With the everyday hustle and balancing act of managing work, kids’ school lunches, homework, chores, and meal planning, people tend to leave little time to really think about long-term health and wellness. Let’s face it—society is surrounded by cancer-causing pollutants that oftentimes feel like a losing battle, but it’s not.

The effects of how we feed our brains positive messaging is as equally important as what we put in, on and around our bodies for our own longevity and well-being. Nutrition is a lifest‌yle that directly impacts lifespan. The fact is that people do have control over the body’s ability to fight, neutralize and prevent disease, and it all starts with a change in the acidic foods consumed, maintaining high-alkalinity in meal-planning, and balancing overall pH in the system.

Natural Wellness Solutions

Dr. Ahmad Nooristani. a licensed medical doctor in the field of internal medicine with 15 years of experience in practicing medicine, has taken care of thousands of patients in both in inpatient (hospital setting) and in outpatient settings (clinics, private practice). He has always combined mainstream medicine with alternative medicine to create a well-balanced plan for his patients.

As a medical doctor, Dr. Nooristani’s focus an application of the tools provided throughout years of training and is fully geared toward using drugs. Also, the overall national response to medical issues tends to be more reactive, as opposed to being proactive. This led Dr. Nooristani to dive deeper into what else may affect human bodies, and the reason behind these unimaginable diseases, as well as what can be done to prevent these diseases from even occurring. This has evolved into Dr. Nooristani’s mission in uncovering a solution that combines medicine with diet, supplements and exercise that has resulted in surmounting success.

Nutritional Impact on Disease

Nutrition plays a vital role in overall well-being and can even be one of the causes of cancer. Proper diet not only has a preventive effect on cancer, but will also slow it down. Eating a wide variety of plant-based foods is a smart start. Fruits, vegetables and grains contain hundreds of health-promoting antioxidants and phytochemicals cannot be derived from a dietary supplement.

For optimal impact, Dr. Nooristani recommends dietary choices that offer the best protection if they are combined with the following:

* Regular exercise

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Decreasing alcohol intake and remaining smoke-free

* Participating in recommended cancer screenings (i.e., mammogram, colonoscopy, pap smear, etc.)

Here are Dr. Nooristani’s top 10 cancer-fighting food recommendations to incorporate into family meals:

1. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables (the darker the better): Spinach, collard greens, romaine lettuce, and other dark green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of several cancer-fighting substances. Their capacity to have antioxidant properties make them a great choice to fight against cancer. Broccoli is at the top of the chart, followed by cabbage and kale.

2. Cranberries: With their deep red color, cranberries not only  boost the immune response, but also help cells detoxify harmful substances.

3. Carrots: Carrots contain several essential nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin A and antioxidants that also support the immune system.

4. Garlic & Onion (the darker the better): Garlic, onions, scallions, chives, and leeks have tons of antioxidant value. Their cancer-fighting abilities, due to several sulfur-based compounds, also have a big impact in preventing gastrointestinal cancers.

5. Grapes (the darker the better): Grapes, especially red and purple, have been known to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

6. Fatty Fish: Fish, to include salmon and mackerel, are rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin B and Omega-3 fatty acids. They are preventative against colorectal cancer.

7. Walnuts: All nuts exhibit cancer-preventing properties, but scientists have studied walnuts more than other types of nuts. Walnuts play a role in preventing breast cancer.

8. Whole Grains: Many compounds in whole grains have health-promoting properties. They are especially important in decreasing the chance of getting colorectal cancer and breast cancer.

9. Winter Squash: Squash, butternut and pumpkin all have antioxidants as well as preventative benefits in decreasing the chance of getting cancer.

10. Green Tea: Green Tea contains antioxidants with anticancer properties. Drinking green tea regularly has been associated with lower risk for cancers of the bladder and gastrointestinal (digestive) tract.

For more information on Dr. Nooristani’s approach to maintaining the body’s optimal immune response and disease prevention visit balance7.com.

