Baby Food 101

I don't know why but I thought that making my own baby food was going to be way too time-consuming to attempt.  It sounds like something that would take all weekend and result in a disastrous mess in the kitchen, like canning.  That couldn't be farther from the truth.  I was shocked at how easy it was.  I have really enjoyed making my own baby food.  For the record, we do buy premade baby food still.  There are some situations when it is just easier- i.e. when we are out of the house during mealtime.  But with the bulk of our food homemade, it has really decreased costs.  I have only been making baby food for a month or two but I really love it.  Here are some of the tips I have so far:

1. You really don't need any baby food specific appliances.  A food processor is really the only thing you need.

2. When cooking the ingredients for the baby food, be sure not to add oil, salt, sugar, or strong spices.  If you do need a little oil, use it sparingly.

3.  It is a good idea to buy organic produce for your little one.  Also, try to buy in season.  Vegetables and fruit begin to lose vitamins once they are picked.  Frozen vegetables tend to retain more nutritional value if the fresh in-season version is not available.

4.  A great way to make premeasured portions is to use a muffin tin.  I have heard of people freezing the food in icecube trays.  I suppose this would work, but I like the muffin tins better.   I take a cheap fold-over sandwich bag or saran wrap and place it in the muffin cup then spoon the food into it.  Then I wrap the plastic over the top of the food and put it in the freezer.  Once frozen, I take the wrapped portions and place in a quart-sized freezer bag labeled with the flavor and date. 

5. Don't be afraid to use short cuts.  My favorite short cut is to use premade applesauce.  Apples take awhile to cook and there is not a great selection of organic apples in my area.  If you use premade applesauce make sure it is all natural, organic, and no added sugar.  I have also used canned organic pumpkin and frozen organic vegetables.

6.  My favorite components are:

• Avocado:  It really adds a creamy, silky texture and it is packed with really healthy fat that baby's need.  My favorite combo is Chicken-Apple-Avocado and I have also mixed it with cantaloupe.
• Sweet Potato:  Babies love sweet potato and it is especially yummy when baked.  Just pop it in the oven for about 40 mins while you are cooking dinner.  It doesn't get any easier.
• Butternut Squash:  This is another baby favorite and it is really easy to cook.  Just cut it in half and roast cut side down in the oven for 30-40 mins.  You can make it for dinner than reserve some for baby food.

Baby Steps

We have all heard the saying "You have to learn to crawl before you can walk."  This phrase has very special meaning to me right now as I watch my little boy experiment with all kinds of creative modes of forward motion including his speed crawl, bear crawl, pushing around laundry baskets, and circling the entire perimeter of a room clinging to furniture and walls so he doesn't have to get on his knees.  He is so close to figuring out this walking thing.  He didn't get to this point over night though.  He has been working towards walking since he was in utero.  I know that not all babies crawl before they walk, but they all have to learn a lot of things first.  In the past 7 months I have gotten so excited over all of my son's mini milestones.  He first learned to hold his head up without support, then he was able to swat at a toy with his arm, he learned to kick his legs, he rolled over, he learned to hold his chest off the ground when on his tummy, he sat without support, then he started leaning forward from sitting to get onto all fours.  It's not that impressive that he can hold his head up now, but it was a big deal when he was a newborn. 
At the risk of sounding like a cheesy motivational speaker, I want to apply this to life in a broader way.  Do some goals seem like too much for you right now?  I felt this way when I started my weight loss journey.  At the time it seemed too overwhelming to make so many changes.  The truth is you don't have to switch from a diet of McDonald's to a raw food vegetarian overnight.  I hate diet plans that rigidly expect you to completely transform your diet and lifestyle with the flip of a switch.  It's just not realistic.  Instead of an All-or-Nothing mindset, why don't you focus on making just one extra good decision a day.  Get just a burger instead of a value meal.  I know what you're thinking.  This crazy lady is saying you can lose weight eating fast food burgers for lunch.  No, that's not what I'm saying... I'm saying baby steps.  If you can't give up the whole value meal, stop eating the french fries.  You will realize you didn't need them anyways.  Then you may find you would rather get a salad.  You can apply it to exercise too.  You don't have to go from a couch potato to a marathon runner overnight.  Just get up a do a few loads of laundry.  Turn the TV off and turn on some music.  These are incredibly easy baby steps.  You will be surprised how these little first steps will make you want more.  You don't have to be just starting out to use this baby step philosophy either.  No matter where you are in your journey you can always do one more little thing, so try it out.

