There is a big difference between WHOLE grains and REFINED grains. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel- the bran, germ, and endosperm. Refined grains have been processed, thus removing the bran and germ. Manufacturers do this to give grain foods a finer texture and improve their shelf life. The processing and refining of grains strips them of their fiber, iron and many vitamins and nutrients. Eating too many foods containing refined grains can lead to heart disease, diabetes and high levels of blood fats called triglycerides. That's why whole grains are great for kids, and refined grains should be avoided.
7 practical tips to make cooking with kids a fun family bonding activity
Our own Nomster Chef research with parents found that the biggest reason parents wanted to cook with their kids was because it would increase family bonding and togetherness time. More quality family time was even more important to parents than increasing kids' willingness to try new food and eat more healthfully (which of course are pretty high up on the list!).
But, while lots of parents want to have fun cooking with their kids, we know it can be hard to make it happen. Uncle Ben's cooking initiative found that 90% of parents believe cooking with kids is important, but only 1/3 of parents cook with their kids weekly. Research has found that the main barriers to cooking with kids are time and mess. Sound familiar? Nomster Chef's test parents have also told us that finding the time to cook with their kids is also the hardest thing for them.
Real Kid Chef Mazzy taking YouTube by storm
Have you guys discovered The Mazzy Show on YouTube yet? It is the cutest thing that has ever cuted. The channel features two-year-old Kid Chef Mazzy from Portland, Oregon making delicious things with her parents.
4 More Great Cookbooks for Kids
There are so many great cookbooks for kids out there that we decided to keep rounding them up for you! This bunch will appeal to all different kinds of kid chefs: foodies, preschoolers, story-lovers, and family meal makers.
4 Good Cookbooks for Kids
Want to encourage your kiddo's love for cooking but don't want their first recipe to be roast leg of lamb with creme brûlée? Kids' cookbooks are excellent because they offer recipes that are both appropriate for beginning chefs but also that appeal to small people with still-developing palates. There are lots of good cookbooks for kid chefs out there, but today we'll highlight 4 of them. These cookbooks make great gifts for kids who like to cook, or for parents who would like to cook with their kids. Happy cooking and nomming!