Spring Sugar Acid Protection from Aquafresh® toothpaste

A dental hygienist visited Ada's preschool recently. Ever since, she's been like our own resident dentist, sharing all the DOs and DON'Ts of good oral hygiene. When we cut into Stephen's birthday cake this year, Ada made sure to mention that sweets aren't always so great for your teeth. Of course, we aren't about to cut out some of our favorite celebration foods, so we had a nice discussion with her about moderation.

What happened after dessert? She made us take a family trip to the bathroom to brush our teeth. These preschool years continue to amaze me.


Today's post is about about Aquafresh® toothpastein partnership with SheKnows. Their toothpastes provide Sugar Acid Protection from active fluoride. This both strengthens and shields teeth against sugar acid attack from everyday foods and drinks, the primary cause of cavities.

This spring, there's plenty of sugar flowing between holidays, parties at school, and my own pregnancy cravings. I'm not going to limit it all, nor do I think a little sugar every now and again is such a bad thing to enjoy. One of our favorite treats, though, doesn't have any added sugar at all. Instead, it's a basic breakfast smoothie filled with berry goodness, a dose of vegetarian protein, and gut-healthy active cultures.

And did I mention it's incredibly easy to make?

STRAWBERRY LASSI

(serves 1)

Blend together:

• 1/2 cup (heaping) frozen strawberries
• 1 cup plain kefir
• Couple tablespoons water

PS: If you're feeling really adventurous, you can add a handful of kale or your favorite greens into the mix as well. 

When it comes time to brush, it's good to know that Aquafresh Multi Action is all about Sugar Acid Protection through active fluoride. It has 6 key benefits in 1 toothpaste:

• Cavity Protection 
• Healthy gums*
• Fresh breath 
• Great taste 
• Whitening*
• Enamel Strengthening 

*With twice daily brushing

You can grab a coupon to try it right here. Visit Aquafresh® toothpaste on Facebook and Twitter.

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Christmas Morning Pancakes

I’ve been trying the last few years to find or create THE recipe that will be part of our Christmas morning for years to come. This year, I finally figured it out . . . and it’s a good one. I was searching around for a good egg-free pancake recipe. The kind that melt in your mouth, but are oh-so fluffy.

These are IT, guys.

I took the photo with my phone because I’m still in the stage of needing to eat ASAP or I’ll get sick. But progress, right?! Recipes = progress . . . .

CHRISTMAS MORNING KEFIR PANCAKES

Based on this Egg-Free Buttermilk Pancakes recipe.

What you’ll need . . . 

• 2 cups flour (I used a mix of all purpose and wheat pastry)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• Pinch salt
• 2 cups kefir 
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk (or water)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup frozen or fresh berries, rinsed well*
• Mini chocolate chips (optional)

* I used a frozen berry mix with blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries.

Method . . . 

1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Then add the kefir, coconut milk, and oil.
3. Mix until everything is moistened, but it can still be lumpy. Don’t over-mix.
4. After you rinse your berries (until the water runs clear for the frozen ones!) pat them dry with a tea towel or paper towel. Then gently fold them into the batter.
5. Cook heaping half cups on medium-high (or so) heat until golden on both sides. Before you flip, sprinkle the mini chocolate chips onto the uncooked side. 
6. Serve with pure maple syrup.

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Mango Lassi with Kefir

A recipe! I’m trying not to jinx myself, but I’ve been feeling relatively OK the last couple days. I do have some notes from when I was pregnant with Ada, and I remember having a few no-nausea days only to have it come back full force. I’ll take what I can get. I’m also starting to wonder if my diet has something to do with feeling better.

Until last week, I had been eating a lot of sugar. It wasn’t that I really wanted to, necessarily. But I noticed I’d stop getting sick if I continually fed the sugar and carb monster. Then I’d inevitably crash, feel worse nausea than ever, and the whole cycle would start over again. After finding out I have a asymptomatic UTI from strep B (different from just testing positive at the end of pregnancy -- ugh), I’m on antibiotics, so I’ve been careful about my probiotic intake and cutting back on the sugar, which can feed infection.

This is a long intro to my new favorite smoothie. It’s a "mango lassi" made with -- you guessed it -- kefir. I’ve been drinking kefir off and on for a few years, but I always fall out of the habit. It’s really good for you if you stick with the plain variety. And I know lots of people make their own at home, too.

Just blend together . . .

• 1 cup plain kefir
• 1/2 cup (heaping!) frozen or fresh mango
• Fresh mint (to garnish -- I don’t have any this time of year)

I’ve been buying the Siggi’s filmjork (it’s a lot like kefir) at Wegmans. It’s my favorite and it’s not loaded with sugar. It’s also pasteurized, which is important during pregnancy. (I know people have different opinions on food dos and don’ts, but I stick on the safer side after doing some research about how pregnant women are way more susceptible to food illnesses when pregnant.)

Also: My VillaWare blender has been working REALLY well! I’m so glad I didn’t invest in anything more expensive this time around.

I’m also taking a probiotic supplement. Ever since I started adding the probiotics into my diet and lessening my sugar, I haven’t actually been sick (you know what I mean) and have only had some mild episodes of nausea. I am also getting closer to 12 weeks, so that might be to thank as well. Whatever works.

Only time will tell. But I hope you enjoy this recipe. It’s easy to make + super satisfying.

HAPPY TUESDAY!

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