct download: S6E2_How_to_Eat_Clean_on_a_budget_v1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

Today’s episode covers what it means to eliminate processed foods and sugars from your family’s diet. We talk about clean eating, why it’s so hard to get the kids – and sometimes our spouses – on board, and some simple changes you can make that will help you get started. 

This 6th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping you live a healthier lifestyle as a family. 

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • What is clean eating?
  • Simple changes to help you eliminate processed foods
  • Best clean foods to eat with your family 
  • Foods to avoid when eating clean
  • How to get kids interested in cleaner recipes

This episode is brought to you the Family KickStart Program. This is MOMables’s whole-food program designed for families who want to eliminate processed foods and sugars for 30 days without feeling like they are giving up the recipes families love

More information about the Family KickStart Program here. 

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here.

 

Links mentioned in this episode:

 

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

Direct download: S6E1_How_to_Eliminate_Processed_Foods.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

In today’s episode, Laura reads a letter from a reader who is struggling with dinnertime battles. She talks through the letter line by line to analyze what went wrong and what choices parent can make to help eliminate dinner time fights and have a more peaceful family mealtime. After listening to this podcast you can change how things go at your house and immediately transform your mealtimes one day at a time.

This 5th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping our picky eaters try new foods and establishing happier mealtimes.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • What to do when kids are yelling at the table
  • How to handle it when kids refuse to take a bite of something
  • The BEST resource for overcoming picky eating

This episode is brought to you by Happier Plates, my digital course for parents who want to teach their kids healthy eating habits for life.

Download a free copy of our Mealtime Handbook, the Ultimate Guide to Feeding Happy Kids here.

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here. 

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here!

This is the last episode of the season and I want to make sure you don’t miss a thing! Here are a few important links:

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

Direct download: S5E6_PODCAST_How_to_Stop_Fighting_at_the_Dinner_Table.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

Today’s episode is all about color! Oftentimes, kids will accept lightly colored foods, while completely avoiding green or other bright colors. If this sounds like your child, listen in as Laura breaks down how to handle colors and encourage kids to eat a rainbow of healthy foods. 

This 5th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping our picky eaters try new foods and establishing happier mealtimes.

 

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • What to do when your child refuses all green foods
  • How to get kids to be more adventurous with color
  • When to keep serving the same rejected foods & when to try something else
  • Tips to encourage kids to eat the rainbow

 

This episode is brought to you by Happier Plates, my digital course for parents who want to teach their kids healthy eating habits for life. 

Download a free copy of our Mealtime Handbook, the Ultimate Guide to Feeding Happy Kids here.

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here!

 

Links mentioned in this episode:

 

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

Direct download: S5E5_How_to_Get_Your_Kid_to_Eat_Green_Food_FINAL.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

Today’s episode is full of practical mom advice to help you pack tasty and healthy lunches that your kids will enjoy. Plus, if you’ve ever struggled with your picky eater coming home with an untouched lunchbox, you’ll hear Laura’s personal story about how she’s handled this with her son in the past, and how she handles it now.  

 

This 5th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping our picky eaters try new foods and establishing happier mealtimes.

 

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • How to pack good lunches when it feels like your kid won’t eat anything.
  • How to create a will-eat list for your child. 
  • What to do when your child comes home from school with a full lunchbox. 
  • Lunch packing tips that will encourage your child to eat… and more!

This episode is brought to you by Happier Plates, my digital course for parents who want to teach their kids healthy eating habits for life. 

Download a free copy of our Mealtime Handbook, the Ultimate Guide to Feeding Happy Kids here.

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

 

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here!

 

Links mentioned in this episode:

 

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

@LauraSFuentes (personal)

@MOMables (all the food!)

Direct download: S5E4_Making_School_Lunches_for_Picky_Eaters.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

In today’s episode we talk about one of the most common challenges picky eaters face when trying new foods – texture! Many kids will refuse foods that “feel funny” in their mouths like meat or starchy vegetables.We also talk through practical solutions you can implement when your child does not want to eat foods with specific textures.

This 5th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping our picky eaters try new foods and establishing happier mealtimes.

Topics discussed this episode:

• When texture issues need to be adressed
• How sensory activities can help a child with texture aversions
• Getting more protein in your child's diet when they refuse to eat meat
• Creative ways to change the texture of problem foods... and so much more!

This episode is brought to you by Happier Plates, my digital course for parents who want to teach their kids healthy eating habits for life.

Download a free copy of our Mealtime Handbook, the Ultimate Guide to Feeding Happy Kids here.

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

 

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here.

 

Links mentioned in this episode:

 

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

@LauraSFuentes (personal)

@MOMables (all the food!)

 

Direct download: S5E3_Texture_issues.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

In today’s episode, we discuss simple strategies that can help change the way you approach mealtimes with your picky eaters. Each one of these strategies have made huge, positive changes at our house and helped my kids become more open to trying new foods. And I know, that these ideas can help your family too.

This 5th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping our picky eaters try new foods and establishing happier mealtimes.

Topics discussed this episode:

• Where to start when you recognize picky eating in your child.
• How snacks can play a huge role in your child’s pickiness at mealtimes.
• The “one bite” rule that can sabotage success.
• Modeling good eating habits.

This episode is brought to you by Happier Plates, my digital course for parents who want to teach their kids healthy eating habits for life.

Download a free copy of our Mealtime Handbook, the Ultimate Guide to Feeding Happy Kids here.

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

 

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here.

 

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

@LauraSFuentes (personal)

@MOMables (all the food!)

 

Direct download: S5E2_How_to_Get_Picky_Eaters_to_Try_New_Foods.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

Today’s episode is full of practical tips I learned from 7 years of weekly meetings with feeding therapists, psychologists, and nutritionists as I tried to learn how to help my son try new foods.

This 5th season of the MOMables Podcast is all about helping our picky eaters try new foods and establishing happier mealtimes.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • How to figure out which foods your child already likes as your starting point.
  • How to re-introduce foods that kids used to love but now seem to hate.
  • Figuring out how your child likes to eat.
  • How to add variety to mealtime when you are working from a short list of ingredients your child will actually eat…and more!

This episode is brought to you by Happier Plates, my digital course for parents who want to teach their kids healthy eating habits for life.

Download a free copy of our Mealtime Handbook, the Ultimate Guide to Feeding Happy Kids here.

And if you’re tired of figuring out what to make for dinner, consider becoming a member of the MOMables Meal Plans. With 5 done-for-you recipes, a meal-prep sheet to save you time, and a done-for-you shopping list; you’ll have everything you need to pull off fresh meals every day of the week! Check out the Classic Meal Plan here.

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. Subscribe in iTunes here.

Now, if you feel like this episode was at all helpful and you want to pass on the love, you’d make my day if you left a review on iTunes. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. So go ahead, scroll down and click on “Write a Review” – Thanks!

 

For more show notes and resources on the blog click here.

 

Links mentioned in this episode:

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Broccoli Pesto

 

Want to chat with me? I’m always on Instagram!

@LauraSFuentes (personal)

@MOMables (all the food!)