Here are my little tips to starting out:

1.  Don't be so hard on yourself.  A negative attitude will get you nowhere.  Tell yourself that you can do it.  It may seem silly but it makes a really  big difference.  Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend.  If your friend is having a tough time, you wouldn't say "It's not worth trying, you're just going to fail."  (If you would you probably don't have many friends.) 

2.  Set a small goal.  You may want to lose 80 pounds or run a half marathon but that is going to take a while.  Why don't you pick a small goal like losing 10 pounds or jogging 4 miles 3 days a week.  These smaller goals will feel good to achieve and fuel your confidence for reaching bigger goals.

3.  Don't let slips and hang-ups discourage you.   You are not going to be perfect.  My son falls over ten-thousand times per day but he gets right back up and tries again.  If you do slip up, don't let it ruin the rest of your day.  So you had a brownie for breakfast, it wasn't a great choice but that doesn't mean that you should give up and order a family-sized pizza for dinner. Take it one step and one choice at a time.

4.  Start now.  It is so easy to put it off.  "I will start after my vacation", after my birthday, after Thanksgiving, after Christmas, after New Year's, after....  How about right now.  You aren't doing yourself any favors by coming up with excuses, just take that first step now.


And in closing, I leave you with this recipe I swiped from someone else's blog, who apparently stole it from skirt.com:

Watermelon Water:

3 cups cubed chilled watermelon
1 cup coconut water
squeeze of fresh lime
Ice if needed
Sprig of mint
Put all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth.
Makes two servings.
90 calories per serving.
http://skirt.com/dollybelle/blog/3-skinny-summer-blender-drinks-try

Note: I made this today and it was quite delicious.  Of course I love watermelon, and I think coconut water is magical stuff.  I did not have mint but it was still tasty.  It didn't look like this picture though.  It was a much deeper red color (I found a lovely deep red, super sweet watermelon) and it had a lot of watermelon pulp in it.  If you don't like pulp you may want to strain this.  I happen to like watermelon pulp though.  I also spiked a glass of this with some dark rum so if there are typos in this post you will know why. ;-)

Cloth Diaper 101

Before I started using cloth diapers, I had no idea there were so many styles, fabrics, and gadgets.  I've been using them for over 4 months and I am still learning.  One of my frustrations was how overwhelming and confusing it was in the beginning.  I would read posts in cloth diaper chat groups and have no clue what they were talking about.  To top it off, they are notorious for using abbreviations and acronyms for EVERYTHING.  It is pretty intimidating at first, and I don't think it should be like that.  Hopefully I can make it a little less confusing for a newcomer.


 Styles:

1. Prefold with Diaper Cover:

This is an old school method.  You use the traditional rectangular cloth that most people use as a  burp cloth now... they are called prefolds.  One nice advancement is the Snappi.  This is a fastener gizmo that allows you to hold the prefold on without safety pins.  This is not waterproof so you need to put a cover on over it.  They make covers that pull up or snap on the sides.  The only advantage I see to this method is cost.  It is very, very cheap.  I am not hardcore enough to want to deal with these all day though.  (Side note:  Some people use prefolds as inserts or for extra absorbancy... I will explain later)

2. Fitted Diaper with Cover:

Prefolds are a pain to fold onto a squirmy baby.  Fitted diapers solve this problem.  They are shaped to fit your baby well and they snap closed.  However, they are not waterproof so you still need a cover.

3. Pocket Diaper:

This is a waterproof diaper cover with a soft, thin layer of fabric on the inside... the two layers form a pocket that can be accessed through an opening at one end.  You place an "insert" into the pocket for absorbancy.  An insert is several layers of absorbant fabric sewn together.  Pocket diapers are very common.  They are nice because you can adjust the absorbancy by using different amounts/types of inserts and they are user friendly.

4. All-in-One:

This is like a pocket diaper only the inserts are sewn in.  They are often sewn in on just one side to allow for easier cleaning and drying.  This is the ultimate convenience diaper.  They can be pricey but they are great for a cloth newcomer or someone that needs to convince a daycare or grandparent to use them.  One disadvantage is you can't remove the inserts so you end up with a rather bulky diaper even if you don't need it.

