Nut Free Chewy Granola Bars

This time of year I am often asked by parents what they can pack in their kids lunches that are healthy and nut free. With the limited amount of time some kids are given to eat, they need calorie dense, nutritious food.

Here is a recipe that was given to me quite a few years ago - I believe it originally came from the Running Room magazine, but I'm not sure. (I really would like to give credit to the original source!). These granola bars are more like granola cake but they are nut free, wheat free, but certainly not taste free! Add a piece of fruit and you've got a healthy, filling snack.

1 cup oil (olive is fine but has a distinct flavour - you may prefer canola)
3/4 cup brown sugar (I only use about 1/2 cup or less)
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup barley flour (available at the bulk barn - you can also use a blend of rice flour and chick pea flour to make them gluten free)
1 cup rolled oats
3 tsp ground flax seeds
1 tsp each: baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup finely chopped pitted honey dates (raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries work really well too!)
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (sunflower seeds work well too)

Beat oil and sugar on low speed until very smooth.
Beat in eggs, one at at time, then add vanilla.
In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients except the fruit and seeds.
Beat dry into wet until just combined.
Stir in fruit and seeds.
Pour into a greased 9X13 pan.
Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
Makes 24 small bars (which is good because they are loaded up with good calories)

Enjoy!

Do kids really have to be vaccinated to get into school?

Vaccinations are a hot and contraversial topic. I have avoided it outside of private consultations until now in order to not offend. However, I have heard on the radio and from patients so many times in the last week that "children HAVE to be vaccinated to be allowed in school" that I have to speak up.

The message is only half right. If your children are not vaccinated and you have not filled out the appropriate paperwork, then it is correct. However, if you have decided that vaccinating your children is not in their best interest, and you fill out the appropriate form, they cannot be denied entry into public school.

Please hear me: I am not saying that you should not vaccinate your children. I am just making the point that if vaccinating your children is not in their best interest, then you shouldn't feel pressured to do so with the threat of being denied entry into school.

Weather or not to vaccinate is a deeply complex and personal decision. It should be made on a case to case basis, and with good information to support your choices. One good Canadian resource that I highly recommend is Katia Bailetti ND. She has done her homework and has a balanced viewpoint. She does phone consultations if you have questions and all of the forms are available on her website at www.drbailetti.com.

Organic food study leads to blogging

So there I was, feeding my nine month old son, watching CBC, when I heard it - organic food is not any more healthy than conventionally grown produce. http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/07/30/organic-food.html
I had so much to say, and only Patrick to speak to. It was at that moment that I knew it was time for me to blog.
And so, here I am writing my first. Welcome.

Back to the organic food thing for a moment. I think these studies are necessary but misleading. Unfortunately, most people won't seek out the actual study and read it before making their decision. From what I see, people from both sides of the argument are using the same study to support their point of view. http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/organicreviewappendices.pdf


We as a culture are so dissociated from our food. How many people really think about what is on their plate and where it came from? For those who would like to explore this, I recommend Micheal Pollen's books The Omnivore's Dilemna and In Defense of Food. These books were the first that I read that echoed my thoughts. He presents the argument beautifully. He discusses organics grown at a small local farmer, vs. organics grown in a pesticide-free agri-business. Visit www.rootedinhealth.ca/contact.htm to obtain a copy.

Here's what I think. Grow some lettuce in your backyard or in on your deck in a box. Cut some, wash it (or not) and eat it right away. Buy some lettuce from the supermarket. Wash it, and eat it right away. If you can't taste the difference, then go ahead and keep buying from the supermarket. Me? I'm going to grow what I can, then I'll walk down my street and buy the rest from the local farmers.