Photo: Balance7

Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.

Forget about trying to coax your kid into eating all his veggies, and give it to him straight—in juice form, that is. The following juicing recipes for kids are big on yummy flavors and vitamins, making them the perfect easy breakfast-on-the-go or afterschool pick-me-up, especially during cold and flu season. Keep reading to discover 14 recipes below that’ll help you get your daily dose.

Carrot, Orange, Pear Juice

For this tasty combo, you can juice the carrots and pear in your regular juicer, but you’ll need a non-electric juicer for the orange unless your juicer can handle citrus. Get more recipes like this one over Inhabitots.

Ingredients
2 carrots
1 pear
1 orange

Divine Dreamsicle

Caitlin Regan via Flickr

This beginner juice from Reboot with Joe is perfect for kids. It looks and tastes just like a creamsicle! Yum.

Ingredients:
1 apple
1/4 pineapple
1 sweet potato
4 – 6 carrots
Yields one serving.

Melon Berry Splash Juice

Skip the sugar-laden store-bought juices in favor of a refreshing homemade mix like this one from Courtney's Sweets. You don't need a juicer for this recipe, and using a blender ensures that you're getting all the vitamins and minerals (rather than losing them in the pulp).

Ingredients:
4 cups watermelon
Juice of 1 lemon
10 frozen strawberries, partially thawed

Method:
In a blender combine the above ingredients. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Serves 3.

Berry Red Beet Juice

Skip the coffee this morning—get your energy boost from a delicious mix of beets, strawberries, and oranges that little ones will love, too. This ruby red recipe comes from Sophia at Love and Lentils.

Ingredients:
2 organic beets
8 organic strawberries
1 organic orange

Method:
1. Wash the beets, strawberries and orange.
2. Cut the greens off the strawberries, and slice the beets and orange into quarters.
3. Place all ingredients through your juicer.
4. Serve and drink right away.

Apple, Carrot, Orange & Ginger Juice

If your tots aren't yet convinced on green juice, this recipe from The Peach Kitchen is a good way to ease them into the world of veggie juices. Sweet carrots paired with yummy fruits make for a kid-approved afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients:
2 large carrots
1 orange, peeled
1 apple
a knob of ginger or turmeric

Method:
Let everything pass through your juicer and drink.

Strawberry-Apple Juice

This pretty in pink juice from FoodNetwork.com is the perfect way to wake your littles up on a weekend morning. The chia seeds help thicken the mixture and provide a boost of fiber.

Ingredients:
2 cups strawberries, tops removed
1 medium Red Delicious apple, peeled and cored
1 tablespoon chia seeds, optional

Method:
Juice the strawberries, then the apple, following your juicer's specific settings for each. Stir in the chia seeds if using and let soak for 5 minutes. Serve the juice immediately over ice, if desired.

Green Power Juice

sass_face via Flickr

Our friend Dr. Michael Murray of SPUD (they deliver fresh organic fruits and veggies directly to your doorstep) is their resident natural medicine expert and juicing fanatic. He calls this juice recipe “a great tasting green drink that most kids love.” It’s chock full of fruits to give it a sweet taste, but delivers lots of vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium and fiber.

Ingredients:
1 handful of Swiss chard, kale, spinach or a combination
1 pear
1 cup strawberries
1/2 lemon, unpeeled
1 apple, cut into chunks

Method:
Juice the greens first, followed by the pear, strawberries, lemon, and apple.

Thomas’ “I won’t eat chicken, but I’ll drink kale” Juice

Charina Lumley

This recipe comes to us from Red Tricycle’s own Director of Sales, Charina Lumley. She makes this juice on a daily basis for her son Thomas, who prefers his morning juice from his special snowman sippy cup.

