by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Oct 29, 2020 | Cooking Tips
Turkey Recipe and Cooking Time
I've been meaning to write about this new Thanksgiving recipe and safety e-book my husband created for you. So, here I am! And this Turkey Recipe and Cooking Time e-book is pretty awesome, in my opinion.
It started out as a general food safety e-book. However, with the Holidays swiftly approaching, we both decided it would be better to focus specifically on Turkey Safety, especially because the following 5 steps are EXTREMELY important to prevent food poisoning.
- Thawing
- Cleaning
- Separating
- Cooking
- Chilling
Of course, we didn't forget to add some tasty recipes, which my husband made and we taste-tested.
- Pumpkin Tart
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Whole Grain Blueberry Spice Pancakes (my absolute favorite)!
- Italian Stuffed Peppers that you can decorate to look like mummies
- A cute idea for serving vegetables at a get together or party.
These are basic, simple recipes that aren't necessarily low fat or low calorie. However, portion control is key when you are eating for holidays (or any other time). This is what I remember when I eat anything. 🙂
Last year, at Christmastime, we created a couple of kid-friendly recipes as well. Click here to check this out.
Check out this super cool Hands-on Fall Food & Spices project.
If you want more in-depth information on food safety, and you don't want to wait for me to finish my project on this subject, here are a few links to help you teach your kids:
Super cute teaching materials already prepared for you!
Food Safety with Beth
Government Food Safety Sites:
Centers for Disease Control Food Safety Home Page
Food Safety.gov
Post on how to use my Halloween Food Science and Math Unit Study
And don't forget to check out my Meal Planning for Kids Curriculum pack here.
Read my article, “Healthy Eating on a Budget” to give you a better idea of what “Meal Planning for Kids” is all about.
Sensory Friendly Vegetable Soup Recipes
Thanksgiving Desserts and Appetizers
Check out these super cute fairy tale books for preschool and kindergarten age kids
A Healthy Christmas Recipe for Kids
Printable Christmas Bookmarks
Nutrition Fun for Kids
Paleontologist Kids Elementary Unit Study
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Oct 21, 2020 | Education Materials
How to Send Love and Comfort to Pregnant Friends During the Pandemic
(Post contains affiliate links).
You know that Homeschooling Dietitian Mom has you covered with nutrition and homeschool tips needed to stay stress-free in lockdown. But what about your relatives and friends who are pregnant during these stressful times? Those women may need a little extra support from you to stay sane, and here are just a few ways you can safely provide that extra care and love.
A Thoughtful Gift Can Go a Long Way
If you want to support your loved one, consider sending a gift that will relieve stress and help her feel extra comfortable during these challenging times.
A Comforting Meal Can Also Be Helpful
Trying to grocery shop while pregnant or with a new baby can feel impossible during a dangerous pandemic, but you can help by providing nourishing meals.
Listening Can Often Be the Greatest Gift
Honestly, your loved one may not need actual gifts to feel safe and supported during this pregnancy but would prefer less tangible support.
In addition to carrying a child, your pregnant friends are also carrying the same COVID stresses as the rest of us. That’s a lot for anyone to handle on their own, so try to reach out and provide support when you can. Trust us, your efforts will be greatly appreciated!
Remember to turn to Homeschooling Dietitian Mom for useful tips and advice throughout your parenting journey!
Other things you might be interested in:
Nutrition for Pregnancy – Recipes and Suggestions to Help You Start Out Right
10 Best Foods to Eat When Pregnant
Best Fall Recipes
Preschool Broccoli Activity Pack
Photo Credit: Unsplash
How to Send Love and Comfort to Pregnant Friends During the Pandemic
Article courtesy of Alyssa Strickland
Alyssa Strickland created millennial-parents.com for all the new parents on the block. Alyssa believes the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child, but she also thinks it takes a village to raise a parent! Millennial-Parents is that village. Today’s parents can be more connected than ever, and she hopes her site will enrich those connections. On Millennial-Parents, she shares tips and advice she learns through experience and from other young parents in three key areas — Education, Relationships, and Community.
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Aug 28, 2020 | Creation Education Resources
There are at least 5 Reasons my son believes in Catastrophism, and why he doesn't believe in macroevolution. (Post may contain affiliate links).
Before I get into what my son believes and why, I would like to start with a few definitions.
First, what exactly is catastrophism?
“Catastrophism is the theory that the Earth has largely been shaped by sudden, short-lived, violent events, possibly worldwide in scope.” (Wikipedia).
This is in contrast with the term “Uniformitarianism.”
