Latest news with #dietaryrestrictions


CNET
4 days ago
- Health
- CNET
Healthy Back-to-School Snacks Kids Will Love, With Registered Dietitian Picks
As a mom, I'm always looking for healthy snacks that are easy to serve to my toddler. While I buy plenty of whole foods, prepackaged and shelf-stable snacks are more convenient to carry around in the diaper bag and require only minimal preparation to add to my son's meal. If you have a kid of any age and are gearing up for going back to school, there are plenty of affordable, healthy options that will add some nutritious value to their diets. I rounded up some of my favorite healthy snacks, plus some recommended by registered dietitians. Add these to your list during your next grocery run and toss them in your kid's backpack or lunchbox. Siete snacks Gluten-free and dairy-free options for kids If your child has any dietary restrictions, like a gluten intolerance or certain food sensitivities, Siete Foods is a great option. The brand was created by Veronica Garza, who was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and didn't want to give up flavors and food from her Mexican heritage. As a result, she came up with grain-free Mexican American tortillas, which eventually expanded into snacks. Siete has everything from tortilla chips to almond flour tortillas, potato chips, cookies, puff snacks, grain-free cookies and more. These are made with avocado oil and almond, chickpea, coconut or cassava flours. Registered Dietitian Maura Fowler likes Siete tortilla chips as a carbohydrate source for lunch. 'Pair them with salsa or guacamole if using in a packed lunch,' she advises. Some of my favorites include Mexican shortbread, Mexican wedding cookies and tortilla chips. Another plus is that some of the snacks come in mini sizes, so they fit into a lunchbox without taking up a lot of space. See at Target Amara Smoothie Melts Yogurt drops for toddlers Ideally, you want to keep extra sugars and ingredients minimal in snacks you give toddlers. Amara smoothie melts are made up of organic fruits and vegetables, without added sugars. These yogurt drops easily melt in your toddler's mouth and come in resealable bags or snack packs. Yogurt melts are good to have on hand during the solids introduction stage and even as babies transition into toddlerhood, when you want a snack that's mess-free and easy to eat. Some Amara favorites include the strawberry and blueberry breakfast oat melts and their traditional yogurt melts in carrot-raspberry, beets n' berries and mango-carrot. $30 at Amazon Cerebelly puree pouches and bars Puree pouches and bars for infants to toddlers Cerebelly snacks were created by a mom and neurosurgeon who wanted to create a food line that included ingredients to support children's cognitive development. Cerebelly includes fruit pouches made up of organic vegetables and fruits that are free of gluten, nuts and dairy. There are also smart bars that are made up of whole grains and real fruit that are free of added sugars. The fruit pouches are ideal if you're just starting to introduce solids to your baby and want ready-made snacks on hand. The smart bars are made up of different flavors like strawberry-beet and carrot-date. I like that these smart bars are small enough to carry several in your purse or diaper bag, and they're designed to be held by toddlers. $25 at Amazon $35 at Amazon Gimme Roasted Seaweed snacks Roasted veggie snacks If your kids like roasted vegetables, the Gimme Roasted Seaweed snacks are a good option for a nutrient-dense snack. Registered Dietitian Lauren Manaker loves these as an option for her daughter for a variety of reasons. She says, 'Gimme's Sea Salt Seaweed snacks have no added sugar, are an excellent source of vitamin B12 and iodine (essential nutrients for energy metabolism) and are made with just three simple ingredients.' Additionally, they provide more fiber than oats. These snacks come in packs that fit easily into lunchboxes or your pantry. Other flavors available by Gimme include teriyaki (my personal favorite), chili lime, olive oil and Korean BBQ. $13 at Amazon Mush products Overnight oat snacks Mush makes overnight oat products that parents and kids of all ages can enjoy. If you're trying to get your kids to eat more whole grains, fruits and veggies, then you'll want to check out Mushkins. Mushkins are oatmeal smoothie pouches targeted toward kids that consist only of fruits, vegetables, rolled oats, almond or coconut milk, depending on the flavor. Flavors include strawberry bananza, apple dreams and chocolaty chocolate. These pouches fit perfectly into lunchboxes of most sizes and should remain refrigerated like the rest of Mush's products. Older kids will probably enjoy Mush's protein bars