Ingredients:
3 Romaine lettuce leaves
2 kale leaves
1 cup spinach
1 handful of baby carrots
1 Fuji apple (or similar sweeter variety)
1/2 Navel orange (or 1 clementine)

Method:
Wash fruits and vegetables. Juice greens followed by fruits. Immediately serve in your kiddo’s favorite sippy cup and enjoy.

Yields one 8-10oz serving

ABC Juice

freshtopia.net via Flickr

This juice recipe is a classic and a definite must-have in your juicing arsenal. It only has three ingredients, and, you guessed it, each item stands for one of the first three letters of the alphabet. Make a game out this recipe by letting your kiddo switch up the ingredients to spell different words.

Ingredients:
2 apples
1 beet
2 carrots

Yields one 8-12oz serving

Autumn Sunrise Juice

Breville USA via Flickr

Like a Tequila Sunrise minus the alcohol, this fruit/veggie concoction is a good balance between sweet and tart. Plus, adding in a few veggies gives this otherwise fruity drink an extra healthy kick.

Ingredients:
1 apple
1 orange
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
1/2 lemon

Morning Nourish Juice

J@YGS via Flickr

This super juice is just what busy parents and their tots need to get their day started. Since pears are less allergenic than other fruits, they are great for infants and the littler set, while still delivering a healthy dose of vitamin C and fiber.

Ingredients:
1 pear
1 handful kale
1 apple
2 stalks celery

Yields one 8-12oz serving

Orange Jubilee Juice

kc7fys via Flickr

No doubt your kid is an expert on identifying colors, so they’ll love the bright orange hue of this hearty beverage. And they’ll hardly notice the carrots through the natural sugars from the orange and apple (try Fujis or a similar sweet variety).

Ingredients:
1 orange
3 carrots
1 apple

Yields one 8-12oz serving

Shrek Juice

Tim Gage via Flickr

Speaking of colorful juices, this one reminds us of the slime they used to dump on celebrities on Nickelodeon. Tell your kiddo that it’s the same slime recipe that gave the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles their powers and he or she might be even more inclined to gulp it down.

Ingredients:
- 2 stalks celery
– 1 handful kale
– 2 apples

Yields one 8-12oz serving

Super Start Detoxing Juice

fo.ol via Flickr

Combine this juice with a regular exercise routine, and you’ll be back to feeling fit before you know it. Think of this as your homespun version of V8 at a fraction of the cost. And when your little ones see you downing this super juice, they’ll want to try some too.

Ingredients:
1 handful kale
1 handful collard greens
2 celery stalks
1/4 cucumber
1 carrot
1 tomato
1/2 lemon
1/2 apple
1 handful blueberries

Yields one 12-16oz serving

Tips for juicing:

– Combinations of ingredients are super important, especially when maximizing the juice’s nutritional value without compromising flavor. While you may be a fan of mixing a whole mess of fruits and veggies together, your kiddos might want something a little less adventurous.

– Certain foods like ginger can overpower or mask other flavors, so use them sparingly.

– You can increase the fiber content by blending the pulp and combining it with your juice for an extra healthy boost without the “no pulp” whine.

–If you don’t have a juicer, try parboiling or partially baking root vegetables like carrots and beets to make them soft enough to whip in a blender.

Have you introduced juicing into your kid’s diet? If so, we want to know your go-to recipeS—leave a comment below!

— Scott Wardell & Susie Foresman

 

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Considering all of the restaurants popping up in and around Chicago this summer, ice cream isn’t the only thing your kids will be screaming for. While we have a new retro soda fountain shop to go wild for, there’s also barbecue, kid-friendly salads, teriyaki … and more barbecue. Your next family dinner date starts now.

photo: Piggyback Tavern

Piggyback Tavern
Summer is the season for barbecue. Which would explain all the new ‘cue spots popping up around here. Forest Park’s much-loved Piggyback Tavern is one, and it’s expanding to the Loop. The new Piggyback is a fast-casual riff of the original, showcasing the slow-cooked, hardwood-smoked meats it’s known for in a comfortable, quick-service environment. Kids and adults alike can go wild customizing their barbecue dishes for lunch. Options include pulled pork and brisket in the form of sandwich, bowl, plate or salad, bedecked with optional sauces like Zesty, Mustard or Smokey Sweet. For sides, there’s jalapeño cheddar cornbread, mac ’n’ cheese and collard greens. Another nice touch here is the barnyard motif, bringing a welcome taste of the countryside to the heart of the city via wood tables, barn wood walls, vintage lighting and pig-inspired artwork. Get ready to pig out!

