Jarrett and I have been making a lot of changes around our home in the last year in regards to what we put into our bodies. After watching different documentaries and researching more about the different chemicals and toxic waste being put into our food supply , we made the decision to make a lifestyle change.  I started by completely cleaning out our pantry and fridge and starting over at the grocery.  Our focus became on buying more fresh fruits, vegetables and foods for the kids that were all natural-with no high corn fructose syrup and artifical junk. 
 
I also started myself and the kids on a supplement called Juice Plus.  Did you know that the doctors and the United States Department of Agriculture recommend that each person take 7-13 servings per day of fruits and vegetables??  That seems impossible, doesn’t it?  Fruits and vegetables contain a powerful array of antioxidants that offer a protection for our bodies.  There are a number of clinical reserach studies that show that Juice Plus delivers key antioxidants that are absorbed by the body, reduces oxidative stress, reduces biomarkers of systemic inflammation, helps support a healthy immune system, helps protect DNA, supports cardiovascular wellness, supports healthy skin and healthy gums.
 
Not to bore you, BUT,…my kids and I have been taking Juice Plus for 12 months now and not one of us have gotten a virus, cold or infection!!!!  My hair grows like a weed, our energy level has increased and my children’s behavior is improved.  I’d like to say that is because Jarrett and I are such great parents, but I truly believe that YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!  If you eat junk, you feel and act like junk.  If you eat healthy, you feel good and act good too.
 
I am not usually one to endorse a specific something I find to be amazing, but after taking Juice Plus whole based fruit and vegetable supplements, I believe 100% in this product!  I believe so much in it that I have decided to become a distributor.  I promise not to be pushy, but I wanted to let you know about this awesome supplement that is available to you and your family.
 
If you want to know more about the Juice Plus products, feel free to check out my web site:  http://jamermanjuiceplus.com
I’d be happy to visit with you if you have any questions about the products.
If you are intersted in ordering for you and your kids, PLEASE contact me   I’ll get you signed up. 

The Juice Plus Orchard and Garden blends (fruits and veggies blend) for adults are $41.75/month ($1.39/day). 
The Juice Plus fruits and veggies chewables for kids (are like gummies and they are yummy) are $22.75/month ($0.76/day)
 
SPECIAL DEAL JUICE PLUS OFFERS:  Children between age 4 and thru college can get Juice Plus for FREE if parent buys an adult order for themselves!!!  This offer is good for up to 3 years…think about that….3 years of your kids getting FREE servings of whole fruits and vegetables and you are getting healthier too!?!?! 

Finally!!!  A blast of cold air has arrived   I can pull out jackets and sweaters for the first time this season!!!  I’m one happy momma   This also means it is officially soup season at our house.  This is the easiest way for me to get the kids to eat their vegetables and they don’t complain.  So, I thought I would give your the kids favorite soup recipe we make at our house.  Enjoy!

Chicken Tortilla Soup:

3 stalks of celery chopped, 1 bell pepper chopped, 1/2 onion chopped, handful of chopped carrots-saute these in the bottom of the soup pan with a dab  of olive oil for about 10 minutes.  Add in 1 rotisserie chicken chopped up, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of corn(drained) and 2 cans of chicken broth.  Throw in 2 cups of water.  Let it simmer and top with fresh cilantro, a sqeeze of lime, shredded cheese and slice of avacado.  YUMMY!!! 

I need more soup recipes!!  If you have a good one please email it to me and I’ll post for all other Savvy Mommas to try at their home.  Happy cooking!

About 9 months ago our family decided to really change our eating habits.  We were never unhealthy eaters but realized we could be doing a whole lot more to be healthy and educate our children about the importance of eating right.  We literally donated all the food in our pantry and fridge and started from scratch.  We now buy all natural, all organic options (unless we are eating out-that is our splurge time) and I can finally testify to say IT IS WORTH IT! 

The prices are a bit higher, but now that we are eating the types of food that are healthy and natural for our body to process we are hungry less and have more energy.  Another exciting thing we have noticed is that “knock on wood” NONE of our family of 5 have gotten sick!!  Not even a yucky cold! 

So, I wanted to let you all know about http://myfitfoods.com to help get you started.  They have 2 locations in San Antonio.  You can order online or at their store.  Their options for meals are delicious and a large variety to chose from.  You can find diabetic friendly, gluten free, wheat free and other options for your meals.  This might be a great way to start out trying new meals that are better for your body.  And if you have as many evening activities as we do, it sure does make kitchen time a heck of a lot easier.  I just pop one of these dinners into the oven to heat up and the kids eat it!  Much healthier option than a frozen pizza!  I don’t use them every night but I do love having my freezer full of healthier options on those busy nights.  Nights that I am home I stay simple with an all natural meat and organice vegetables and bread for sides. 

Our new saying around the house to the kids is, “You are what you eat!  If you eat junk, you feel like junk.  If you eat good, you feel good.”  Our older kids get it!  I’ve noticed even at birthday parties they sometimes don’t even want all the cake and ice cream because they realize how it makes their tummy hurt afterwards.  I still like it and enjoy the splurge but I can definitely tell when I chose unhealthy options.  My body pays for it later.  Give it a try with your family!  You won’t regret working hard at making sure the foods you put into your body is helping you to live a healthier and longer life!