5. Hybrid:

This is a waterproof diaper cover that holds an insert without needing to stuff it in a pocket.  These are becoming popular because you can reuse the cover without washing it (as long as it doesn't get dirty).  This is especially nice when you are on the go because you only need to pack inserts (and an extra cover just in case) in your diaper bag.  You can use disposable inserts.  I've tried them and I don't really understand what the point is, but some people really like them.  (Side note: I would still recommend washing the covers every day or two.  I use these and I usually throw the cover in the diaper pail after 3-4 changes.)


Fabrics:

1. Microfiber (MF):

These inserts consist of several layers of polyester microfiber terry cloth.  They are generally the cheapest.  They are much more absorbant than regular cotton but will release liquid when squished.  They dry fast but have a reputation for holding on to stinky smells after awhile. 

2. Bamboo:

These inserts cost more than microfiber but they are slimmer and more absorbant.  One thing to keep in mind is the more absorbant the fabric, the longer the drying time.  It is also advertised as having antimicrobial properties.  I haven't researched this deep enough to elaborate on that.

3. Hemp: 

These inserts are supposedly the most absorbant.  They are also the most costly.  I have never used them, but I have heard they take a very long time to dry and can become stiff as they get older.  I have also heard that they take extensive prepping. 
(Side note: "Prepping" is a procedure of preparing any brand-new insert for use, usually by washing multiple times and/or boiling.  It is a pain, but you only have to do it once.  It removes oils and residues from the fabric to make it more absorbant.)

4. Polyurethane Laminate (PUL):

Fabric that has a waterproof laminate backing.  It is soft and flexible and can withstand high temperatures in a dryer.  This is what most diaper covers are made of.



Other Features to Consider:

1. Snaps vs. Velcro (Aplix):

Snap closures are more durable and hold better.  Velcro is much quicker and easier to fasten but it wears out, especially if you dry in the dryer on high heat.  In my experience, the velcro made the fabric of the diaper lay awkward and it sometimes rubbed on my little guy's tummy.

2. One Size (OS) Diapers: 

These are diapers that can be adjusted in the rise (how high they come up on your baby), allowing them to fit a weight range of about 8-35lbs (depending on the brand).  This is acheived by a series of snaps in the front that allow you to fold the fabric, making it shorter.  This allows you to use one set of diapers for a long time.  However, most newborns will be a little too small for a OS.

3. Liners:
 
These are thin sheets that can be placed in a cloth diaper to catch poop.  It makes clean up easier and protects your diaper from some staining.  There are disposable and reusable varieties.  The downside to using these is you never know when your child is going to poop so you need to put them in every diaper even though most diaper changes are only pee.  I used them for a while but I felt they were too much of a hassle.

Healthy Swaps

I will tell you right now that I love food too much to eat plain brown rice and carrot sticks in the name of health.  If it doesn't taste good I'm not going to eat it.  The honest truth is you don't need to sacrifice flavor to still eat healthy.  You can have your cake and eat it too, so to speak.  It just takes a little creativity and experimentation to plan an menu that is figure-friendly without feeling deprived.  Here are a few of my favorite swaps.

Breakfast:

If you want: Pancakes with Syrup
Try: Whole Wheat Ricotta Pancakes topped with Berries
I will attach the recipe at the bottom of this post.  These pancakes are so delicious that I prefer them to regular pancakes.  They are very easy to make, very filling, and they are low in fat and high in fiber and protein.  If you can get fresh berries you can sprinkle them on top or heat them in a saucepan or microwave with a little honey or sugar (it doesn't take much) or you can use frozen berries.  I keep a bunch in the freezer all the time.  I like to warm some raspberries, strawberries, and dark cherries in the microwave then pulse quickly in the blender (not too much).  The dark cherries are so sweet that you don't need sugar.