or overnight oat options for a sweet midday or after-school treat. These products have minimal ingredients and are made up of rolled oats, with fruits and dates added for sweetness. Parents may find the protein overnight oats appealing if they're looking for ways to add protein to their diet without sacrificing flavor. Some of my favorites include peanut butter-chocolate chip and chocolate brownie. See at Target Clif Zbars Protein bars for active kids The popular Clif bars brand also has soft-baked bars targeted toward children called Clif Zbars. These bars consist of 12 grams of whole grains and are made up of rolled oats with no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Kids can enjoy flavors like cookies 'n creme, blueberry muffin and chocolate chip. Fowler recommends these for kids who are active and in sports. 'These bars are great for in-between snacks or before a practice,' she says. $13 at Amazon Kate Farms nutrition shakes Plant-based shakes for kids with food allergies It can be hard to navigate the snack space if you have a child with food allergies. One brand to consider is Kate Farms, which offers plenty of shelf-stable and kid-friendly options that avoid common allergens like milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans or sesame. Its products are made from organic pea protein. Some options available for kids over the 12 months include the Kids Nutrition shake, which comes in a variety of flavors: vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. These shakes have over 27 vitamins and minerals, 8 grams of pea protein and broccoli, kale, berries and turmeric. If you're looking for a higher-calorie shake because you want to make sure your child is getting enough calories and nutrients throughout the day, the Pediatric Standard 1.2 is another alternative. This shake is appropriate for children ages 1 through 13, has 12 grams of protein and can be served as a meal replacement or snack. This shake is available in chocolate and vanilla, and similar to the Kids Nutrition shakes, it comes in a carton, which makes it easy to include in a lunch box or in your fridge. $36 at Amazon $25 at Amazon That's It. Fruit bars without added sugars If your kids like dried fruit and you want their snacks to have minimal sugar, then you should try out some That's It. fruit bars. These fruit bars are made up of 100% fruit, are plant-based and have no additional sugars. They look like fruit leather and come in flavors ranging from mango, strawberry, blueberry, fig and more. These are ideal if you want to sneak in more fiber and fruits into your child's diet. You can purchase it as a full-size bar or mini, which is perfect to add to your children's lunchboxes, keep in the car or throw in your gym bag. $23 at Amazon Wild Planet ready-to-eat tuna Complete ready-to-eat lunch Tuna can be hit or miss with kids, but Wild Planet managed to make savory, ready-to-eat tuna options. The sustainably caught wild seafood brand is known for its canned tuna, but I recently discovered its ready-to-eat options, and they were surprisingly filled with flavor. These ready-to-eat meals are a great pick if your child isn't able to reheat or keep their meals cold for lunchtime. They'll have a complete meal that has 16 to 21 grams of protein and 2 to 10 grams of fiber. Some ready-to-eat selections include wild tuna and red bean salad; wild tuna and white bean salad; wild tuna and quinoa salad; wild tuna, corn and bean salad; and wild tuna and pasta salad. These are a step up from a traditional tuna salad and can be a good option for kids who are adventurous eaters. $16 at Amazon Stonyfield Organic drinkable yogurts and pouches Mess-free yogurt If your kids love yogurt as part of a snack, then you know it can get messy real fast. Stonyfield Organic drinkable yogurts and pouches are a good choice to keep in stock for lunch boxes because they are designed for little hands. It's also an easy way to make sure your kids are getting probiotics through their food for a healthy gut. Stonyfield's products are made up of 100% organic milk, and its pouches come in a variety of flavors like strawberry, blueberry and some fruit and veggie combinations with zero-added-sugar options. You can even get them in tube form (and freeze them) if your kids prefer. The drinkable yogurt smoothies are sold in 6-fluid-ounce bottles. There are plenty of kid-friendly options to choose from with Stonyfield products. $7 at Target $9 at Target How to pick a healthy snack for your kids It's helpful to know what to look for when shopping for healthy snacks for your kids. Elizabeth Pecoraro, a registered dietitian and food allergy specialist, says you should focus on a few things: sugar, fiber and protein. You should also make sure the ingredients are free of artificial dyes, hydrogenated oils and excessive sodium. 