Direct download: S5E1_Picky_eating_strategies.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

Are you spending too much on groceries? Do you have no idea about how much you should be spending? In today's podcast, we chat about how to figure out a good budget benchmark for our families (or ourselves.) Then I share a few tips on how to instantly slash your budget!
 
Some things discussed in this episode:
 

S4E4 Healing Your Child from the Inside Out with Robin Green

There's no magic pill when it comes to our children's health.  Luckily, science and tradition have given us a wealth of insight into how our children are wired so that we can help them heal!  Today, our friend Robin Green returns to the show to discuss how we can read our kids in order to help them heal better.

Topics discussed:

  • Why so many kids get sick so often
  • Common health warning signs
  • The Unwellness Gap
  • Chinese Medicine: The Five Elements
  • The Wellness Wheel

Robin Green is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and leading expert in pediatric acupuncture.  She helps parents whose children suffer from chronic illnesses learn to use the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine to help their children heal safely and naturally from ailments like asthma, allergies, and eczema.  Her kids' health blog, kidsloveacupuncture.com, reaches over 1 million readers annually, and her new book, Heal Your Child from the Inside Out, is a terrific resource for parents who want to learn how to help their kids heal.

Direct download: 3-04_20161214_Healing_Your_CHild_from_the_Inside_Out_with_Robin_Green.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

S4E3 Raising Healthy Eaters with Dr. Orlena Kerek

In today's episode, we talk about how to raise healthy eaters. Plus, we'll share some tips about how you can get a picky eater to try new things. 

Dr. Orleana Kerek is a pediatric doctor from the UK. She has four kids ages 7, 5, and two 3 year old twins.

When she  was working as a doctor in the UK (before I had kids of her own) she would see so many kids who ate a poor diet.

While she offered her most “expert” advice, still she realized that implementing the changes in our lifestyle are not as simple as she once thought they’d be, especially after having kids herself.

Orlena would make healthy meals and lots of vegetables and she would see uneaten plates –just like her patients experienced!

This led to her research on how to actually get kids to eat vegetables and has written a book on this very subject and developed a whole course on raising healthy eaters.

On her website, Snotty-Noses.com, she offers expert advice, books, and her course on healthy eating.

Connect with Dr. Orlena Kerek on her website.

Check out her books:

Direct download: 3-03_20161130_-_Raising_Healthy_Eaters_with_Dr._Orlena_Kerek.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

S4E2 Tips for Successful Meal Times with Sarah Bester (part 2)

In today’s podcast we are talking about 5 things we can do before mealtime to set it up to be successful. Happier, drama-free meal times where everyone looks forward to spending time together is what we are aiming for.

Sarah Bester (CNP) is a Family Nutritionist and Picky Eating Coach who helps busy moms to end the cycle of picky eating and take-out dinners, so their families can eat more real, healthy food!

As a certified nutritionist, with an expertise in feeding and healthy habit development, Sarah knows the importance of raising healthy eaters.  As a mom “in the trenches” with two young kids, she also knows first hand how challenging it can be to actually get a meal on the table (and the frustration that follows when kids refuse to eat it!)  Through easy to follow steps, and simple strategies, she provides moms with the tools to quickly and easily feed their families.  Her mission is to prove to parents that their kids can learn to love a wide variety of food (yep, even veggies!) and that mealtime can be fun, not a battle. 

Sarah is inspiring healthy habits and happy, drama-less mealtimes for families everywhere. Download her Quick Guide to Adventurous Eating to discover 5 simple strategies to get your picky eater to accept more variety (includes 5 recipes!).

 

Make sure to visit her website: www.sarahbester.com

Direct download: 3-02_5_Tips_for_Successful_Meal_Times_with_Sarah_Bester_part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:14am CDT

S4E1 Tips for Successful Meal Times with Sarah Bester (part 1)

In today’s podcast we are talking about 5 things we can do before mealtime to set it up to be successful. Happier, drama-free meal times where everyone looks forward to spending time together is what we are aiming for.

Sarah Bester (CNP) is a Family Nutritionist and Picky Eating Coach who helps busy moms to end the cycle of picky eating and take-out dinners, so their families can eat more real, healthy food!

As a certified nutritionist, with an expertise in feeding and healthy habit development, Sarah knows the importance of raising healthy eaters.  As a mom “in the trenches” with two young kids, she also knows first hand how challenging it can be to actually get a meal on the table (and the frustration that follows when kids refuse to eat it!)  Through easy to follow steps, and simple strategies, she provides moms with the tools to quickly and easily feed their families.  Her mission is to prove to parents that their kids can learn to love a wide variety of food (yep, even veggies!) and that mealtime can be fun, not a battle. 

Sarah is inspiring healthy habits and happy, drama-less mealtimes for families everywhere. Download her Quick Guide to Adventurous Eating to discover 5 simple strategies to get your picky eater to accept more variety (includes 5 recipes!).

Make sure to visit her website: www.sarahbester.com

Direct download: 3-01_5_Tips_for_Successful_Meal_Times_with_Sarah_Bester_part_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

S3E12 How to Make Cooking Easy! With Stacie Billis

Cooking for our families can be a lot easier than it seems when you take some of our shortcuts, ditch the mom-guilt, and start thinking “happy thoughts” when the food gets to the table.

Many of us struggle to consistently make fresh food for our families due to busy schedules, grocery store and product overwhelm, and selecting the wrong recipes for our families. 

In today’s podcast, Stacie and I talk about how to simplify cooking for our families with a genuine conversation around what it’s really like and tips to make it happen at your house.

 

Stacie Billis is a food editor, recipe developer and the Author of Make it Easy: 120 Mix-and-Match Recipes to Cook from Scratch. She has a Master’s degree in child development who is absolutely as geeky and hungry as that makes her sound. Stacie is always ready to eat delicious food and loves sharing her healthy eats with her family—most of the time.

 

Some of the things Stacie and I discuss:

  • How she began a food blog and why
  • How she chose the topic for her book: Make it Easy
  • What Mix-and-Match recipes mean
  • Tips for cooking from scratch when you are short on time
  • How to select the right recipes for you cooking skills and family tastes
  • Discuss picky eaters
  • How to stop being a short order cook
  • Tips to get kids to try new foods
  • Her family’s favorite meals and the ones in her regular rotation
  • What she makes when she doesn’t feel like cooking
  • …and much more.

 

Stacie’s Cookbook:

 

Some of the things we discussed on the show:

Direct download: 2-12_Make_It_Easy__Cooking_That_Is_With_Stacie_Billis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:31am CDT

S3E11 Exercise and Staying Motivated

Have you wanted to start a new exercise program but don’t know where to begin? How about staying motivated to actually work out?

In today’s podcast, Kelly and Laura will talk about the importance of putting ourselves (parents) first and some of the ways they stay motivated to make exercise happen.

Let’s face it, we are all busy and usually the gym is the last thing that actually gets done in our to-do list. It’s time to put yourself first and get moving!

New to exercise? No problem. You’ll love Kelly’s tips for finding a workout that is right for you.

 The secret to staying motivated? Well, you’ll have to hear the podcast to find out!