If you want: Ham & Cheese Omelet
Try: Spinach, Roasted Pepper, and  Asiago Egg-White Omelet
It is really easy to make an omelet in the morning.  You can put any veggies that happen to be in the fridge into it.  I have used zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, bell pepper, onion, tomato, you name it.  But, my favorite in spinach and roasted red pepper with just a sprinkle of asiago or parmesan cheese.  I also keep a little carton of egg whites in the fridge (cage-free organic), but you can separate them yourself.  The key to making good egg-whites is to season and not over cook.  I mix them with a little skim milk or water (just a splash) and pour into a skillet then immediately season with a little sea salt and fresh pepper.  I hated egg-white for a long time but that is because it was the overcooked to the consistency of rubber.  They don't have to taste like that.

Lunch:
If you want: Sub Sandwich
Try: Deli Wrap on Lavash Bread
Lavash bread is similar to a thin flatbread or flour tortilla.  I use Joseph's Flax, Oat Bran, & Whole Wheat Lavash Bread.  I know what you're thinking- that sounds like too many healthy things for it to taste good, but it is actually very tasty.  It is low calorie and has a good amount of protein, fiber, and omega-3.  I like to spread either hummus or neufchatel cheese (low-fat cream cheese) on it then layer shaved deli turkey, a couple slices of ultra thin sliced provolone (Sargento makes one that is only 40 calories per slice), and fresh baby spinach.  Just roll it all up and eat.  One sheet of lavash bread is 2 serving sizes and is quite large so you could use half. But a whole sheet is only 100 calories, that is less than one slice of whole grain bread. 

If you want: Cobb Salad
Try: Chicken Balsamic Salad with Strawberries
A lot of people think all salads are healthy but a loaded cobb salad can have more calories than a cheeseburger.  A better dressing choice is a low-fat vinaigrette.  I make my balsamic vinaigrette from scratch because it is easy, it tastes better and I know what is in it.  All you need to do is beat some balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a little dijon mustard (this holds it together) with a little honey to sweeten it.  If you like creamy dressing, you can replace the olive oil with a low fat mayonnaise.  I like the olive oil mayo.  Grilled chicken is a great addition, as is fresh strawberries (or other berries), avocado, cucumber, tomato, bell peppers, and if you like crunch consider adding unsalted pumpkin seeds instead of croutons.

Dinner:

If you want: Enchiladas with Refried Beans
Try: Fajitas with Black Bean Puree
Fajitas are a good choice because you can throw more veggies in.  The other good thing is the tortillas are smaller so you can control the carbs easier.  Be careful ordering this at a restaurant though.  It is probably full of butter. Instead of refried beans, try making a black bean puree.  I drain a can of black beans and puree in a food processor with some lime juice, cumin, and smoked paprika.  It is healthier and tastes way better.

If you want: Bacon Cheeseburger
Try:  Green Chile Burger on Multigrain Ciabatta
I personally think ground turkey is overrated.  It doesn't taste very good to me and unless it is breast meat only (often it is not) it has much more fat than 95% lean ground beef (3oz of 95% lean ground beef has 4.2g fat and 114 calories, 3oz of ground turkey has 11g fat and 200 calories).  The moral of the story is use extra lean ground beef.  It still tastes good and your burger won't shrink to half its size like it does with that 80% lean garbage.  To add a little heat, mix 1 small can of green chiles into 1 lb of beef.  If the mixture is too wet, add a little panko.  I also add about 1/4c of reduced fat shredded cheese (cheddar or mexican blend).  Using shredded cheese is a great trick to enjoying cheese without blowing your calorie budget because a little goes a long way.  Instead of a traditional bun try a multigrain ciabatta roll.  They make low calorie hamburger buns but I think they taste like sawdust.  The ciabatta is around the same calories but has more fiber and less fat (on average) and it is very tasty.  Try fresh baby spinach in place of lettuce too.  I love it.

I hope these tips will help you inject a little more "healthy" into your day. And now I will leave you with my pancake recipe:

Whole Wheat Ricotta Pancake Recipe
(modified from the Weight Watchers Tastier than Takeout Cookbook)

2/3c whole wheat flour
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1c fat free ricotta
1 egg
1 egg white
3/4c skim milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract

Whisk together wet ingredient, add dry ingredients, and stir until blended.  I think we all know how to cook pancakes so I won't go any further with directions.  It makes 8 pancakes using 1/4c of batter for each.  FYI: It takes just a little longer than a traditional pancake to cook through.