'When it comes to sugar, aim for less than 5 grams per serving, especially for toddlers,' Pecoraro advises. Additionally, she recommends making sure the snack has 2 to 3 grams of fiber and 2 to 5 grams of protein to keep energy steady among school-age kids. Snacks can be helpful when you're trying to build out a meal or looking for ways to make sure your kids are getting enough nutrients throughout the day. Fowler recommends using snacks as a tool. 'I encourage parents to decide on a weekly menu for their child's lunch so they can prep the freshest lunch possible,' she says. Fowler also encourages getting your child involved in the planning process (if they're of school age), so they are more encouraged to consume fresh food versus packaged options. 'In this case, these snacks are more so utilized for extra energy or protein, depending on the child's activity levels and whether or not they need to gain weight,' she adds. How often should kids eat packaged snacks? If you have a picky eater at home who seems to only prefer snacks, you're probably wondering how often to feed your child packaged snacks. Luckily, it's OK for your kids to eat snacks every day. Pecoraro points out that packaged snacks can be part of a healthy routine when balanced with whole foods. 'I recommend offering one packaged snack per day, along with meals and fresh options like fruit, veggies, cheese or nut/seed butters -- as appropriate for age and allergies,' Pecoraro says. Fowler agrees and points out that there are plenty of snack options that can contribute to your child's dietary needs. 'A bar high in fiber is great for extended energy throughout the day, and I try to suggest snacks that are high in fiber or protein for this reason,' explains Fowler. However, she notes that if you have an athletic child, you should aim for a snack with much higher protein and extra salt (for hydration purposes). If they're on sports teams, she also recommends simple carbs strictly for practice purposes since they'll need quick sources of energy. Pecoraro suggests sticking to whole foods whenever possible and using packaged snacks for convenience, like when you're on the go or if you need to add something extra to your child's lunchbox. 'Keep regular meals centered around whole foods, but packaged snacks can complement a nutrient-dense diet,' she says. As always, if you have any concerns about your child's diet, consult with their pediatrician to make sure they are getting enough nutrients daily.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Birthday Dinner Ends in Dispute Over $1K Bill After One Guest Orders for Everyone
One woman attended her friend's birthday dinner expecting to order her own meal Instead, one of the guests decided to order "family-style," not taking into consideration anyone else's food preferences or dietary restrictions When the bill came, one woman refused to split the bill evenly, considering she had only ordered two thingsA birthday dinner in San Francisco turned into a financial and emotional headache for one out-of-town guest, whose attempt to celebrate a friend's birthday ended up costing more than she anticipated. The situation sparked a debate on Reddit over how group meals should be handled, especially when attendees have differing food preferences, dietary restrictions, and various spending limits. The poster, who doesn't drink and follows a pescatarian diet, says she left feeling 'taken advantage of' after being asked to contribute far more than the cost of her order. Her refusal to split the bill evenly left some frustrated, and others rethinking the purpose of group celebrations. At the center of it all: an unspoken rule about 'splitting evenly' that not everyone agreed to. 'There were about 10 of us. I don't drink alcohol and I don't eat red meat,' the Reddit user wrote. 'When we got there, one person (not the birthday girl) took it upon herself to order for the whole table, deciding we'd eat 'family style.' ' Caught off-guard, the poster clarified her dietary needs and managed to order separately — a $23 pasta and a $10 mocktail. What followed was a feast, but one that didn't cater to everyone. When the food arrived, it became clear that it was far more than the group needed — two oversized meat and seafood platters, multiple appetizers, and several desserts. Most of the guests had multiple cocktails, each priced over $20, however, one attendee didn't eat at all because "she couldn't afford to eat out but wanted to come 'for the vibes.'' Meanwhile, another friend ate a portion of the meal and left early. 