Direct download: 2-11_Exercise_and_Staying_Motivated.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:11am CDT

S3E10 Embracing the Sh*tty Mom in All of Us

Imagine yourself having coffee (or a glass of wine) with a couple of girlfriends discussing the not-so-fun moments of parenting that make you feel like a sh*tty parent.

In today’s humor-filled podcast Laura talks to two TODAY show producers about the need for more humor in the toughest job on the planet: being a parent.

Our guests, Alicia Ybarbo and Mary Ann Zoellner are Emmy Award–winning producers at NBC’s TODAY show. They are the coauthors of Sh*tty Mom: The Parenting Guide for the Rest of Us and Today’s Moms: Essentials for Surviving Baby’s First Year.

Alicia and Mary Ann have a terrific personality and you’ll instantly feel like they are your girlfriends from way back!

We also define the term “sh*tty mom” and what it means to be one. By the way, Laura is totally happy to be part of Alicia and Mary’s sh*tty mom club.

Their First book: Sh*tty Mom: The Parenting Guide for the Rest of Us was a New York Times best seller and this second book: The Sh*tty Mom for All seasons really brings home how fun (and temporary) being a Sh*tty Mom can be.

Some of the things we discussed on the show:

Sh*tty Mom’s Blog & Website and Social Channels:

Final Note: Buy their books. They are a terrific fun read and just the type of book you’ll want to pass around to other girlfriends.

Direct download: 2-10_Cooking_Embracing_the_Sh_tty_Mom_in_All_of_Us.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:09am CDT

S3E9 Cooking Healthy for Disease Prevention with Aviva Goldfarb

In today's episdoe we discuss how to cook healthier meals for the whole family. Plus, Aviva shares how she cooks fresh and real foods to help with disease prevention. 

In today’s Podcast, my friend Aviva Goldfarb is back on the show to talk about her newest cookbook The Six O’Clock Scramble Meal Planner: A Year of Quick, Delicious Meals to Help You Prevent and Manage Diabetes as well as great tips on how to cook fresh meals for the entire family.

I’m excited for today’s podcast because you’ll get to hear how I chat with my friends, about food, life, and cooking real food.

Aviva is a family dinner expert and the founder of The Six O'Clock Scramble. She is a Today Show contributor and frequently appears in media such as The Katie Show, The Washington Post, O Magazine, Real Simple, Working Mother, Prevention and more. 

Aviva is the author of three cookbooks: The Six O'Clock Scramble Cookbook and SOS! The Six O'Clock Scramble to the Rescue: Earth Friendly, Kid-Pleasing Meals for Busy Families, and her newest cookbook: The Six O’Clock Scramble Meal Planner: A Year of Quick, Delicious Meals to Help You Prevent and Manage Diabetes. She is a mother of two and great at all things dinner!

Aviva was a previous guest in our show and shared her insights in our previous podcast:

Time Saving Tips to Make Meal Making Easier

 Some of the things we discussed on the show:

 Aviva’s Newest Cookbook on Cooking for Diabetes and Disease Prevention:

 

Aviva’s Website: The Six O’Clock Scramble

 

Direct download: 2-09_Cooking_Healthy_for_Disease_Prevention_with_Aviva_Goldfarb.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30am CDT

S3E8 How Food Can Heal Our Bodies with Amie Valpone

In today's episode, Amie shares her story of how Clean Eating and Detox saved her life and shares simple tips and swaps to help you live a cleaner lifestyle.

Things discussed in the podcast: 

  • Amie's story from chronic to wellness
  • What detox really meals
  • Easy swaps to detox your pantry
  • Clean eating defined
  • How to live clean at home...and more!

 

Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP is the Editor-in-Chief of www.TheHealthyApple.com; she is a Manhattan Celebrity Chef, Culinary Nutritionist, Professional Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Writer and Motivational Speaker specializing in simple gluten-free, soy-free and dairy-free ‘Clean Eating’ recipes. 

Amie recently healed herself from a decade of chronic pain including Lyme Disease, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, Adrenal Fatigue, Leaky Gut, Heavy Metals and many others. She exhausted dozens of doctors around the country including the best specialists at the Mayo Clinic.

Amie lives in NYC where she cooks for a variety of clients including celebrities and people with busy lifestyles who enjoy healthy, organic, whole foods.

Her work appears on Martha Stewart, ABC News, Fox News Health, WebMD, The Huffington Post, The Food Network, Glamour Magazine, Clean Eating Magazine, SELF Magazine, Prevention Magazine, PBS and many others.

Amie's first cookbook, 'Eating Clean: The 21-Day Plan to Detox, Fight Inflammation & Reset Your Body’ will be in stores nationwide March 8, 2016.

Visit Amie at TheHealthyApple.com

 

Direct download: 2-08_Healing_our_Bodies_with_Food_guest__Amie_Valpone.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

S3E7 Health Journey Success Story & Tips with Liz Della Croce

In today's episode, Liz shares her personal health journey along with helpful tips and ideas that we can all learn from and implement into our own healthy lifestyles. 

Liz Della Croce is the creator and author of The Lemon Bowl, a healthy food blog. Since 2010, Liz has been creating delicious recipes using real ingredients with an emphasis on seasonality.

Liz has appeared live on the TODAY Show and tapes regular cooking segments for her local NBC and ABC affiliate stations.  Liz’s recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including Shape Magazine, Food Network blog, Real Simple, The Cooking Channel, TODAY Food and more.   

Through healthy eating and regular exercise, Liz has successfully achieved a personal weight loss milestone and has a passion for helping others reach similar goals. In 2013, Liz launched Healthy Habits, a feature on The Lemon Bowl where her loyal readers and growing audience can find practical advice, resources and information on creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Liz graduated from Boston University with a degree in Hospitality Administration and a minor in Marketing Management.  

She and her husband reside in Grand Rapids, MI along with their two young boys.

Connect with Liz directly on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook.

Liz’s Suggested Recipes: 

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Slow Cooker Lebanese Green Beans and Beef

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Middle Eastern Salad with Lemon and Mint

Chocolate Orange Protein Smoothie

Direct download: 2-07_Health_Journey_Success_Story__Tips_with_Liz_Della_Croce.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:48am CDT

S3E6 Tips for Feeding Toddlers with Amy Palanjian

In today's episode, we discuss the toddler years when kids start getting more opinionated about what want to eat. We also cover things like what to do when a toddler won’t eat, some good snack options that are not super messy, thoughts of when they don't eat raw veggies, and more.

If you have toddlers or young kids who are giving you a hard time when it comes to eating meals, this is one podcast you are not going to want to miss!

Amy Palanjian of Yummy Toddler Food is a writer, editor, and recipe developer who lives with her 3 year old daughter and husband in a small town near Des Moines, Iowa. She is also expecting her second daughter this spring. 

Amy started Yummy Toddler Food about a year ago as a place to share feeding tips and recipes with other families with toddlers. When her daughter turned 1, Amy felt like the rules for feeding her changed and she had a hard time finding advice and homemade foods that were appropriate for that age group.

Amy also knew that the shift from having a baby at the table to having at toddler was a big one and that many families were dealing with sudden selectiveness, meal time drama, and general feeding frustration. She tries to provide reassurance and real-world tips on her site and related social media channels.

