Children's Health

Fit Mom's picture

What are the TRUE BENEFITS of homemade VS. store-bought baby food?

Submitted by Fit Mom on Sun, 04/26/2009 - 15:02

For most who have had children, you have read the labels on many of the traditional commercial baby food manufacturers' products and see that MOST only contain fruits and/or veggies, some water and vitamin C (ascorbic acid).  SO, what makes homemade better when there is nothing but the fruit and water along with a little added vitamin C in the commercial? 

Well, there are several factors that influence the food other than just the actual ingredients.  One big one is the way it is prepared.  Most commercial baby foods (even the natural brands) are heated to very high temperatures and then cooled in order to sterilize them.  This is done to give the foods a long shelf life.  Now, when you make  baby food at home, you also typically heat it for a time to prepare it.  Either way, heating kills some the valuable enzymes and beneficial bacteria, BUT it also kills some of the harmful bacteria. 

Fit Mom's picture

Homemade baby food with flare!

Submitted by Fit Mom on Mon, 02/02/2009 - 23:53

There are so many ways new moms are educated about how to begin feeding their baby when in actual fact there is really very little scientific evidence in the "correct" way to build a baby's palate! Nancy Butte, a pediatrics professor at Baylor College of Medicine, found that many traditional ways of introducing foods, for example the need to offer foods in a particular order or to delay allergic foods, have very little scientific basis. As for what foods you add when is another subject in itself but why not add some spice to baby purees?

Apples & Pears with Cinnamon (or Ginger)

Ingredients 2 royal gala apples - peeled, cored and chopped up 2 pears - peeled, cored and chopped up 1/4 cup pure 100% apple juice (not sweetened) or water 1 pinch of cinnamon (or ginger) Instructions Place fruit in saucepan together with the apple juice or water and either spice. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Place in blender and puree. You may add more water or juice to reach desired consistency, but this is usually not necessary. Notes: Cinnamon - Great health benefits. Good for upset tummy.

Fresh Baby Carrots

By Fit Mom Ingredients - Carrots - Water 2-3 carrots makes 4 portions Instructions If you have a steamer, steam carrots for approx. 15-20 minutes or until tender. As an alternative, you may cook the carrots in a sauce pan, using just enough water to cover the carrots. Bring water to a boil and then cover. Allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes, until tender. Next, puree carrots in a blender. Add water as you blend to obtain the desired consistancy. Ready to serve! You may refrigerate the extra for up to 48 hours.

Baby Food

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