176 N. Wells St.
The Loop
Online: piggybacktavern.com

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
Piggyback isn’t the only meat Mecca in expansion mode these days. Orlando-based Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill made its Chicagoland debut in Mount Prospect’s Randhurst Village, marking the company’s 66th location in the country. The new location showcases the hand-rubbed, house-smoked dishes the company has built an empire out of, so you can rest assured it will be delish. The menu covers a pretty impressive cross-section of America’s regional barbecue traditions, too, offering a little something for every craving. There’s St. Louis ribs, Texas-style beef brisket and Memphis dry rub, to name a few. Additionally, youngsters can feast on smoked wings, build-your-own burgers and other finger-licking delicacies. The restaurant is enormous, complete with a roaring fire pit, lending the feel of a boisterous backyard barbecue party.

164 Randhurst Village Dr.
Mt. Prospect
847-305-1799
Online: smokeybones.com

photo: Be Leaf

Be Leaf
All that barbecue calls for a little reprieve in the form of a wholesome salad or grain bowl. While not necessarily on the same scream-inducing levels as ice cream, kids will certainly take a liking to the vibrant chef-driven dishes on deck at Be Leaf, the Loop’s newest fast casual dining outlet. Working with local farmers to ensure the freshest in locality and seasonality, Be Leaf produces some of the best tasting greenery your kids will ever taste. It’s especially inviting with its build-your-own menu options and the quirky “Decision Tree,” a wall-mounted menu maze of sorts that takes guests on a tour of food options and descriptions. Diners young and old can accent their greens of choice — kale, arugula, mesclun, romaine, spinach, quinoa, farro — with add-ons like grapefruit, caramelized onions, bacon, tofu, sweet potato falafel and steak. So even if it starts off healthy and light, you can easily turn it into summery comfort food. The space is as green as the food, outfitted with planter walls, produce-packed baskets, flowers and other elements designed to echo a countryside farm.

29 N. Upper Wacker Dr.
Downtown
312-877-5399
Online: beleafsalad.com

GLAZE Teriyaki
In the heat of summer, the grill reigns supreme. It helps when said grill is manned by an alum of the Culinary Institute of America. Chef Dennis Lake leads the charge at GLAZE Teriyaki, a Seattle-style fast casual joint that’s heating up Lakeview with its first Chicago outpost. Using locally sourced, organic ingredients, Lake cooks up a menu befitting summertime cookout dreams, complete with char-grilled chicken, hanger steak, pork loin, wok sautéed vegetables and salmon. What helps sets GLAZE apart from the home grill is its signature teriyaki sauce, made fresh daily with an addictive mix of smoky, caramel-y flavors, and notes of garlic, ginger, pineapple and apple. Every entree also has a gluten-free version available, which is a nice touch. The casual restaurant has a laid back, homey feel with an open kitchen, communal tables, reclaimed wood benches, exposed brick walls and Japanese-style vintage fabrics.