“Uniformitarianism is also known as the Doctrine of Uniformity. It is the assumption that the same natural laws and processes that operate in our present-day scientific observations have always operated in the universe in the past and apply everywhere in the universe.” (Wikipedia)
So, when I say that my son believes in catastrophism, this is what it means. It means he does not believe that the same natural laws and processes that we observe operating today can fully explain the origin of our universe.
What exactly is meant by the term “Evolution?”
When the term “evolution” is used, it is often unclear what exactly “evolution” means. And to complicate matters further, definitions differ between catastrophists (flood geologists) and uniformitarianists (evolutionary scientists).
The main reason for the disagreement is because two types of evolution are often discussed, Macroevolution and Microevolution.
Macroevolution refers to the theory that, “All things are evolving in a positive beneficial direction.”
For example, Macroevolution is defined as, “the process of one type of animal (fish) evolving into a completely different type of animal (amphibian).” This is what evolutionary scientists believe to be true.
However, Catastrophists don't agree that Macroevolution is true.
The reason we don't agree with evolutionists on this definition is because
Macroevolution requires an increase in genetic information, which has NEVER BEEN SHOWN to happen.
Another concept that is important for me to clarify is the term “Natural Selection.”
Natural Selection is, “the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.”
So, how does this relate to Microevolution?
Well, Natural Selection is an example of Microevolution. Natural Selection is an observable phenomenon–when it is correctly used as an example of Microevolution, because:
Microevolution has been observed in the laboratory.
For example, Microevolution is what is happening when bacteria become immune to antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is not the result of an increase in information. It is the result of the passing on of already existing antibiotic resistant genes that are present in the surviving organism.
To sum it up, when I say that my son believes in Catastrophism, I mean that he believes that the Worldwide Flood of Noah discussed in the Bible is an acceptable explanation for how the world came to be in the state it is occurring. And when I say that he does not believe in evolution, I am referring to the fact that he doesn't believe Macroevolution – molecules to man, amoeba to man, etc.
Now that we’ve got that cleared up, I want to mention a few ways I believe have helped my son decide on his own that creation and catastrophism make more sense than evolution and uniformitarianism.
5 Reasons My Son Believes in Catastrophism
1. He has been Given a Firm Foundation through Solid Biblical Teaching
We attend a church that teaches the Bible, verse-by-verse. This means that when the Pastor teaches from the pulpit, he starts in Genesis 1 and goes all the way to the end of the Book of Revelation. He then starts over. The same principle applies throughout our church, from Preschool on.
Also, the Bible is taken literally and in a straightforward manner. For instance, if the Bible says that God created in seven days, we don't use “science” to determine what God means by a day. We look at the Hebrew, which clearly shows that God meant one literal 24-hour day when he used the word “Yom.”
Every summer our church has Vacation Bible School (VBS). And they have always been from Answers in Genesis which emphasizes creation and the trustworthiness of the bible. My son absolutely loved VBS. In fact, he went every single year from pre-kindergarten until 6th grade. In fact, he was really bummed when he found out he was too old to attend.
And this past summer (2019), he attended by helping with one of the VBS classes. This is one of the first times he's taken initiative like this. And I am so proud of him! (Yes, he loved it, and I am sure he will be doing it again next year)! 🙂
Thus, my son is growing up with knowledge of the entire Bible within context.
The Bible is the only true source of a firm foundation. The bible is also the only way to effectively combat the lies of the enemy.
2. We Have Spent Time Discussing the Power of the Media
Whenever I watch a movie with my son, if there is anything questionable about it, we will discuss it. For example, the Jurassic Park series. Many people don’t realize that the theme of evolution flows through the plot of the entire Jurassic series. For example, when they show ostriches running at the end of the first movie, the implication is that they are the descendants of dinosaurs. Or when they discuss the amber that the dinosaur DNA was found in, it is stated that the amber is millions of years old. That is, it is never questioned.
Dinosaur Dan on PBS
My son used to watch this show. In every single show of the series, Dan states “65 million years ago” at least once. Teachers know that if you want a child to remember a fact, you mimic it repeatedly. This is why I don't believe it is a coincidence that Dan states “65 million years ago,” in every single show. The producers want the young children to remember this “fact.” Every time I would hear Dan say that I asked my son, “How do they know that? Were they there? When you dig up a fossil, does it have a date engraved on it? What about the problem of index fossils?”
3. Books that apply the Creation message.
One of my all-time favorites is the “The Time Twins” series by DB Macks. I discovered this series through Creation Research Society Quarterly Magazine. I can honestly say I have never read a more eye-opening series than this one. Because there are a few scenes that are graphic, I waited until Nathan was 10 to read it to him. And he absolutely loved it. =)
My OWN Paleontologist Kids Unit Study is one result of my years of studying this important message. Click here to see it.