'The woman who ordered everything put it on her card and took home all the leftovers (which were a lot),' the poster recalled. A few days later, the birthday girl revealed the bill had come to over $1,000 and asked each person to contribute $150. Shocked, the Reddit user refused, explaining that her order came out to $40, at most, with tip. The birthday girl offered to reduce her share to $100, but it was clear she wasn't happy. 'She said the expectation at group dinners is everyone splits evenly, like it's the 'cost of entry' to share the experience,' the friend wrote. However, that rationale didn't sit right with the poster. 'Why should people be expected to subsidize others' expensive tastes — especially when they didn't agree to a shared meal, didn't drink, and ordered conservatively?' she questioned. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. A large number of commenters jumped to the user's defense, agreeing with her line of reasoning. 'Lack of communication for sure! For an event like this, the details should be laid out and agreed to in advance,' one user wrote. 'Nobody should be left feeling they can't afford the dinner, and nobody should 'order for the table' without asking for people's preferences or deciding a budget.' Another user emphasized: 'If you order a spread of food expecting others to pay, they better have been consulted with and agreed beforehand. End of story, and those who didn't even partake from said spread definitely owe nothing.' The user further explained that this was her first time meeting most of the group — she only knew two people there, including the birthday girl. The idea of going 'family style' apparently stemmed from a quick conversation among some attendees at one end of the table, which she didn't overhear. And yet, despite the confusion, the user says she was the only person who offered to help cover the birthday girl's share of the meal. 'So far, it seems like I am the only one who offered to pay any of the bday girl's meal,' she noted. 'I think others were taken aback by how expensive this came out to? Not sure.' In the aftermath, tensions remain and the birthday girl is now 'mortified' and worried that her friend who initially covered the bill might be stuck paying a large portion of it. Nevertheless, the poster is choosing to stand her ground. 'I don't think I'll ever even agree to come to a group dinner without discussing how the check will be managed ahead of time,' she admits. 'Idc if that makes me look like a stingy penny pincher. I just don't feel comfortable after this experience.' Read the original article on People


Globe and Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Else Nutrition CEO Highlights Urgent Need for Infant Formula Alternatives in The Washington Times Op-Ed
VANCOUVER, BC , May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC. (TSX: BABY) (OTCQX: BABYF) (FSE: 0YL) ("Else" or the "Company"), a pioneer in wholefood, Plant-Based nutrition for babies, toddlers, children and adults, is pleased to announce that its CEO and Co-Founder, Hamutal Yitzhak , authored a featured op-ed published in The Washington Times on May 25, 2025 . Titled " Operation Stork Speed will ensure babies get the nutrition they need," the piece highlights the urgent need to modernize the infant formula regulatory environment and emphasizes the importance of increasing access to safe and innovative nutrition options—particularly for infants with dietary restrictions or allergen sensitivities. The Washington Times has a substantial readership in Washington, D.C. , particularly among Congress and the Administration. "Our mission has always been to deliver a safe, plant-based infant formula that supports healthy development and gives families—especially those with dietary or dairy/soy allergen concerns—greater access to trusted nutrition," said Hamutal Yitzhak , CEO and Co-Founder of Else Nutrition. "Operation Stork Speed is an excellent initiative designed to expand access to these types of formulas, and as noted in the Washington Times op-ed, we look forward to continuing to collaborate with the White House, policymakers, and the FDA as we look to bring our unique solution to market in a swift and responsible manner." Regulatory Pathway and Status Else Nutrition has developed a clean-label, whole plant-based infant formula intended as an alternative to dairy- and soy-based products. In 2023, the Company successfully concluded the pre-clinical studies required and received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for its infant growth clinical study protocol—marking a key step toward U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliance. At present, the Company is awaiting final authorization from the FDA to initiate its clinical trial in the United States , pending regulatory modernization that the company believes