Resources:

Amy’s Website: Yummy Toddler Food

Amy’s Book: Feeding Toddlers 101: 10 Simple Steps to Happier Family Meals

 
Direct download: Tips_for_Feeding_Toddlers_with_Amy_Palanjian.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

S3E5 Feeding Kids a Healthy Diet with Dr. Orlena Kerek

In today's episode, we discuss practical ways to get kids to actually eat their vegetables. Dr. Orlena has done lots of research to find the best ways to help kids be open to trying more veggies and she's sharing lots of practical ideas with us that she's learned through the years as a mom and a doctor.

Dr. Orleana Kerek is a pediatric doctor from the UK. She has four kids ages 7, 5, and two 3 year old twins.

When she was working as a doctor in the UK (before I had kids of her own) she would see so many kids who ate a poor diet. Most of them had constipation.

She used to do the “chip test and ask what their favorite vegetable was and if they answered “chips”; she was pretty sure that they didn’t eat enough vegetables. She used to think “I won’t have a child like that, mine will eat everything and be really healthy.” But as you can all imagine, parenthood changes everything.

Once she had kids she realized that it wasn’t so easy. She’d make healthy meals and lots of vegetables and she would see uneaten plates. 

This led to her research on how to actually get kids to eat vegetables and has written a book on this very subject. I love the title, it’s called “Crunch: put a stop to picky eating and help your kids love veggies!”

She also offers a lot of resources on her personal website, snotty noses.com.

Connect with Dr. Orlena Kerek on her website.

Check out her book: Crunch: Put a Stop to Picky Eating and Help your Kids Love Vegetables

Direct download: 20160127_-_Feeding_Kids_a_Healthy_Diet.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

In today's episode, we discuss feeding specialists and many practical ways to deal with picky eating in children. 

 Have you been told by your pediatrician that “all kids go through picky eating states?” Or perhaps you’ve been waiting for your child to outgrow picky eating because you’ve been reassured that it’s normal and just a phase?

If you’ve had a picky eater or are currently trying to help your picky eater be more adventurous with foods, you are going to love this podcast.

Some of the things we talk about in today’s podcast:

  • What does a feeding specialist do and what makes someone a specialist?
  • How do I know if I need to see a feeding specialist?
  • Why do kids become picky eaters?
  • Won’t they just grow out of it?  (answer is no, and we’ll explain why)
  • How can parents avoid the picky eater trap?
  • Feeding is a developmental skill, like learning to crawl, walk, run.
  • Don’t all kids just learn how to eat naturally?
  • What are some of the key principles of happy “Parenting in the Kitchen?”
  • The one piece of advice to keep our kids on the path to adventurous eating, what would it be?

Our guest, Melanie Potock, MA, CCC-SLP, treats children birth to teens who have difficulty eating.  She is the co-author of Parenting in the Kitchen: How to Raise Happy and Healthy Eaters in Our Chicken Nugget World, the author of Happy Mealtimes with Happy Kids and the producer of the award-winning kids’ CD Dancing in the Kitchen: Songs that Celebrate the Joy of Food!  She is an international speaker and media expert on feeding and has contributed content to Huffington Post, Parents Magazine, Natural Baby,  special needs publications and more. 

 

Melanie’s websites: MyMunchBug.com and ParentingInTheKitchen.com are the go-to resources for parents wanting to raise adventurous eaters, even in our chicken-nugget world.

Her Books:

Direct download: 20151202_-_Happy_Healthy_Eaters.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

With Thanksgiving and the Holiday season approaching, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of planning, cooking, shopping, and entertaining that is about to happen.

In this episode, Laura shares her best tips for meal planning and simple entertaining and how to put your kitchen to work! Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving and the Holidays or heading over to your family’s house to celebrate, you’ll enjoy Laura’s take on keeping things simple and fun.

Laura also shares how she spends the Holiday season with her family in this personal conversation.

Her Thanksgiving Meal Plan can be found here.

Direct download: 2-03_20151117_-_Holiday_2015_Preparedness__Laura_s_Take_on_Food__Life.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

In today’s podcast, Kelly and I share all of our best meal planning tips and how meal planning makes life easier for both of our families. If you've been wanting to get started meal planning, or you're looking for tips to meal plan more effectively, this one is for you!

 

In todays podcast you will learn about

  • The benefits of Meal Planning
  • Top meal planning tips
  • The easiest weeknight meals
  • Top tips for saving time in the kitchen
  • How to include lunch in the meal planning process

Bonus Resources: 

Bio for Kelly Smith, Cookbook Author and Food Blogger

Kelly Smith loves the Lord, her family, and sharing her passion for whole food cooking and meal planning with others. She recently released her first published cookbook, Everyday Grain-Free Baking and is the author of the popular gluten-free lifestyle blog, The Nourishing Home.

After struggling with several autoimmune-related health issues, Kelly turned to an unprocessed, gluten-free diet for relief from chronic pain and digestive issues. As a result, she discovered improved health and wellness, and is now on a mission to transform everyday familiar favorites into nourishing gluten-free meals the whole family will love, whether they’re living gluten-free or not.

Kelly also teaches meal planning and whole food cooking classes at various venues in Southern California, and is a contributing author at The Better Mom and Keeper of the Home websites.

Direct download: 20151104_-_Meal_Planning.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

S3E1 Why Good Quality Sleep is Important with Shawn Clark

Are you trying to go to bed earlier but still wake up tired? How about actually staying asleep in the middle of the night?

The truth is that I have not been sleeping well for nearly a decade. In the last 3 years, however, I've made it an important goal to get better sleep (not necessarily more sleep). I've purchased 3 mattresses in the last 4 years, and until recently, I didn't feel like my sleep quality was improving.

 Today, I have Shawn Clark on the show. Shawn is the Founder-Board Member of intelliBED, is a graduate of UC Irvine with degrees in Economics and Math. He is a published author. He was director of new product development for 2 Fortune 500 companies and has consulted with the largest retail mattress company, Tempurpedic - Sealy, before co-founding intelliBED with his partner Bob Rasmussen.

Shawn and I talk about improving our quality of sleep, what we should look for when shopping for a mattress, how little mattresses differ in the marketplace. We also talk about my bed, intelliBED and explain how they worked with leading doctors and material suppliers to design, test and perfect a new type of mattress for home use that sleeps better, is safe, and lasts longer than any other product on the market today.

For more information on my bed and quest to sleep better, check out these posts.

 

For more information on intelliBED and how it can help you get better sleep, click here.

Direct download: 20151021_-_Sleep.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

Are you concerned your kids won't be the people you'd like them to be when they grow up?  Is there a constant struggle to get them to listen and respect you?  This podcast is filled with great advice on raising respectful kids in today's high tech engaged world.

Raising kids today is not easy.  There are so many distractions that it's hard for parents to really connect with their kids.  That connection with a child and parent is so important, not only while they are young, but also when it comes time for them to take on the world on their own.  We want our kids to realize that you can't get what you want all the time, especially in the real world.