3112 N. Broadway St.
Lakeview
773-697-3580
Online: glazeteriyaki.com

photo: Fuller House

Fuller House
This family-friendly pub-style eatery in Hinsdale features a wide array of people-pleasing dishes that run the gamut from brick oven pizza to jumbo pretzels. The restaurant has family in its blood, owned and operated by siblings Sam Vlahos and Patricia Vlahos-Segretto, who worked to compile a comfortable, neighborhood-oriented pub that families could flock to on the regular. And flock they will when they get a taste of the house-brined pickles, the brisket tacos, the prime burgers, the roast chicken and the cookie skillets. The two-story restaurant is warm and inviting, featuring a facade of exposed brick, barrels from local distilleries, salvaged oak and refurbished wood beams sourced from a defunct Chicago church. High-tops and banquettes comprise seating on the main floor, while a curved staircase weaves to a lively balcony area with an illuminated wine wall and a second floor dining room packed with traditional tables.

33 E. 1st St.
Hinsdale
630-537-1653
Online: fullerhousebar.com

Spinning J
What’s old is shiny and new again, thanks to the arrival of Humboldt Park’s eagerly awaited and highly scream-worthy Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain. Americana nostalgia is the name of the game at this corner spot, glistening with the type of comfy, glossy cushioned seats typically reserved for bygone diners and ice cream parlors. True to form, the dessert menu screams comfort, from the vibrant housemade soda drinks to the farm-fresh pies brimming with local, seasonal fruits like blueberries and cherries. This is the ice cream shop we’ve all been yearning for this summer.

1000 N. California Ave.
Humboldt Park
872-829-2793
Online: facebook.com

Where do you like to take the kids out for dinner? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Matt Kirouac

Most of us never outgrow our love of childhood classic macaroni and cheese. Whether straight from the box or made from scratch, it’s a comfort food favorite and an eternal, picky eater pleaser. We stirred up six spots that serve the real deal—not the florescent orange stuff. So save the box for home and treat yourself—uh, we mean them—with some creamy mac and cheese that is sure to hit the spot.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room

This iconic Atlanta restaurant has been around for 68 years. So it’s safe to say that Mary Mac’s knows a thing or two about outstanding macaroni and cheese (and fried chicken and collard greens, too). Their version represents the traditional Southern take on macaroni and cheese. It features tender elbow macaroni, eggs, cheese and cream baked like a soufflé. The oven baking results in a decadent “cheese crust” that offers a crispy crown to the creamy goodness below.
Address: 224 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Ga 30308

Phone: 404-876-1800

Online: marymacs.com

Where does your gang get their mac-n-cheese fix? Tell us below!

–Rachel Quartarone

Photos courtesy of A.C. via Yelp, Zian C. via Yelp, Richard R. via Yelp, Mac the Cheese Food Truck via Facebook and Creative Commons via Flickr

When mealtime becomes a battle, sometimes you have to put down your forks. That’s right — let your kiddos eat with their hands. Home to the largest population of Ethiopians in the nation, D.C. has more than 45 Ethiopian restaurants (where forks are optional) in a five-block radius, and even more outside and around town. Ethiopian food is kid-friendly, mom-approved and full of palate-expanding adventures. Here are three of our favorites.

Etete
Etete might look traditional, but don’t let the ho-hum façade fool you. Inside, culinary wonders await, including marinated short beef ribs and gomen (fresh garlic collard greens). Big kids will stay busy by taking a crack at guessing which D.C. political celebrity (looking at you, President Clinton and Rep. Mike Honda) peeks over their shoulder. 

Insider tip: Utensils are optional at Ethiopian restaurants – in fact, some don’t even offer them – because their main attraction is injera – a gray, spongy, sourdough-like bread that looks like a pancake and is served underneath most dishes, and used to mop it all up.

1942 9th St. NW (U St. Corridor)
202-232-7600
Open daily, 11:00 am-1:00 am
Online: Eteterestaurant.com

Gebeta
Gebeta’s bright green walls and corner piano with Ethiopian pianist Araya Woldemichael tickling the ivories (call for times) sets this place apart from others in the area. Brightly colored African art adorns the walls giving little ones plenty of eye candy. Try a vegetarian sampler which comes with four, six or eight meatless dishes like Misir Wet (lentils with onions) and Fassolia Wet (fresh green beans and carrots) .

