Tips to Encourage Toddlers to Eat Well

If there is one thing I am proud of about Enzo, it is that he loves eating. Hubby and I does not have any problems with him being a picky eater because he loves to explore different tastes and eats almost anything. By anything, means vegetables, fruits, and meat, etc. He just enjoys eating and he prefers eating full meals than snacks. What even amazes me and hubby is that he can stay put during meal times and would also choose to eat first before playing.

Here are some proof he really loves food: 

So now, I would like to share with all of you some of my strategies and tips on encouraging our toddlers to eat and enjoy food. Hopefully, some of these might help you in managing your picky eaters. 

1. Let them experience food. Food has to be a happy and enjoyable experience for children. When Enzo was little I let him touch and hold his food because that is part of the whole food experience. Yes it will be messy but as children touch the texture and consistency of the food will they have an appreciation of it. Let them hold and touch their food as long as their hands are clean. Don't mind the mess and focus on the experience.

2. Let them eat on their own. As soon as Enzo could grip, I let him use his own utensils. We bought his own plate, bowl, spoon, and fork. It was difficult for him at first but now he is getting the hang of it. Plus he loves his independence on eating in his own plate. We also feed him during meal times just to make sure he gets to eat but he still has his own plate.

3. Hands off the sweets first. When Enzo started eating we made an agreement not to expose him on sweets and sugars just yet. Both me and hubby are a sweet tooth so we figured he might be one too. The only problem we wanted to prevent is that he'll always choose the sweet rather than the healthy ones. Now that he's going two we give him just a little bit of sweet stuff but not too much. I think it proved effective because he prefers to eat meals than chocolates or candies. 

4. Shared experience. Meal time is family time. Make sure the family eats together because children learn through imitation. If they see their parents eatig vegetables and any food on the table then they will also have the same perception. Parenta are their role models so lets model a healthy eater as well.

5. Make food appealing and expose them to a wide variety of food. This one is still a challenge for me but what looks good in the eyes can be good for the tummy. If children see their food well presented and appealing they will be more interested to eat  it right? Let's try to make an effort in food presentation too!;) Get inspired by Bento Mamas or NanaysLuncheswithLove they have a lot of cute bento meals for children. 

For now, I am grateful for Enzo being a foodie at an early age and hopefully he'll continue to grow as such. 

Do you have other useful tips to encourage toddler to eat? Share them with me. 

Cord blood, a new hope for Leukemia

A video of a mother from Quebec fighting against leukemia recently went viral in YouTube. Her desperate plea – to find a compatible umbilical cord donor, the only hope for her second battle against leukemia.

Mai Duong, a 34-year-old Vietnamese-Canadian mother is among the many patients diagnosed of cancer every four minutes. Leukemia - cancer of the body’s tissues that are responsible for forming blood including bone marrow and lymphatic system is among the top eight common cancers in the Philippines.

I can relate to her story at some point as I had an older sister who died of this sickness. I did not get the chance to meet her because she died when I was only a baby. I only knew about her through my mom's stories and some of my eldest brother's recollection of her. It happened two decades ago and I could not imagine how painful it was for my parents to have to struggle with my ate's illness.

Normally, the body produces and grows the white blood cells in an orderly way. But for people with leukemia, their bone marrow produces white blood cells that are abnormal either in number or function.

 The symptoms of the disease varies from fever or chills, persistent fatigue and weakness, frequent or severe infections, unexpected weight loss, swelling of lymph nodes, bruising or bleeding easily, frequently recurring nosebleeds, visible red spots, bone pain or tenderness and excessive sweating at night.

Beyond the physical pain that leukemia patients experience, they are also susceptible to emotional stress and anxiety. And when it comes to the trauma and emotional pain, the patient’s family is no exception.  Studies showed that anxiety and posttraumatic stress are common to leukemia patients’ families during and even after suffering from the condition. Researchers found that childhood cancer treatment has a long-term impact on parents and families, thus, highlighting the need for psychological interventions during and after the cancer treatment.

But what gives the patients and their families a sense of hope for recovery is the life-saving effects of stem cell transplantation, including that from umbilical cord blood. 

 “Cord blood opens the door to provide transplants to thousands of leukemia patients who otherwise would not get a transplant,” said Mary J. Laughlin, M.D., of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center in Cleveland, in an article published by the Journal of National Cancer Institute[i]ⁱ.

