Besides the occasional holiday we have really been watching what we eat for almost a year. We have cut back on sugars, food dyes, additives, preservatives and artificial flavors.
Here is a little bit of information on some ongoing research.
Researchers found that 64 percent of the 27 clinical studies analyzed showed an association between food coloring and children’s behavioral problems. Recent studies were more likely to show a correlation, with 5 out of the 6 studies done after 1990 reporting statistically significant results.
The review comes as ADHD diagnoses have risen dramatically: The percentage of U.S. children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD increased from an estimated 6.1 percent in 1997 to 10.2 percent in 2016.
But like those in the U.K. study, the California researchers concluded that some children demonstrate more sensitivity to food dyes whether they have an ADHD diagnosis or not.
“The evidence supports a relationship between food dye exposure and adverse behavioral outcomes in children, both with and without pre-existing behavioral disorders,” the report read.
In a statement to NBC News, the FDA acknowledged that “some published data suggest that for certain susceptible children with ADHD and other problem behaviors, their condition may be exacerbated by exposure to several food substances, including, but not limited to artificial food colors, due to a unique intolerance or sensitivity.”
ADHD is just one of the many diagnosis that could be altered or enhanced by the use of these additives, dyes, preservatives etc.
I have not personally done this research and while I could probably go on for hours about the lists of foods we have discontinued in our household and how many crazy things the United States has allowed in our food... for now....
All I can say for sure is that our family definitely feels better.
So with summer on the way I present to you a recipe for natural popsicles to replace those awesome plastic tube popsicles we all enjoyed as children and some of our children already crave.
Its really quite simple. All of the popsicles took me a total of 20 minutes and will last my kids weeks.
Step One: Get equipment/supplies.
I went to amazon to order some plastic tubes of which I can fill, zip and freeze.
I do not know why I didn't do this last year. Last year we purchased an all natural brand or homemade them... but they were on sticks and quite frankly a mess.
So now that you have added that 600 pcs set above (click on picture)that will last you forever I feel. The next item I grabbed was my personal ninja blender. This is what makes it take seconds per popsicle.
I have used this blender for soup, baby food, endless smoothies, homemade sauces and much more. This is by far the best tool to have especially for these homemade popsicles and this is why...
Besides the obviously quick blend...The easy pour spot....is the best!! It could be in your kitchen tomorrow.
(Click pictures to order)
It's so quick to remove the blender top and replace it with the pour spout lid making for easy filling of the popsicle tubes.
So after you have your tubes and blender the ingredients are key.
Step Two: Gather your ingredients. For our five different kinds I used:
~ Canned pears, Coconut Water
~Bananas, Some Chocolate Chips, Peanut Butter, Coconut Water
~Cranberry Juice, Coconut milk
~Canned Peaches, Coconut water
~Fresh Blueberries, Coconut water
Read your labels. While I am ok with some sugar..the fresher the better. The coconut milk is not all created equal. Some of the "coconut milk" has a ton of additives.
Do not assume because it says "peaches" that they are just peaches.
Same with peanut butter and chocolate chips.
Crazy huh??
Step Three: Start to fill your blender with the delicious fruits, coconut milk. I did the recipes as follows. Choose one below..super simple.
~1 Can of Pears(not drained) and 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
~1 Banana, 2 Tab Chocolate Chips, 2 Tab Peanut Butter, 1/2 Cup Coconut
Milk
~1 1/2 Cups of Homemade Cranberry Juice( With Whole Cranberries Included), 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
~1 Can of Peaches(not drained) and 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
~1 1/2 Cup Blueberries and 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
If your personalized size blender cup is approximately 3/4 of the way you can add a few Tablespoons of water; but do not fill it to the top of the cup. You WILL have a mess if you do so.
Step Four: Blend your ingredients until smooth.
Step Five: Remove blender top and replace it with the drinking/pour spout lid.
Step Six: Pour into tubes slowly, seal up the ends with ziplock closure and freeze(approx 12 hrs will freeze them)
Step Seven: Great Job! All that's left is to enjoy popsicles on those hot days.
Awesome knowing that you and your children are eating real food in a cooling way on a hot summer day! What a great feeling for a few minutes of work.... by the way... the kids love to help.
Hopefully this brings another family joy as it has ours.
What flavor will you make? Wilson Wonders
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