I have met some interesting people over the years. One friend I met while at Loma Linda University has had a profound effect on Nathan. MaryAnn works with Dr. Gary Parker in Florida. When she visits, she always brings hands-on goodies, such as fossils, to share and discuss with Nathan.
4. The eruption of Mt. St. Helens 1980.
This disaster is nicknamed, “The Little Grand Canyon.” Mt. St. Helens testifies that it doesn’t take millions of years for layers and fossils to form. There is a little museum on the road to the Mt. St. Helens that you can visit. Here you will find evidence and discussions of the alternative viewpoint that you won't hear at the “main event” up the street. While MaryAnn worked at the museum, Nathan benefited from her connections. 🙂
5. He has been exposed to ALL the evidence
When kids attend public school, they are only exposed to one side of the issue. Evolution is taught as fact with no alternatives allowed. The public school system has been “scrubbed clean” of any mention of the creation viewpoint. People have been led to believe that evolution is “science” and creationism is “religion.” Thus, most people don't have a problem with that at all, to the detriment of their kids, who are growing up with a faulty foundation that will color their point-of-view for the rest of their lives. 🙁
I have gobbled up all the good books I could find on the subject since before I even knew I was going to have a child. From preschool on up. This is an extremely critical issue to me, and it should be to other Christians as well. This why I have taken every single opportunity I have had and continue to have to make sure my son sees things from both sides so that he can DECIDE FOR HIMSELF what he believes.
The main reason we are losing our kids in college is because we have not prepared them for the onslaught of evolutionary thoughts and ideas that they will be exposed to at the college level. And the sad reality is that most so-called Christian universities are also compromising with the message of the bible and secular science.
The point I am trying to make is this. Do everything you can to go along with your child, side-by-side, so that you can continually show alternative viewpoints to the media onslaught of evolutionary ideas they are receiving through TV, the movies, radio, and the internet.
Why Don't People Believe in Young Earth Creationism?
When Did Dinosaurs Live?
ADHD and Diet Part 1
My Autistic Son Hates School
6 Reasons I'm Thankful for Autism
A Parent's Guide to Outdoor Safety
Is the Paleo Diet Biblical?
4 Things the Bible Does NOT Say about Race
FREE! Dinosaur Research Sheets
5 Grill Hacks to Help You Lose Weight
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Aug 24, 2020 | Creation Education Resources
Is the Paleo Diet Biblical?
I have always scratched my head every time I meet a Christian who claims to follow the paleo diet. My reasoning is based on the fact that the paleo diet has evolutionary pre-suppositions. Let me explain.
(Post may contain affiliate links).
Is the paleo diet biblical? Strictly speaking, the answer is “no.”
First, let's discover together the original basis of the paleo diet.
The paleo diet is also known as the stone-age or caveman diet. “Paleo” is short for Paleolithic.
This is defined as
“A very long period of human prehistory, extending from the first tool-using hominids at least 2.6 million years ago, all the way up until around 10,000 BP.”
This diet assumes what people during this time period ate. For example, it is assumed that the food “paleolithic era” people ate was raw, because they hadn't discovered fire yet. Thus, it is assumed that their diet consisted of raw animal meat, fruits, and vegetables.
From the evolutionary perspective, people living during the paleolithic time period were “primitive.” In fact, according to the theory people hadn't discovered fire and thus were eating everything raw.
According to the paleolithic theory, everything eaten was raw and unprocessed. Thus, it is assumed that grains, refined sugars, table salt, and dairy weren’t part of the diet.
You should take note of the time periods mentioned. The “10,000 BP” refers to “Before Present.” It is also supposedly the time when the “agricultural period” began.
I want to be clear when I say that before “10,000 BP” NO HISTORY was written. Hence, the term “pre-history” or “prehistoric.”
This is an especially crucial point because this is when the scientist, archaeologist, or anthropologist has to start speculating because history wasn't written down before “10,000 BP.”
Fossils that are dug up don't have ages written on them, for example. And neither do most archaeological artifacts. So, it's important to remember that this is when the true speculation begins regarding how much time has passed and how much “primitive” humans actually knew.
From a biblical creationist point of view, we need to eliminate the “primitive” aspect and the “millions of years ago,” when we discuss the Bible, because we know that humans were created in the image of God less than 10,000 years ago.
Now, let's look at what the Bible says about diet. For example,
In Genesis 1, God said:
“Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit yielding seed; it shall be food for you; and to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to everything that moves on the earth which has life, I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so. (Gen. 1:29–30)
The paleo diet does not allow any beans or peas (legumes), or cereal grains. I'm thinking they were included in the original mandate since they come from plants that yield seeds.