In today's podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Amy McCready.  Amy is the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and the author of If I Have to Tell You One More Time...  and The Me, Me, Me Epidemic!  She is a regular parenting contributor on The Today Show and has also appeared on Rachael Ray, CBS This Morning, CNN, Fox & Friends, MSNBC, Steve Harvey, and elsewhere. Her most important role is playing mom to two teenage boys.

Amy and I discuss some great ways to help our kids have healthy attitudes and be respectful in or outside of the home.  We talk about setting limits for our kids and to make sure that consequences are set in place.  Many parents struggle with telling their kids no, and today Amy talks about how we as parents can take control and raise confident, respectful and responsible kids.  Kids today need parents that empower them to do better and make a difference. Amy has amazing tips to help parents make a positive impact on their kids that will help them for the rest of their lives.

Resources:

Did you enjoy the show? Please leave a review on iTunes! E-mail me at podcast@momables.com to tell me what you thought of this week’s show and to offer suggestions for future episodes.

 

 


Getting kids (and adults) to eat more veggies isn’t always easy. In today’s show, Laura discusses some tips to help you make eating veggies more convenient and appealing!

While getting her kids to eat more veggies hasn’t been an easy task, Laura shares the story of when her daughter tried veggies for the first time, how she continues to introduce them to her picky eaters, and what happens when her kids don’t eat them. 

Direct download: 29_Tips_to_Get_Kids_to_Eat_Veggies_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

Are you spending more time in the kitchen than you should? Are you always thinking that there should be a quicker, more efficient way of prepping your meals? 

In today’s podcast we cover lots of kitchen tips and tricks that will help you save time in the kitchen, utilize leftovers, and feel good about the foods you cook.

Grain Free & Classic Meal Plans

The Best Homemade Kids’ Snacks on the Planet 

The Best Homemade Kids’ Lunches on the Planet

Direct download: 28_Kitchen_Tips_from_a_Real_Life_Cook.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

Katja Rowell is with us today to talk about the difficulties we experience when feeding our kids. From selective eating to extreme picky eaters, this podcast will cover it!

Katja Rowell MD is a family doctor and childhood feeding specialist on a mission to bring peace and joy back to the family table. She believes that helping kids have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies is the best preventive medicine there is.

She is also a mom and the family cook. Her latest book is Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating: A Step-By-Step Guide for Overcoming Selective Eating, Food Aversion, and Feeding Disorders which she coauthored with pediatric feeding therapist, Jennifer McGlothlin.

Katja’s book can be found on Amazon & wherever books are sold.

Her websites: Family Feeding Dynamics

ExtremePickyEatingHelp.com

 

Facebook: The Feeding Doctor

 

 

Direct download: 27_Extreme_Picky_Eaters_with_Katja_Rowell.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am CDT

If you think that eating whole and real foods is something that can be learned overnight, think again. Like anything new, learning how to cook with fresh and real ingredients will take some time.

Fear not! In today’s podcast, we will cover practical ways to eliminate processed foods from our kitchen and pantry as well as easy substitutions to incorporate more fresh foods into our family’s meals.

Whether you “just want to get started” or want to pick up some real food tips to make your cooking more efficient, this is the podcast for you!                                                                                   

Resources:

·         Classic and Grain Free Meal Plans

·         Learn new Recipes! With MOMables TV

·         The Best Homemade Kids’ Lunches on the Planet

·         The Best Homemade Kids’ Snacks on the Planet

Direct download: 26_Ditch_the_Box__The_Journey_to_a_Less_Processed_Kitchen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

In today’s podcast I talk with Judi Willard about simple ways to make school lunches special. We discuss how something as simple as a note can affect our kids in a positive way. 

Judi is a Licensed Psychotherapist and mom of 2.  She started a company with the mission of improving the quality of everyday life through the sharing of positive kind words. 

Based on the age old tradition of placing a heartfelt note in a child's lunch box and the belief that a parent’s loving words are as essential to a child’s health as a nutritious meal, she and a lifelong friend created Lunchbox Love and has made it her mission to bring love to lunch! The response has been overwhelming.

Judi lives in Lido Beach, with her husband and their 2 children in NY on a small barrier island off the coast of Long Island.

You can find the Say Please products here.

To receive a 10% discount enter the code: MOMABLES

Additionally, a portion of all proceeds goes to feeding children in need as well as organizations that help spread kindness.

Direct download: 25_Make_School_Lunches_Special_with_Judi_Willard.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

Feeding your family fresh foods doesn’t have to be expensive. In today’s podcast, you’ll hear lots of real-life tips to keep your shopping simple and on a budget.

Today we discuss:

·      How much should a family spend on food each week?

·         To coupon or not to coupon. That is the money-saving question.

·         Organizing meals to keep weekly plan within a budget.

·         Meat. Is it the most expensive thing on the food budget? Ways to save.

·         Other than meat, what are other affordable forms of protein?

·         Generic of brand name. The quality debate.

·         To buy in bulk or not to buy in bulk. If so, what should you buy in bulk and where?

·         Spending limits. How to set them and practical ways to stay within budget.

·         The stuff that blows the budget. What to avoid.

·         Meal plan first or budget first.

·         Fresh fruit and veggies can sometimes add up. Tips?

 

An all-encompassing post on shopping for real food on a budget can be found here.

 

Budget friendly meal plans for families can be found here.

 

 

The items I purchase on amazon can be found here (under pantry).  

Direct download: 24_Real_Food_on_a_Budget__Spend_Less_Eat_Better..mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

Are you struggling with a child that is a picky eater?  Are you out of ideas to try next?

In today’s podcast Laura and Carolyn discuss how to deal with your picky eaters.  Carolyn talks about why our children become picky eaters, how we as parents can deal with this issue and what she learned personally that helped her turn it all around.  Carolyn offers some valuable advice to parents who are dealing with this problem on a daily basis. 

Carolyn Bond is a parenting coach who is passionate about helping parents bring up great kids.

She helps parents who are desperately seeking solid, proven and effective ways of raising their kids to become respectful, considerate, loving and independent adults.  Her tried and true approach continues to work for everyone who uses it thoughtfully and consistently. 

She’s a graduate from the University of Calgary and the University of Toronto with degrees in Sociology and Social Work. She always dreamed of having perfect children and a perfectly orchestrated life – like the one described as a possibility in many parenting books.

To her shock, her first child cried for 2-4 hour periods for the first 3 months! After her second arrived, she experienced the wonderful world of sibling rivalry, which progressed to constant bickering and fighting as the children grew older.

Around this time, she joined a parenting support group where she learned Adlerian psychology. Immediately, she began see how her parenting problems began to be solved, almost miraculously, one after another.

She immersed herself to study this miracle methodology at the Alfred Adler Institute of Ontario and became a leader of many parenting groups in the Ontario area. Over the last 20 years, she has helped countless families with their child rearing challenges. She’s raised 4 wonderful children and now shares her expertise over at HowtoBringupGreatKids.com

For more information on how Carolyn can help you parent with confidence, check out her website and coaching programs.

Carolyn’s previous MOMables Radio episode: How to Raise Great Kids. If you want to listen to the podcasts, click here for iTunes and here for Stitcher.