may be accelerated through Operation Stork Speed. Several Congressional Appropriators recently called on the FDA to accelerate this effort, as directed through an oversight letter. Policy Advocacy and Operation Stork Speed The op-ed coincides with the recent launch of Operation Stork Speed, an initiative by the Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , aimed at improving the regulatory review and safety of infant formula in the United States as well as encouraging innovation and transparency in formula composition to serve unmet needs. Ms. Yitzhak's commentary lends industry perspective to this national conversation and urges regulatory authorities to accelerate the path to market for scientifically supported, non-traditional formula options. Else Nutrition is actively engaged in this effort through direct outreach to policymakers, bipartisan advocacy on Capitol Hill, and consumer education. The Company continues to advocate for updated infant formula guidelines that recognize the validity and safety of plant-based, non-soy, allergen-friendly alternatives. About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc. Else Nutrition Holdings Inc. (TSX: BABY, OTCQX: BABYF, FSE: 0YL) is a food and nutrition company in the international expansion stage focused on developing innovative, clean, and Plant-Based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, Plant-Based, non-soy formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formulas. Since launching its Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers, made of whole foods, almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca, the brand has received thousands of powerful testimonials and reviews from parents, gained national retailer support, and achieved rapid sales growth. Awards and Recognition: "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at Milan's Global Food Innovation Summit #1 Best Seller on Amazon in the Fall of 2020 in the New Baby & Toddler Formula Category "Best Dairy Alternative" Award 2021 at World Plant-Based Expo Nexty Award Finalist at Expo West 2022 in the Plant-Based lifestyle category During September 2022 , Else Super Cereal reached the #1 Best Seller in Baby Cereal across all brands on Amazon To delve deeper into Else Nutrition's offerings and its revolutionary approach to nutrition, visit TSX Neither the TSX nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "will" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements with respect to the anticipated dates for filing the company's financial disclosure documents. Such forward-looking statements reflect current estimates, beliefs, and assumptions, which are based on management's perception of current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. No assurance can be given that the foregoing will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements made in this press release assume, among others, the expectation that there will be no interruptions or supply chain failures as a result of COVID-19 and that the manufacturing, broker, and supply logistic agreement with the company does not terminate. Actual results may differ from the estimates, beliefs, and assumptions expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations only as of the date of this press release. The company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Woman Ignores Daughter-in-Law's Food Intolerances. Then, Plays 'Victim' When She Starts Bringing Her Own Meals
A woman took to Reddit after her mother-in-law repeatedly ignored her dietary restrictions during family meals The 29-year-old has a severe dairy and gluten intolerance and gets "violently ill" if she accidentally ingests either After her mother-in-law gave her numerous dishes containing dairy or gluten, the woman decided to start bringing her own meals to family events, causing tensionA woman is seeking advice from the Reddit community after warring with her mother-in-law over food intolerances. The 29-year-old woman explains that she "can't eat gluten or dairy without getting violently ill.' 