Then after the flood, when Noah and his family came off the ark, God gave further direction:
“The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands. Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.” (Genesis 9:2-3)
We can also evaluate what people during Bible days ate based on actual accounts. For example,
Prior to Sodom and Gomorrah being destroyed, Abraham was visited by three angels. Genesis 18:8 tells us what he served the men:
“Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender, choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.” (Genesis 18:8)
The paleo diet does not allow dairy products.
The Song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1-43) states:
“He made him ride on the heights of the land and fed him the produce of the field. He nourished him with honey from the rock and oil from the flinty crag, curds of cows, and milk of the flock, with fat of lambs, and rams, the breed of Bashan, and goats, With the finest of the wheat– And of the blood of grapes you drank wine.” (Deuteronomy 32:13-14)
Every food I can think of is mentioned somewhere in the Bible. Below are just a few examples:
Spices:
- Anise
- Coriander
- Cinnamon
- Dill
Fruits:
- Apples
- Dates
- Figs
- Grapes
- Melons
- Pomegranates
Vegetables and Legumes:
Grains:
- Barley
- Bread (Miraculous fish and bread provision–mentioned SEVEN times in bible)?
- Corn
- Millet
- Spelt
- Wheat
Click here for an exhaustive list of foods mentioned in the Bible.
Of course, many foods today are quite different, due to various human “improvements.” For example, genetic engineering (GMO) and hybridization.
It is interesting that God warns people in the Old Testament not to mix seeds of two different plants.
“Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled.” (Deuteronomy 22:9)
In Leviticus 19:19, the warning is repeated and includes forbidding the mating of two distinct kinds of animals:
“‘Keep my decrees. “‘Do not mate distinct kinds of animals. Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed…'”
Mankind in his attempts to “improve” upon nature is creating known and unknown problems. I believe modern day processing, which involves pesticides, pest control methods, hybridization, irradiation, GMO, and the like, is a big part of the reason for the health problems of so many.
For example,
Evidence suggests that the increase in gluten intolerance and wheat sensitivity is related to the hybridization of wheat.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-gmo-wheat-causing-increases-in-gluten-issues-562530
This may help to explain why many people feel better when they remove grains from the diet. It's not necessarily the gluten, though gluten can cause problems.
Another potential key to the puzzle is that we eat a far less variety of grains than we did 100 years ago. And of course, people are much less likely to consume whole grains in sufficient amounts than they were 100 years ago as well.
So, to sum it up. The Bible clearly shows that a variety of foods were eaten. As Christians, we know that mankind was not “primitive” in the early stages of life on earth. We also know that many things are being done to the foods in our current supply and that these things are causing a large percentage of the problems we are seeing today.
So, is the “Paleo diet” biblical?
Can a diet that is based on evolutionary suppositions improve the health of people when it is diametrically opposed to the very things the Bible teaches? I think not.
Instead, what we should do, if we are concerned about the foods we eat, is try to eat organic and non-GMO as much as possible. And of course, avoid any foods that are known to be intolerable.
When we start limiting the variety of foods we are eating, however, we are in effect limiting our access to the potential nutrients those foods contain. God created Vegetables, fruits, beans, seeds, and grains for us to enjoy from the beginning of time. These foods contain important nutrients that are often low in people's diets, including iron and folate.
https://foodinsight.org/whole-grains-fact-sheet/
The reasoning behind the paleo diet ignores this fact. And when you start with a faulty foundation, you are likely to come to faulty conclusions.
Below are a few popular articles I've written recently.
Eugenics and Dog Breeding
4 Things the Bible Does NOT Say About Race
Foods that Contain Gluten
Gluten-Free Cheat Sheet Bundle
High Protein Meals
Does Food Affect Autism?
by Deborah Hanyon, MPH, RDN, ACE-CHC | Aug 21, 2020 | Nutrition and Health
10 Best Foods to Eat When Pregnant
Many women don't realize that when they are pregnant they will require an extra 300 calories per day in their diet. This is really good news, especially if you're anything like me, and you like to eat! 😉
The other thing that is great about your increased need for calories is that it will make it easier for you meet your increased nutrition needs during pregnancy without fear of gaining excess weight. By the way, in case you are wondering, here is the recommended weight gain for pregnancy based on pre-pregnant weight.Note: This is NOT the time to be on a weight loss plan. And you should not worry too much if you gain a bit more or less than the recommendations here.
However, it is important to point out that if you gain an excessive amount of weight too quickly, this could be a sign of excessive water weight gain which can be a sign of a dangerous condition known as preeclampsia.