Direct download: 23_Parenting_Picky_Eaters_with_Carolyn_Bond.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

If you are struggling to prep lunches ahead of time and wonder how does one “get it all done,” this podcast is for you.

Today Laura will answer questions submitted by MOMables community members that are related to lunch packing.

You’ll also hear lots of helpful tips for packing your kids lunches.   Laura talks about how she manages to prepare lunches, meal plan, and grocery shop with her hectic schedule.  She discusses’ some of her kids’ favorite lunches as well as her favorite go-to office lunches. 

Laura’s containers can be found here.

 Her Classic and Grain Free meal plans can be found here

Co-hosted with Kelly Favret. 

Direct download: 22_Lunch_Packing_101_QA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

If you’ve been wondering about the health benefits of essential oils this podcast is for you!

I have friends who use them regularly to relieve all sorts of pains and aches and for the overall well being of their families.

Just recently, I took my middle son (the one with a gluten sensitivity) to a natural medicine physician and he was prescribed an herbal supplement and essential oil 8 week protocol.

I’m excited to discuss essential oils further today because quite frankly, I don’t know that much about them and I realize this is something I need to learn more about to help my son.

Today our guest is, Stefanie Bridges.  She has been in the health and fitness industry for over 23 years and has a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and Athletic Training.

Stefanie is a personal trainer and holds 3 different certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, and Dot FIT.

As a personal trainer her sessions combine nutrition strategy with physical fitness training. Stefanie’s goal is to not only motivate her clients but also to educate them in all aspects of health and wellness. She uses doTERRA’s essential oils to compliment her trainings.

Stefanie lives in Wesley Chapel with her husband and two children. She enjoys training for her annual half marathon, travels with her family, and loves outdoor activities. Her personal training sessions and educational classes are a reflection of her enthusiasm for life!

Stefanie is also a MOMables community member and I’m delighted to have her here today to teach us more about Aroma therapy.

In the show notes, you’ll find helpful links.

Helpful links of items discussed:

·       Apple Fritter Muffins

·       MOMables Meal Plan

 

doTERRA Oils:

·       Baking soda + 2 drops Oregano Oil - Form a paste and clean grout.

·       Family Physician Kit

·       Purify Blend – add a couple of drops to the wash

·       Lavender Oil – calming effects, as “first aid” on bee stings, bug bites, scrapes and burns, relief of anxiety and stress.

·       Lemon Oil – mood lifter, degreaser, cold sore relief, neutralize odors, cooking, cleaner, furniture polish.

·       Pepper Oil – digestive issues (gas, colic, heartburn, indigestion), allergies, open sinuses and airways, cool down body temperature (fevers), motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, mouthwash.

·       Melaleuca Oil – cuts, rashes, sunburns, skin conditions, acne, athlete’s foot, bronchitis, scalp issues, dandruff, earaches.

·       Frankincense Oil – focus energy, minimize distractions, and improve concentration.

·       Breathe Blend – respitatory support, combact airborne bacteria and viruses, stop snoring, asthma symptoms. High altitude airplane pressure and nasty germs in recirculated air.

·       OnGuard Blend – Natural immune defense, helps kill bacteria, mold, and viruses. For daily use.

·       Introductory Kit: Lavender + Lemon + Peppermint Oils

For more information about the oils you can e-mail Stefanie here summerstefanie@gmail.com.

Stephanie will extend a 10% MOMables Member discount to your aroma therapy order.

Also, here is her doTERRA and Facebook page.

Direct download: 21_Essential_Oils_101_with_Stefanie_Bridges.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:06pm CDT

Have you wondered why most kids who get ear infections get more than just one?  Why do doctors prescribe antibiotics for most ear infections?  In today’s podcast you will learn the dangers in repeated doses of antibiotics and some natural remedies you might not know about.

Today, I’ve brought back Wendi Combs. Wendi and I recorded a podcast on constipation and congestion in kids a couple of months back. The podcast was so successful; I reached out to her again!

 Wendi is a Nurse and health practitioner at Jubilee Health, a private practice in the Atlanta area.

 She is a mom of two girls, a pediatric nurse for over 20 years, and a passionate advocate to help kids thrive. She helps parents in the journey of wellness for their children. From runny noses to Autism, she loves helping parents find a more holistic approach to caring for their family.

 Her journey began when her daughters, Ansley and Lucy, experienced health issues at an early age. Through that, she discovered the beauty and effectiveness of natural remedies, and she became very passionate about guiding others who want to be a part of treating issues in children with a more holistic approach.

If you’ve always wondered how many of us cure our children with food and other natural remedies, in today’s podcast you’ll learn a few tips on how to take the first few steps yourself.

Make sure you check the podcast notes below since this is one information­­ packed episode.

For more information about Wendi’s practice or to book an appointment online with her, visit Jubilee Health.org

Wendi’s Newest Book: The Childhood Ear Infection Epidemic: Up to date treatment strategies to help your child now

Click Here for education videos.

Parent’s guide to Natural Remedies  - a three-part class with a remedy guide to help you on your journey of learning how to use natural remedies for common ailments in children.

If you don’t know where to start then this Basic Remedy Kit will be useful.

Items discussed on the show:

·         Klaire Infant - probiotics helpful for infants to toddlers.

·         Klaire Kids - probiotics for ages two and up

·         Pure

·         Flora Boost – natural way to restore GI flora damaged by antibiotic use

·         Corganic - gut pro and infant pro 

·        Colostrum – need to be grass fed and from New Zealand.  Also you can fine a chewable one here from Deep Blue

Direct download: 20_Ear_Infections_With_Wendi_Combes_RN.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

In today's episode Kristy will help us understand doable ways we can all reduce sodium in our diets.She leads the Sodium Reduction in Communities Program, working with communities across the U.S. to increase access to and availability of healthier food, including lower-sodium item and I am so excited to have her on the podcast today. 

Kristy Mugavero, RN, MSN, MPH is a ‎Public Health Analyst in the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Previously, Kristy worked in the Policy Office of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, where she focused on cardiovascular health, adolescent and school health, obesity and physical activity. Prior to joining CDC, Kristy served as a registered nurse in a post-cardiovascular surgical unit. She received a master’s degree in nursing and public health in 2006 and is the proud mother of a one-year-old daughter.

Direct download: 19_MOMables_-_Sodium.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:55am CDT

Have you ever wished there was a user manual for parenting? As a mom of three, I have often wondered how I can be a better parent to my kids. I am often tired from working more than what is considered full time, exhausted from the pressure of online social media content creating, developing recipes and cookbooks… and yet, when I come home from a long day, I want to be the best mom I can be. 

My big desire is to raise children who are confident, have little insecurities about my love for them, and that they become loving and respectful people themselves. 

Of course, that is in the "future," and to get there, I have a long road ahead of me. In today's show, I speak with Sharon Silver about the difficult world of parenting. 

She is an educator, author, speaker, and blogger. She blends her five certifications in parenting with research-based early childhood development, introspective empowering philosophies, and 29 years of teaching practical parenting skills to help parents focus on raising kids, not just correcting behavior.

Sharon is the author of two books, Stop Reacting and Start Responding and Why is Yelling My Go-To Tool? and contributor to Parents Ask, Experts Answer. Silver’s books are unique in the parenting world because they include a child’s point of view, a crucial component for success.