Baby "Must Haves" and "Don't Needs"

In a recent documentary I watched about Target, they called pregnant women a goldmine.  This is absolutely true.  Crazy pregnancy hormones can turn the most reasonable woman into a crazed hoarder.  They call it "nesting" probably because "hoarding" sounds insane (but it is insane).  I was no exception.  You would think I was preparing for the apocalypse.  I bought 4 cases of newborn diapers.  Why?  I don't have any idea what I was thinking.  I only managed to use one case before my son was busting out of the seams.  (I switched to cloth shortly after this too). The other problem with buying when you are still pregnant is you have no freaking clue what you really need. You just have to guess.  Every parent and every baby are different, so just because these things worked for me, doesn't mean they would work for someone else.  That being said, here is a list of things that I could not live with out and things I wish I hadn't wasted money on:

Must-Have #1:  Wrap-style Baby Carrier

The most popular brand is the Moby Wrap. I have a Sleepy Wrap- same thing.  It is basically a very, very long piece of stretchy fabric.  I bought mine at a consignment shop for $20 after buying many other types of carriers and disliking them.  These look really intimidating because you have to criss-cross the fabric around you in a certain way, but I promise after a little practice it is really easy.  I love it because it is so versatile.  You can use this on a brand new baby, a toddler, and any stage in between.  You can use a variety of different holds with it too and there are tons of Youtube videos showing you how to do it.  It is also really comfortable for me and my baby and it holds him snug enough that I can feel confident using my arms for something else.  The only drawback is the fabric is almost like thin sweatshirt material so it can get toasty during the Texas summer.

Don't Need #2:  Traditional Baby Carrier
I spent a lot of money on a Lillebaby carrier (similar to a Baby Bjorn).  I just did not like it.  Westin was uncomfortable, I was uncomfortable, and he never felt like he was secure in there.  Some people love these, I wish I hadn't wasted my money on it.

Must-Have #2: In-Step Jogging Stroller

I L-O-V-E this stroller.  It is easy to fold/ unfold, it can handle pretty rugged terrain, the swivel wheel makes it very easy to manuever, and it is very affordable.  The BOB strollers are probably the most popular jogging stroller and they are great but very pricey.  This is about $150 brand new compared to the BOB's that run about $350-$400.  Westin is happy and comfortable in it too.

Don't Need #2: Fixed-Wheel Jogger
I tried to save money by buying a used jogging stroller at a consignment sale.  I didn't really notice that the front wheel was fixed (doesn't swivel).  This drove me absolutely crazy... not only was it very difficult to steer, it veered off to the left no matter what I did to adjust it.  Apparently the fixed wheel is better when you run with it, but I jog/walk and the swivel wheel is much more convenient.  I think a stroller is used so much that you want to spend the money to get a good one.

Must Have #3:  Sound Machine

I have a Homedics Sound Spa and love it.  This was actually a baby shower gift and I kind of forgot about it by the time Westin was born.  It wasn't until I was at my wit's end trying to get him to sleep through the night that a friend recommended a sound machine that you could play continuously.  Then it dawned on me that I already had one.  It plugs into the wall so you can play it all night without worrying about batteries.  You can also set a timer.   It has a light projector that has different images, but I don't use it... It seems to just keep my son awake.  The ocean and rain sounds are my favorite.  It also has heart tones, which I imagine newborns would like.

Don't Need #3:  Sooth & Glow Seahorse (by Fisher Price)
This is a little stuffed animal that glows and plays "soothing" sounds.  It is supposed to help babies sleep but the music is too loud and it starts and stops every few seconds which is really distracting to a sleepy baby. 

There are a million other things I could write about, but I will save it for another day.  I hope some "nesting" pregnant woman finds this helpful.

Vegetables don't have to be boring

I've never disliked vegetables, I've just always thought they were kind of boring.  Probably because the vegetables on my dinner table growing up were often poured out of a bag from the freezer and boiled in flavorless water.  Salad was usually iceberg lettuce salad mix with some limp grated carrots and shreds of red cabbage.  You know what I'm talking about.  This is what most people eat.  We have it in our heads that it's too much work to prepare vegetables/salad from scratch.  This is a big lie.  Not only do these "convenient" veggies have little to no taste, they also have little nutritional value.  There is a whole world of incredibly flavorful, nutritious vegetables out there that we are too afraid to try because of our preconceived notions of what vegetables are. 
Here are my tips to making vegetables more interesting and healthy:

1.  Color = Vitamins & Flavor:
Pick out veggies with vibrant colors.  When compared to iceberg lettuce , romaine lettuce (it's deep green cousin) has more calcium, fiber, potassium, vitamin C (almost 8X), folate (4X), Vitamin K (3.5X), and beta carotene (10X) per serving.   Romaine lettuce is also rich in Omega-3's, one head contains 44% of your RDA.  Kale and spinach are even better choices.  Red bell peppers are better than green.  Not only do they taste better, but they have 9x the Vitamin A, over twice the Vitamin C, and 2.5x the beta carotene. Sweet potatoes are a better choice than white potatoes.  They do not have less calories, but they have triple the Vitamin C of a white potato, more fiber, and over 300% the RDA of Vitamin A.

2.  Don't boil them
Not only does boiling vegetables make them mushy and tasteless, it also depletes them of their nutrients.  Boiling allows water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and folate (a B vitamin) to leach out into the water.  It also greatly reduces the quantity of important antioxidants such as flavonoids and glucosinolates.  Steaming is a good alternative to boiling, but it doesn't help the flavor much.  I will steam carrots and brussel sprouts for about 5 mins before adding to the sautee pan to shorten my cooking time.  Zucchini, mushrooms, and asparagus are great on the grill.  I prefer to roast squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower.  I also like to saute brussel sprouts, broccolette and greens like kale and swiss chard.

3. Try something new
If things are getting boring, switch it up.  I like to look for things I have never tried before.  You just might find something new.  That is how I discovered broccolette.  You may find that you don't like it, and that is ok.  You will never know until you try.  You should also try something new with a vegetable you already eat.  For example, if you usually steam brocolli/cauliflower, try roasting it.  It brings out a whole new flavor.

4. Buy fresh, local organic, and in-season when possible
The longer it takes to get from the vine to your plate, the more nutrients will be lost.  Fruits and vegetables that travel long distances don't taste as well either because they are harvested long before they are ripe.  If you by local and organic produce, you have a much better chance at finding vipe-ripened, fresh fruits and veggies that taste much better and have more nutritional value.  You will also be helping out farmers in your community.

I hope these tips help inject a little life into your veggie recipes.  I will leave you with two simple standby recipes that I use that can be modified in many ways:

Grilled Lemon Herb Asparagus
1 bunch of asparagus (trimmed)
1 TBSP fresh thyme (or substitute 1 tsp dried)
1 TBSP fresh rosemary (or substitute 1 tsp dried)
zest about 1/2 of a lemon
1-2 TBSP lemon juice
1-2 TBSP olive oil
1-2 cloves garlic
Fresh ground pepper to taste
Combine ingredients in a large ziploc bag and shake.  Grill or roast at 400 degrees F until al dente (about 7-10 mins).  This works really well on sliced zucchini or yellow squash too.

Spicy Sauteed Kale
1 Bunch of Kale, roughly chopped
3 cloves garlic
2 TBSP olive oil
1-2 tsp Sambol Oelek (Indonesian chili paste)
1-2 TBSP apple cider or red wine vinegar
Saute garlic and sambol oelek in olive oil for a couple minutes.  Add Kale in batches and cook on medium heat until wilted (about 5-7 mins).  Add vinegar and cook for an additional minute or so.  This works really well on other leafy greens like swiss chard and could also be used on brussel sprouts (I halve and steam them about 5 mins first), brocollini, brocolli, or brocolli rabe.  The vinegar really cuts the sulfur taste out (especially in the brussel sprouts) and the sambol oelek gives it some nice heat.


Sources:
10-surprising-nutrition-facts-about-romaine-lettuce
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodtip&dbid=68
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/01/news/la-heb-sweet-potatoes-weight-gain-201100701
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16382205/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/avoid-watering-down-veggie-nutrition/

Cloth Diapers: they're not that scary!

