Tip of the Week

By Cheryl Tallman
www.FreshBaby.com

Yellow fruits and vegetables come in a range of textures and flavors, and contain a variety of beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Yellow is a great color - it's the color of sunshine, and sunshine energizes us. Next time you are at the market, ask your child to choose a sunny yellow fruit or vegetable so they can enjoy the delicious energetic benefits of yellow foods.
 
Here's more information about some of our favorite "sunshine" yellow foods:
 
Bananas - This fun and easy to eat fruit contains potassium, vitamins A, B-6, B-12, and C. Bananas provide a quick energy boost for hungry kids of all ages. Keep bananas on the counter for healthy after-school snacking. Bananas are great added to smoothies, cereal, yogurt, pancakes or baked goods. For more ideas on adding bananas to your family meals, check our Food Guide: Bananas.
 
Pineapples - Juicy, sweet pineapples provide the body with bromelain, vitamins A and C, and manganese. Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps relieve swelling caused by injury or illness. Serve pineapples fresh, grilled, or add to sauces and salsas. For more ideas on adding pineapple to your family meals, check our Food Guide: Pineapple.
 
Yellow Peppers - Yellow peppers are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and B-6, niacin, magnesium, copper, folate, potassium and manganese. Add yellow peppers to pasta, stir-fry, and salads. Slice yellow peppers and serve with a side of salad dressing for a crunchy, sweet snack.
 
Yellow Squash - Yellow squash contains vitamin C, iron, folate, beta-carotene, and lutein. Slice yellow squash and sauté with olive oil for a nutritious side dish, or add to casseroles for extra goodness.
 
Corn - Watching a young child eat corn on the cob can be a memorable experience! Corn provides the body with beneficial antioxidants to help prevent disease, and fiber for healthy digestion. Steam, boil or grill corn on the cob, or cut the kernels from the cob and serve as a side dish, or add it to soups, stews, salads and casseroles.
 
Lemons - Lemons are a good source of vitamin C. Plus, they are a cleansing food. Squeezing a slice of lemon into a glass of water each day can aid digestion problems and remove impurities from the body. Adding a little slice of lemon to your kid's water can be a great way to get them to drink more water. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over vegetables, poultry and fish.
 
Yellow Pears - Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and cancer-preventing antioxidants, pears are a healthy and delicious choice for snacks and side dishes. Pears also have a low glycemic index, which means they can help control blood sugar levels. Pears provide the body with vitamins A, C, B1, B2, and E, folate, potassium, iron, and fiber.   Slice pears and serve alone, or add to salads and smoothies.  For more ideas on adding pears to your family meals, check our Food Guide: Pears.


Cheryl Tallman is the co-founder of Fresh Baby, creator of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit, and author of So Easy Baby Food Basics: Homemade Baby Food in Less Than 30 Minutes Per Week and So Easy Toddler Food: Survival Tips and Simple Recipes for the Toddler Years. Visit Cheryl online at www.FreshBaby.com for more delicious tips.  Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com.