As the founder of Proactive Parenting, based in San Francisco CA, Sharon has been an online radio and TV host, a weekly blogger for PopSugar, Circle of Moms and Life 360, a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Fox News, and she has been interviewed by Parenting magazine, CNN Health, as well as countless radio, newspapers and blogs.

You can check out Sharon’s books and resources on her Proactive Parenting website. 

 

Get a copy of her book Stop Reacting and Start Responding plus her bonus e-Book, Why is Yelling My Go-To Tool?

Direct download: 18_Becoming_a_Proactive_Parent_with_Sharon_Silver.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:30am CDT

In today's show, Kelly Favret interviews Laura to answer some of the frequently-asked questions from MOMables community members. Together, they cover lunch-packing tips, cooking tips, feeding picky eaters, and more. 

 

Some of the topics covered in this podcast:

  • Struggling with the transition to homemade foods
  • When a two-year-old is hard to feed
  • How to handle food-related celebrations when a child has a food allergy
  • What to do when your child has food allergies or restrictions at school / how to deal with teachers
  • Feeding/swallowing issues at 18 months
  • My Munchbug
  • The Chew Mama
  • How do you know if a child is turning picky?
  • Making nut flour from whole nuts
  • Measuring butter and coconut oil - liquid vs. solid
  • Nutiva Coconut Oil (Amazon)
  • How do you measure "flours?"
  • At which stores does Laura grocery shop?
  • MOMables Amazon Store with Laura's favorite containers & products
  • Is there such a thing as eating too many nuts?
Direct download: 17_Questions_and_Answers__Part_Two.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

In today's show, Kelly Favret interviews Laura to answer some of the frequently-asked questions from MOMables community members. Together, they cover lunch-packing tips, cooking tips, feeding picky eaters, and more. 

 

Some of the topics covered in this podcast:

  • Struggling with the transition to homemade foods
  • When a two-year-old is hard to feed
  • How to handle food-related celebrations when a child has a food allergy
  • What to do when your child has food allergies or restrictions at school / how to deal with teachers
  • Feeding/swallowing issues at 18 months
  • My Munchbug
  • The Chew Mama
  • How do you know if a child is turning picky?
  • Making nut flour from whole nuts
  • Measuring butter and coconut oil - liquid vs. solid
  • Nutiva Coconut Oil (Amazon)
  • How do you measure "flours?"
  • At which stores does Laura grocery shop?
  • MOMables Amazon Store with Laura's favorite containers & products
  • Is there such a thing as eating too many nuts?
Direct download: 16_Questions_and_Answers__Part_One.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00am CDT

Have you been wondering if your child has food allergies, food sensitivities, or intolerances? Perhaps you are confused as to what exactly makes something an allergy versus an intolerance?

In today’s show, I interview Dr. Cynthia Libert, MD. Together, we will walk you through the confusing world of food allergies and intolerances in terms you can understand. We will explain why it is important to figure out if something is bothering your child (or you!) and what you need to know about it.  

Dr. Libert is board certified in family medicine and is a diplomat of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.  She completed her residency training at Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC), affiliated with UNC Chapel Hill at Mission Hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina.  

She received her medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago and did her undergraduate work at Saint Louis University.  Dr. Libert is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Christian Medical & Dental Associations.

Cynthia is passionate about helping patients achieve optimal health. She practices a holistic approach to health and wellness utilizing the best of modern medicine and evidence based complementary therapies. 

She has a special interest in natural approaches to healing and disease prevention through nutrition, physical fitness, stress-management, and mind-body modalities. She enjoys running, cooking, and spending time in nature. She resides in Blairsville, Georgia with her husband and three daughters.

Dr. Libert practices at the Life Wellness Center for Integrative Medicine in Blairsville, Georgia, where she serves patients both in the north Georgia and southwestern North Carolina mountain region. 

For more information or to contact Dr. Cynthia Libert, MD, visit www.DrLibert.org.


Have you ever wanted to cut down on over-the-counter cough and cold medicines when your child is sick? How about using natural methods that work to help your kids' symptoms naturally?

In today's podcast, you will learn about the different types of coughs, from chronic to common colds, and what you can do to help your kids heal naturally. We discuss treatments, how to lessen the symptoms and everything else in between. 

Our guest, Robin Green, also introduces pediatric acupuncture as one of the options to treat chronic cough. She debunks the common myths and eliminates the common fear of treating kids with "needles."

Robin Green is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and leading expert in the field of pediatric acupuncture. Robin helps parents whose children suffer from chronic illness learn to use the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine to help their children heal safely and naturally from asthma, allergies, and eczema. 

Her popular kids health blog, KidsLoveAcupuncture.com, reaches over one million readers annually. She is an up-and-coming HayHouse author and her first book, Heal Your Child from the Inside Out, will be out in 2016. 

Robin also founded the Center for Advanced Acupuncture Pediatrics which provides premier pediatric acupuncture training worldwide. 

Her most important job, however, is being a wife and mom to her two boys. 

Great Resources to check out:

7 Ways to Calm a Cough Your Pediatrician Won't Tell You About

Free Massage E-book & Course

 

Products Discussed:

Gaia Kids Warming Chest Rub 

Poached Pears with Honey & Ginger

 

 


Did you know there is more to constipation than “not getting enough fiber” and a lot more to constant sinus congestion than “seasonal allergies?”

If you have heard either of these or similar phrases from medical professionals and wondered what else you can do to help alleviate some of the symptoms or even eradicate them completely, you are going to love today’s podcast. While we focused on gut health primarily, since the gut is the center of most autoimmune and inflammatory responses, once Wendi and I began chatting, we covered a lot more than just the gut!

You probably already know that my two boys suffer from food sensitivities, one from dairy and the other gluten. In both cases, I took matters onto my own hands and made the decision to change their diets, despite their pediatrician assuring me that one had common allergies and the other had chronic constipation, both being “very normal” among kids.

The changes in their health, behavior, and other symptoms have been noteworthy, and when the culprit ingredient sneaks in, I am able to see the effect on my children right away.

Today, I am delighted to bring in Wendi Combs. Wendi is a nurse and health practitioner at Jubilee Health, a private practice in the Atlanta area.

She is a mom of two girls, a pediatric nurse of over 20 years, and a passionate advocate of helping kids thrive. She helps parents in the journey of wellness for their children. From runny noses to Autism, she loves helping parents find a more holistic approach to caring for their family.

Her journey began when her daughters, Ansley and Lucy, experienced health issues at an early age. Through that, she discovered the beauty and effectiveness of natural remedies, and she became very passionate about guiding others who want to be a part of treating issues in children with a more holistic approach.

If you have always wondered how many of us cure our children with food, in today’s podcast you will learn a few tips on how to take the first few steps yourself.

For more information about Wendi’s practice or to book an appointment online with her, visit Jubilee Health.org.

This Book, Cure Your Child with Food: The Hidden Connection Between Nutrition and Childhood Ailments is a must buy. If your child is suffering from chronic autoimmunity, allergies, food intolerances, and other diseases, this book will change your and your child’s life. 