Today, Filipinos can now benefit from these breakthroughs in cancer study by banking their babies’ stem cell-rich cord blood. This unique, highly-advanced service is now available in the country through Cordlife Philippines’ cord blood banking service which helps parents protect their child from the dangers of life-threatening diseases including leukemia.

This being so, would give hope to other people that there is now a solution to Leukemia. Deaths of this same sickness can now be prevented and more families will get to enjoy each others company longer. It is also up to us to spread this new technology and make people more aware of the wonders of the umbilical cord. 

“Stem cells are at the forefront of one of the most riveting and revolutionary areas of medicine today. While this could be a leap from the traditional treatments available, my fellow doctors and I do recognize cord blood stem cell transplantation as a standard form of treatment for various blood disorders, specially leukemia” Dr. Arvin Faundo, Medical Director of Cordlife Philippines.

With continuous advancement in cord blood stem cell applications, it’s imperative that parents seize the one chance to save their baby’s cord blood. For more information, download Cordlife’s FREE infopack @ www.cordlife.ph or call them at (02) 332 – 1888.

For more information, please like:  https://www.facebook.com/CordLifePhilippines

Ready, Set, Go! Spin to Greatness with he Infinity Nado

Anime shows were hip during my childhood days and I was one of the many the girls in our school who went crazy about it. I enjoyed specifically the tagalized versions of Ghostfighter, Flame of Recca, etc. I remember collecting photos and other items of my favorite characters. Those were the days, but, kids and adults now have more access to anime shows and products such as toys.

Infinity Nado is a Japanese anime that focuses on battle, justice and friendship. The story features the adventures of Jin and his mates as they enter the center of the Gyro-type tower to stop its rotation and overcome the evil forces to save the world.

Now toy enthusiasts, anime fanatics and toy collectors can have more than just seeing these on TV shows. The newest game that has been making waves all over Asia and the rest of the world is finally here in the Philippines. Prepare to spin your way to greatness with the all new Infinity Nado.

Infinity Nado takes gaming to a whole new level with its precision fighting tops that feature the latest in battle technology. Made by popular toy-maker Auldey, Infinity Nado tops are designed using advanced physics that revolutionizes and increases game play and competition.

 The games are likewise built on the same principles promoting non-stop, action-packed fun. Its tournaments and regularly sanctioned competitions have been happening in different parts of Asia and the rest of the world, gaining more fans and gamers, young and old alike, all eager for a NADO battle.

Built for strength, stability, and speed, Infinity Nado tops are mechanical spinning wonders perfect for tinkering, thrill-seeking tots. It is composed of five interchangeable layers that manipulate the top's center of gravity. This makes for precision control whether you wish to play at a lightning-quick pace or a hard-nosed attacking style.

Infinity Nado's sophisticated gameplay features the world's first RFID (Radio Frequency ID) smart chips that store fight stats and data using a state-of-the-art digital scanning system. The smart chips store gamers' personal information and keeps real-time track of level certification, accumulated score, and fight history.

 Watch out for Infinity Nado spinning tops such as the Infinity Nado Aspis, Infinity Nado Jester, Infinity Nado Cyan Spout, Infinity Nado Furious and more. You can now grab your Infinity Nado toys in Toy Kingdom, Toy Town, Toys R' Us and other toy stores in Metro Manila.

Toys like Infinity Nado are great sources of family bonding time. Daddys with their son can share techniques and stragies and Moms and daughters can too. Families can even form groups and have a mini-Infinity Nado competition. It is a new opportunity to teach children logic, sportmanship and teamwork.

For more info like their FB page:
 www.facebook.com/infinitynado 

Manulife Bundle of Joy: Securing our Family's future

A family is made more complete with children. A marriage becomes fulfilling as one enters into the phase of being able to nurture another person. A new baby brings happiness and inspiration to most parents.
When hubby and I married, we were already pregnant with our first baby. Though we were filled with joy, the reality was we will have to provide everything our bundle of joy would need. As a worrier mom, I had always thought of his educational plans and our family's insurance. I know most moms or parents feel me on this, right? As parents, we would want to secure our children as much as we can with everything that we have. Saving money in the bank may not be enough as the times are changing and so are circumstances.