'I'm not talking about mild discomfort, I mean full-body pain, nausea, and digestive issues that can last for days," she explains in the Reddit post. Despite clearly communicating her dietary restrictions to her mother-in-law, the situation has escalated to a point where family dinners have become filled with tension and conflict. The woman describes multiple instances in which her mother-in-law claims to have prepared 'special' meals to accommodate her needs, only for these dishes to contain ingredients she couldn't eat. In one case, a supposedly gluten-free pasta dish contained soy sauce, which is typically made with wheat. When the issue was pointed out, the mother-in-law dismissed it, saying, 'Oh, it's just a little bit! That shouldn't hurt, right?' Another time, her mother-in-law served 'dairy-free' mashed potatoes at dinner, which contained butter. These experiences left the woman sick and bedridden, leading her to take matters into her own hands by bringing her own food to family dinners. However, the initiative didn't sit well with the mother-in-law, who perceived it as a lack of trust in her cooking. Despite trying to explain her reasoning, the situation continued to escalate between the two women. The breaking point occurred at a recent family dinner when the mother-in-law refused to allow the woman to eat her own food, insisting she try the prepared meal. 'She said I was being 'disrespectful' by not even trying her food. I told her that after multiple times of getting sick from her meals, I wasn't willing to take the risk,' the poster recounts. The confrontation ended with the mother-in-law calling her 'entitled' and accusing her of ruining family dinners with her 'pickiness.' The poster clapped back, telling her mother-in-law that her "health isn't up for debate," and she is "not going to apologize for taking care of myself.' Following the incident, the woman excused herself from the dinner and left early. Now, the issue has created a rift in the family, with even her husband suggesting she could have handled things differently. 'He understands my side but thinks I could have just eaten beforehand to avoid the drama. His family is mad at me, and my mother-in-law is acting like she's the victim,' she writes. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. While the woman questions whether she should have just eaten before to avoid conflict, many Reddit users believe she shouldn't have to bend over backwards to spare the mother-in-law's feelings. 'You were absolutely right... Your MIL has proven she can't be trusted with your dietary restrictions so bringing your own food is the only reasonable solution. She's intentionally ignoring your needs & then playing the victim when you protect yourself. That's not just downright malicious,' one user noted. Others suggested she had another problem on her hands, questioning why her husband didn't stand up to his mom on her behalf. Read the original article on People


The Guardian
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
The aristocrat diet: why do posh people eat such beige, bland, boring food?
Name: The Aristocrat Diet. Age: As old as the aristocracy. Appearance: Bland, rich, characterised by an absence of turnips. Why no turnips? Because they're only fit for cattle. And no deep-fried food either. On health grounds? No, it's just too lower class. But ice-cream is OK as long as it's homemade, set in a mould and sliced. Who says? Posh people, according to Australian food stylist Annabel Bower, who once worked as a chef for a baron and his family. When did she work for them? In the late 19th century? It was, admittedly, more than 20 years ago. But their habits and routines do sound a bit Victorian. Any other dietary restrictions? According to Bower, minced or diced meat was never served. 'Because they're lesser cuts of meat,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'They could only be given to children or used for staff meals.' They sound quite insecure, these aristocrats. Do they think you can catch lower-classness from eating the wrong foods? They do seem particularly worried. You'd think the money would provide some kind of peace of mind. So what do the poshos eat? They apparently like to keep things simple: pork sausages and mashed potatoes with gravy, chicken and leek pie, jam roly-poly pudding, sponge cake, chicken sandwiches with mayonnaise. Are they allowed any food with colour? Yes, as long as that colour lies on the spectrum between white and beige. And spices? Not really. Bowers says garlic and parsley were about as 'crazy' as she was allowed to get. Is the aristocrat diet good for you? Yes and no. On the one hand, it's high in fresh vegetables such as carrots (only whole though, never diced) and low in processed foods, ready meals and takeaways. And on the other hand? Aside from the carrots, it's mostly meat and cake. Can you think of any examples of posh people deviating from this strict dietary regime? History tells us that Jacob Rees-Mogg once ate a deep-fried Mars bar. Did he like it? He said it was 'absolutely delicious'. It's a slippery slope. But is Rees-Mogg actually an aristocrat? He would really like you to think so. So if I was thinking about adopting the aristocrat diet, how would I start? Step one: acquire a title and start hoarding wealth. Do say: 'Let's have beef fillet again, what what.' Don't say: 'Would you mind terribly if I ate with the staff tonight?'