Okay, I know what you're thinking... "Why on earth would you mess with cloth diapers when disposables are so easy?"  Cloth diapers immediately conjure up imagines of 1950's housewives safety pinning rectangles of cloth around their babies' chunky little thighs.  It doesn't work like that anymore.  Really, it is so easy it is a crime.  I think people just don't know about it, so I am sharing the secret.  Here are some myths about cloth diapers:

1. "Cloth diapers are difficult" 
No, they are easy.  They require little more work than disposables (I'm not lying).  There are a variety of styles, but many close with snaps or velcro and look like a cloth version of a disposable diaper.  Wet diapers just go into the bag until laundry time and the dirty diapers get a quick spray down.  Washing is easy... it is just one extra load of laundry per day... that is not a big deal.  Most brands recommend line drying the diapers but they do ok in the dryer. 

2. "Cloth diapers are messy to clean"
Changing dirty diapers is messy business- disposable or cloth.  The messiest part of a diaper change is the squirmy, poopy baby that kicks, grabs, and tries to crawl away.  As long as you have a diaper sprayer (a handheld spray nozzle that attaches to the plumbing of your toilet), clean up is a breeze.  You just spray the poop off into the toilet and flush.

3. "You get a bunch of poop in your washing machine"
No, once you spray the diaper off into the toilet, there is really only a stain left.  This is much less poop than the amount on your baby's clothes after a big poopy diaper blow out (which are much more frequent with disposable diapers).  I have heard of some people throwing the diaper into the wash without cleaning it first, and I wouldn't recommend it.  That's like throwing a saucepan full of refried beans into the dishwasher without emptying it...if you have a great dishwasher it may work but it's just a lot easier for everyone if you rinse it out first.

4. "They give your baby diaper rash"
They shouldn't.  In fact, most babies with sensitive skin do much better with cloth because they aren't full of chemicals.  That being said, if the diapers are not cared for properly you can have ammonia build up that stinks and can cause diaper rash.  There are ways to fix this but the best cure is prevention so you just need to be sure to use cloth diaper detergent (or a natural detergent), no fabric softeners or dryer sheets and line drying (at least a couple times a month) will help.  You also don't want your baby sitting in a wet cloth diaper all day.  You don't want to do this with a disposable either.

There is so much more I would like to say about cloth diapers but I will save the rest for later.  All I would encourage you to do is consider using cloth diapers.... and if you don't have babies, spread the word to people that do.  They really are a win-win for babies, parents, and the environment.


 

Pregnancy Pounds

I can't believe my son is almost 7 months old!  It is crazy to watch him zoom around the house on his hands and knees, zeroing in on everything dangerous and dirty that I have overlooked.  It seems like just yesterday that I was a week overdue and thinking "I'm going to be pregnant forever."  I am proud to say that I am finally down to my pre-pregnancy weight and let me tell you, 45 pounds lighter feels great.  It took 7 long months to lose it, but it took 9 months to gain it.  How did I do it?  No diet pills, no magic protein shake, just eating healthy and exercising.  I joined Weight Watchers and it really works for me.  Why?
 
1.  Accountability.  Every week you get on a scale. 

2.  Tracking.  You actually have to track everything you eat.  For some reason I thought I ate fairly healthy before.  When the doctor asked how many servings of fruit and veggies I ate a day, I would say "probably 4-5."  I wasn't trying to lie, but I wasn't even close.  Most days I would eat probably 1-2 servings... yikes.  Tracking was a real eye-opener for me.  Another helpful thing about tracking is it makes you think twice before eating something bad.... I could eat that slice of cheesecake, but then I would have to write it down.... I don't want it that much. 

3.  The final reason it works for me... you can eat anything you want, you just have to budget it.  I can have a cheeseburger if I want, I just can't have one every day.  That makes it practical and it keeps me from quitting.  Diets are temporary and once you finish them there is nothing stopping you from packing on weight again.  But I am really looking at this as a lifestyle.  It is permanent (I hope). 

My goal is to lose another 20 pounds and keep it off.  So with that, I will leave you with a little healthy dessert idea:


Yummy Chocolate Pudding

1pkg sugar-free, fat-free instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold skim milk
1/4 cup skim or part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 tsp cinnamon

I am not a fan of artificial sweeteners but I really can't taste it in this... I have tried other flavors and this is the only one I like.  The ricotta makes it very decadant and gives it a nice texture and the cinnamon really makes it special...It's that fun secret ingredient that people notice but can't identify.  This is about 95 calories and 2 grams of fat in a 1/2 cup serving... much better than 260 calories and 13 grams of fat for 1/2 cup of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.