Insider tip: If you took the metro or walked to this spot, order a glass of Tej (a traditional honey wine), or a bottle of Tella (a home-brewed beer). Kids can sip Ambo, a carbonated mineral water from the highlands of Ethiopia; tell them it’s soda, and they’ll never know it’s good for them!

8123 Georgia Ave. (Silver Spring, Md)
301-588-0000
Open Tues.-Thurs., 11:30 am-11 pm; Fri., 11:30 am-12:30 am; Sat., 11:00 am-12:00 am; Sun., 11:00 am 11:00 pm
Online: Gebetaethiopianrestaurant.com

Enjera Restaurant
With indoor and outdoor seating, there’s something for every diner at Enjera. It’s slightly more upscale (think: tablecloths and glassware) than your neighborhood pizza place, but still cozy enough to bring the kids along. The waitstaff is super attentive and very helpful. If, for example, you have no idea what Habesha FitFit is but are dying to try it. Hint: It’s marinated beef in a spiced red pepper sauce.

Insiders tip: Desserts aren’t really a part of Ethiopian food, so you may only find American options, or cut fruit. However, much to the benefit of tired moms everywhere, Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee so you can round out the meal with a cup.

549 23rd St. (Arlington, VA)
703-271-6040
Open Mon.-Fri., 11:00 am-2:00 am; Sat.-Sun., 9:00 am-2:00 am
Online: enjerarestaurant.com

Have you ever tried Ethiopian food with your family? Let us know in the Comments section below.

—Hilary Reidemann

Photos courtesy of paul s. via Yelp, Yonas B. via Yelp, Rae Marie Y. via Yelp

This simple and delicious crock pot chili is cooked nice and slow with a lil’ bit of southern flair. It’s perfect for those Sundays when you will be in and out of the house as the recipe calls for a little preparation now and a little preparation hours later. It’s also good for moms and dads working from home with a bit of extra time on their hands in between tasks.

Insider know how:

  • Black-eyed peas are enormously nutritious, chock full of fiber, folic acid, and iron.
  • You can add two cups of chopped collard greens to the pot at the same time you add the corn to turn up the nutrients (and southern charm) even further.
  • The recipe calls for chipotle chiles en adobo, which are sold in cans in the Mexican food section of most supermarkets. You can adjust the amount of chipotle you use depending on your family’s enthusiasm for spice.

Ingredients:

1 pound dried black-eyed peas
1 large yellow onion, chopped
One 26-ounce box chopped tomatoes or one 28-ounce can
2 to 3 chipotle chiles en adobo, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ground chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 1/2 cups water
One small pork tenderloin (about 2/3 pound), cut in half crosswise
2 cups raw corn kernels (about 3 ears of corn)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Garnish: Light sour cream, sliced green onions

Method:

Rinse the black-eyed peas and look then over, removing any tiny stones. Put into the slow cooker and fill with water to cover by several inches. Do not turn on the slow cooker. Leave overnight to soak.

Drain the peas, rinse, and put them back into the slow cooker. Add the onion, tomatoes, chipotle chiles, chili powder, cumin, and water. Stir well. Nestle the 2 pork tenderloin chunks into the peas.

Turn the slow cooker to high and cook until the peas are just tender, about 3 hours and 20 minutes. Add the corn and continue to cook until the corn is tender and the beans are soft but not mushy, another 25 minutes. Add the salt, stir well, and turn off the heat.

Pull the pork tenderloin out of the slow cooker and let it rest on the counter until cool enough to handle. Use your fingers to shred the pork into bite-size pieces. Add back into the slow cooker and stir.

Serve in bowls with a generous dollop of light sour cream and a shower of thinly sliced green onions.

Katie Sullivan Morford is a mom, food writer and registered dietitian.  You can find her family-friendly recipes and kitchen wisdom at Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

For more great crock pot recipes click HERE