 


In today’s podcast, Carolyn Bond discusses how parents can struggle a little less when it comes to resolving common parenting issues like kids fighting for attention. As a mom to three young kids, I have often wondered how my grandmother handled five kids and managed to do all she did. She clearly implemented many of the ideas Carolyn shares in today’s show. If you have kids, are constantly resolving their bickering, and know they are often throwing tantrums to grab your attention, this is one episode you do not want to miss. 

 

Carolyn Bond is a parenting coach who is passionate about helping parents bring up great kids. 

 

She helps parents who are desperately seeking solid, proven, and effective ways of raising their kids to become respectful, considerate, loving, and independent adults.  Her tried-and-true approach continues to work for everyone who uses it thoughtfully and consistently.  

 

Carolyn is a graduate of the University of Calgary and the University of Toronto with degrees in sociology and social work. She always dreamed of having perfect children and a perfectly orchestrated life, like the one described as a possibility in many parenting books. 

 

To her shock, her first child cried for two- to four-hour periods for the first three months! After her second arrived, she experienced the wonderful world of sibling rivalry, which progressed to constant bickering and fighting as the children grew older. 

 

Around this time, she joined a parenting support group where she learned Adlerian psychology. She immediately began to see her parenting problems solved, almost miraculously, one after another. 

 

She immersed herself in the study of this miracle methodology at the Alfred Adler Institute of Ontario and became a leader of many parenting groups in the Ontario area. Over the last 20 years, she has helped countless families with their child rearing challenges. She has raised four wonderful children and now shares her expertise at HowtoBringupGreatKids.com.

 

 

For more information on how Carolyn can help you parent with confidence, check out her website and coaching programs. 

Direct download: 11_How_to_Bring_up_Great_Kids_with_Carolyn_Bond.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:56pm CDT

In today's podcast, you'll love that Jennifer understands how difficult it can be to introduce new foods to our kids. She also provides us with suggestions on how to make food interesting and fun for them. 

 

A mom of two, Jennifer Tyler Lee is the author of The 52 New Foods Challenge: A Family Cooking Adventure for Each Week of the Year and the creator of the award-winning series of healthy eating games, Crunch a Color. Her family cooking adventures have been featured by Jamie Oliver, Rachael Ray, Laurie David, Pottery Barn Kids, and Whole Foods.

 

She is a featured blogger at The Huffington Post and a regular contributor to the James Beard Award-winning magazine, Edible. Tune into her delicious recipes and weekly tips at 52NewFoods.com.  

Direct download: 10_Boosting_Our_Kids_Food_Variety_the_Fun_Way_with_Jennifer_Tyler_Lee.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

In today's episode, Suzanne explains how to make sure our kids are getting enough nutrition and gives us some very practical suggestions we can apply immediately. Even if you have picky eaters, you'll find fresh ideas to help kids get the nutrition they need each day. 

 

Suzanne is a registered dietitian, nutrition consultant, speaker, and the owner of Cherry Creek Nutrition.

 

She is the nutrition coach for KWGN CW2′s Daybreak and former spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as the Colorado Dietetic Association. She has worked with a variety of media outlets including USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Denver Post, Prevention, Self, and Shape.

 

Suzanne’s passion is to share nutrition knowledge and experience in order to help others make practical, personalized, and doable lifestyle changes.

 

Her philosophy is to combine nutrition science with the art of living a healthy and happy life!

 

Whether through one-on-one counseling, working with families, or nutrition seminars, her goal is to spark enthusiasm about food, nutrition, and living optimally.

 

As a mother of two children, she loves creating and discovering deliciously quick and healthy ways of eating and meal planning. Suzanne truly understands the challenges of not just knowing what to eat for optimal health, but how to do it!

  

Resources discussed on the show:

 

For more information on Suzanne’s four-week program or to book a consultation with her, visit her website, Cherry Creek Nutrition. Find great nutrition tips on her Facebook page or drop her a line on twitter, @SFarrellRD


If you have ever felt overwhelmed with all things parenthood, this podcast is for you. From delegating chores, responsibilities, keeping up with our house, work/life balance (is there such a thing?), mom-guilt, and sex (gasp!), Meagan and I talk about how to keep our emotional tanks full so we can focus on doing what matters.

 

Meagan Francis is a mother of five and a blogger, writer, and expert at being a happier, more productive mom. Her blog, The Happiest Home, and Book, The Happiest Mom: 10 Secrets to Enjoying Motherhoodhelp mothers find satisfaction in family and home life while encouraging them to go after their own dreams too. 

 

Meagan's work has appeared in dozens of magazines and websites like Parenting, Parents, Good Housekeeping, The Huffington Post, and Babble.com. She also appears often in media outlets including the New York Times, Woman's Day, and Fox & Friends. 

 

Referenced articles from Meagan's Blog:

7 Myths About Being a Good School Mom

How to Have Sex After Kids

"Aim Low and Go Slow" Concept

 

Meagan's Podcast: Home Hour

 

If you are ready to focus a little time and energy on yourself, check out Meagan's Beyond Baby Book and Boot Camp.

 


In today's episode, Aviva and I discuss various ways to make mealtimes easier and avoid the dreaded "six o'clock scramble".

 

Aviva is a family dinner expert and the founder of The Six O'Clock Scramble. She is a Today Show contributor and frequently appears in media such as The Katie Show, The Washington Post, O Magazine, Real Simple, Working Mother, Prevention, and more. 

 

Aviva is the author of two cookbooks: The Six O'Clock Scramble Cookbook and SOS! The Six O'Clock Scramble to the Rescue: Earth Friendly, Kid-Pleasing Meals for Busy Families. She is a mother of two and great at all things dinner!

 

If you are tired of worrying about what to make for dinner, you can try 2 FREE weeks of Aviva's dinner planner solution! The Scramble gives thousands of families a ready-made, healthy and seasonal dinner plan for the week that is also customizable! The plan includes side dishes and a grocery list, and it's conveniently sent to your inbox or phone for a few dollars per month. 

 

Some of the tools we discussed on the show:

- Vegetti: Spiral Vegetable Slicer

- Lemon & Lime Squeezers

- Bread Makers 

- A slow cooker/crockpot (you can set a timer)


In episode Dr. Dina Rose, author of It's Not About the Broccoli: Three Habits to Teach Your Kids for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating explains how we can teach our children to love a variety of foods and create rules for happier family meals. We also talk about how to handle the stresses and struggles that come when trying to get kids to try new foods and, how to avoid the tableside negotiations that so often become a part of mealtimes with picky eaters. 

 

Dina Rose, PhD is a sociologist, parent educator, and feeding expert. She writes for her blog, It's Not About Nutritionfor The Huffington Post, and for Psychology Today. Her work has been featured on TV, radio, and in both print and online news resources such as: Fox News Boston, NBC Connecticut News, Martha Stewart Radio, HuffPost Live, Sound Medicine, Health Talk Wisconsin, Good Parenting Radio, Babble, The Globe & Mail, Mamapedia, Parenting Magazine, and Spirituality & Health.

Direct download: 05_MOMables_Radio_-_005.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

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