Luckily for new parents or expecting parents, Manulife PH has an exciting offer for you that could lessen some of your life's worries.

Manulife Ph is one of the oldest top life insurance firms in the country providing innovative financial products

Now, Manulife brings its newest product: Bundle of Joy to help more Filipino families into better financial awareness thus securing the family.

Bundle of Joy is an advocacy of Manulufe that would help families to take the initial steps in preparing for their future especially of the children. Now expectant moms or parenta to new born babies can be part of a community that would support a starting family.

Just register online in  Bundle of Joy and you get a free Php100k life insurance coverage for children below 1 year of age. Not only that you can also get tips and lessons from resident doctors that could assist you in the early stages of being pregnant and raising a baby. You can also get freebies or win prizes when you become a part of the community. But more than the free stuff you can get through it what matters most is the ability or opportunity you, as parents, can offer your children. Life is full of uncertainties but as parents, it is but best to have some peace of mind. Manulife Bundle of Joy makes this part easiers for us.

For more information, check their site at  www.manulifebundleofjoy.com.ph or  www.manulife.com

Chasing After Toddlers Plus Tips before Starting Workouts

As I was browsing my previous blogposts I came across a December 2013 Workout Challenge I gave myself. If you want to know more about it please read it here: A December Workout Challenge

Unfortunately, I did not succeed haha! I found the workout too difficult for me or maybe I'm just making excuses haha!

Anyway, I decided to have another challenge this year but not on a specific workout but on having a healthy-ier lifestyle.A healthier lifestyle means eating right, working out and taking care of one's body. When I was still in my younger years, I would workout everytime summer is near just so I can wear my two pieces! haha. This time I have a bigger purpose and motivation to keep up a healthy lifestyle and that is to: CHASE AFTER MY TODDLER. I'm sure a lot of parents feel me, right guys? haha!

My son being his active and adventurous self loves walking, running, and climbing anything, anywhere and everywhere. I love that he is very curious but I am having a hard time following him. Primarily it is because I don't get enough exercise and has not conditioned my body properly. (Do you get my point?) I would want my little boy to be able to explore and play with me by his side and doing that means I have to take care of my body as well. 

This year, you can expect more fitness or workout posts that I will do so as to keep my body conditioned and toned. I have been putting off my workouts since I gave birth and maybe it's the right time to start now. 

BUT.. people, here are some safety reminders you have to keep in mind before starting any workout or change in lifestyle, okay?

1. Clarify your workout or lifestyle goals. Ask yourself, Why am I doing this? Is it to lose weight or burn fat? Is it to tone my muscles? Or is it for conditioning or strengthening? Whatever it is you have to make it personal. Own the reasons so you can own the results as well. 

If you ever feel unmotivated, check this link for fitspiration quotes and get your much needed pep talk: 

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/motivational-quotes

Photo from: Pinterest

2. Use proper workout attire and equipment. Whatever workout you decide on pursuing you have to invest on attires and equipment suited for it. Warning: Don't use working out as an excuse to shop! I know that feeling! Having new shoes, or equipment will not guarantee that you'll workout so make sure you'll make your purchase worth it. 

Different workouts require different shoes or attire. Wearing correct shoes or attire reduces the chances of injuries which is something anyone should be careful about. In example, running shoes can be used in the gym as well and not only in running. You just have to make sure that the shoes is comfortable and is just the right fit to your feet. Plus, wearing the right outfit can boost self esteem and confidence while working out right? I work out at home but make sure I wear my workout clothes because it gives me better motivation. With the cool range of sports apparel offered at ZALORA, I'd be able to work out in style. Check out this link to find more sports apparel: http://www.zalora.com.ph/reebok/

3. Always begin with a WARM UP. Never ever start any workout without doing a warm up. You don't want to injure yourself from muscle strains so you have to prepare your body for workout. Your workouts will become more effective given the right warm up.  If you need more convincing here is a link where you can read more about warming up before an exercise: Why I should WARM UP before an Exercise?

For warm up exercises, I suggest you try these: 

http://www.muscleandfitness.com/workouts/workout-tips/bulletproof-your-body-ultimate-warm

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/how-to-warm-up.aspx

So tell me, what workout or lifestyle are you planning to take this year? 

I'd love to hear about it!:) Thanks!