It is normal to retain a bit of water and to have some swelling in your ankles and other places during pregnancy, especially after the 20th week.
However, if you gain an excessive amount of weight and have any of the following symptoms:
- Severe Headache
- Changes in Vision
- Upper Abdominal Pain
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Decreased urine (pee) output
- Shortness of breath
Then You need to contact your doctor immediately!
On the other hand, if you are not gaining weight at all due to excessive morning sickness OR you are eating just fine but still not gaining weight, you also need to contact your doctor to make sure that you are not dehydrated or that something else isn't going on. Click here for symptoms of dehydration.
Back to increased nutrient needs.
Other increased needs include:
Most doctors will prescribe a prenatal vitamin. Prenatal vitamins are usually higher in folic acid and iron to compensate for the increased folic acid and iron needs of a pregnant woman. They also contain essential amounts of other vitamins and minerals, and many contain essential Omega-3s as well.
The 10 Best Foods to Eat When Pregnant are:
- Lean Meat and Eggs – High Quality Protein and Iron
- Leafy Greens including broccoli – Magnesium, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium
- Legumes, peas, and lentils (pulses) – Fiber to prevent constipation, folic acid
- Nuts – Copper, manganese, magnesium, selenium, zinc, potassium
- Whole grains – Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Iron, Fiber
- Yogurt, especially Greek Yogurt – High quality protein, probiotics (Read label to make sure yogurt you purchase contains probiotics).
- Calcium rich foods including milk (cow's, soy, rice, almond, cashew), cheese, and yogurt.
- Omega 3 Rich Foods including salmon and other fatty fish.
- Avocados – Healthy fats, Folic acid, B6, magnesium, fiber
- Water and Lots of it! (Juice, milk, soups, shakes help to provide water as well)
Gestational Diabetes
1 in 10 pregnant women will be diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes during their pregnancy. As a result, I want to briefly discuss this disease with you.
But what exactly is Gestational Diabetes and what can you do to reduce the risks?
Many people are familiar with Diabetes in general. Just like other types of Diabetes, Gestational diabetes results in high blood sugar as the result of insufficient insulin. With type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas is not producing insulin. With Type 2 Diabetes, there is insulin resistance, usually as the result of excess body weight.
Gestational Diabetes, on the other hand, seems to result in insulin in the pregnant woman's body not being available.
The reason you end up with high blood sugar is because insulin is necessary for the sugars you get through the foods you eat to be transferred to your body to be used for energy.
Unfortunately, it is not clear what causes Gestational Diabetes. What we do know is that it does not mean you had diabetes before pregnancy. Though it does mean that you have an increased risk of being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
“During pregnancy, the placenta, which connects your baby to your blood supply, produces high levels of various other hormones. Almost all of them impair the action of insulin in your cells, raising your blood sugar. (Emphasis mine). Modest elevation of blood sugar after meals is normal during pregnancy.
“As your baby grows, the placenta produces more and more insulin-counteracting hormones. In gestational diabetes, the placental hormones provoke a rise in blood sugar to a level that can affect the growth and welfare of your baby. Gestational diabetes usually develops during the last half of pregnancy — sometimes as early as the 20th week, but generally not until later.”
Who is at Highest Risk for Getting Gestational Diabetes
As with any type of diabetes, diet and exercise are your friends for helping you to feel your best and minimize the risks that can be associated with Gestational Diabetes.
Risks of Having Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy
One of the risk factors of Gestational Diabetes is a super big baby (high birth weight). This can result in the need for a Caesarian section because the baby is too big to fit through the birth canal. Also, preterm birth and respiratory distress syndrome can result from Gestational Diabetes. Another risk is low blood sugar of the baby at birth. And lastly, mom has a higher risk of Type 2 Diabetes later in life.
Click here for more information on Gestational Diabetes.
I hope that the information on Gestational Diabetes was helpful to you and that you are also enlightened on what I believe are the 10 best foods to eat when pregnant. There are lots of healthy foods to choose from.
Make sure you choose foods you enjoy and have fun!
Other Posts by Homeschooling Dietitian Mom
Diet and ADHD in Children, Part 1
Benefits of Breastmilk
What's So Important about Magnesium?
Why Protein is Important
10 Reasons Vitamin D is Important
10 Facts about Vitamin B12
References
Healthline – 13 Foods to Eat When Pregnant
American Diabetes Association – Gestational Diabetes
What to Expect – Big Nutrition Small Packages
The Mayo – Gestational Diabetes – Symptoms and Causes
Note: This is NOT the time to be on a weight loss plan. And you should not worry too much if you gain a bit more or less than the recommendations here.
