Sunday, July 29, 2012

Growing "MY" Zaida Baby

Recently I came across a book that I purchased last summer at a used book shop.  It's called "wonderfoods for kids" by Natalie Savona.  I knew then, that when I did have children, it was very important to me that my family lived a healthy lifestyle.  

Well, I've been excitedly discovering recipes that make children passionate about food.  I have been very thoughtful about introducing diverse fruits and vegetables already, but this book takes an approach to educating with every recipe.  For example, it discuses the importance of eating spinach, and then suggests pairing it with a Vitamin C rich food to help increase absorption (apparently we don't easily absorb the iron we get from eating spinach.  Huh).  I feel like this takes my commitment to healthy eating to a whole new level.  I can't believe how excited this book makes me.  haha. 

One thing that I am very curious to see...is if I introduce these wonderfoods now, will my child grow up to crave healthy fruits and veggies??  

This comes from my partners LOVE for fast food.  Although he deserves so much credit here as he's made some remarkable changes to his diet.  One being a daily greens plus shake (we started together, but it is not approved for pregnancy) the other that he quit smoking, 11 days ago now.  Not wanting to be a dad who smokes and recognizing the important change for his and his families health, he chose to quit 'now' instead of 'later'.  I love this.  These changes make me SO proud.  But I found myself still puzzled by his addiction to cola and how easily he can talk himself into a Big Mac combo.  So, I had a conversation with his mother (love her to pieces) and she shared with me that she ate junk food through her entire pregnancy.  Huh.  Is there a connection here?  Well, I've decided to check it out.  I am going to start introducing these wonderfood recipes, with a focus on what nutrients I am passing on to my baby. 

*This idea is also inspired from a co-worker.  She said "I wish I could afford to shop at "Goodness Me" ( a new natural food market that just opened around the corner that I've been raving about).  And I thought to myself, "how can you afford NOT to".  

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Zaida Baby - My First Pregnancy

At just over 13 weeks, I am experiencing pregnancy for the first time.  I love my baby bump...although I swear it looks like I'm having twins!  And I love how it's changed me.  Some would tell you that it's made me more direct and less patient...but when you see dreams coming true for yourself, you only naturally want to push others to their best.  This dream come true for me....so what's YOUR dream?

One of the things that I have been super aware of, of course, is the food that I am putting into my body.  If it has no nutritional value, what is it doing for my baby?  My favourite snack is an organic apple with cheese and almonds, and my biggest pregnancy craving...Kiju's apple juice.  So refreshing!  (I wake up in the middle of the night for a glass!)  And here's a breakfast smoothie that I love...courtesy of Baby Gaga....ENJOY!!

Quick healthy breakfast

The breakfast smoothie (prep time: 5 - 10 min)
The easiest way to increase your morning nutrients is to blend fruits, veggies, nuts and cream together. Blending breaks down the vitamins and minerals for quicker absorption into your blood stream via your gut.
Directions: Blend 2 bananas, 1 cup plain yogurt, a celery stalk, a handful of baby spinach or kale leaves, 1 cup almonds, 1 cup full fat milk or cream, 2 oranges, a handful of grapes, two carrots and a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup… be creative and add other fruits or veggies if you have them.
What you get: Vitamin A, C, D, E, B12, K, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, folic acid, iron, protein, calcium, long-term energy, eased digestion & bowel movements, plus plenty of fluids.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Balance...a new product line worth checking out!

My sister is doing something pretty cool with her passion for essential oils. She started a skin care line called "Balance"...products that use only therapeutic "Grade A" essential oils to nourish and promote healthier skin naturally. Her products are made for all skin types, including those prone to acne during pregnancy. She shared a couple of testimonials with me that were really moving. Good luck ma soeur....YOU are amazing!


Friday, September 30, 2011

Celebrate the Season!


Autumn is my absolute favourite time of the year. The crisp fresh air, the colours of the leaves and the excitement of Christmas right around the corner. What this means for photography is a perfect backdrop for stunning pictures.

Zaida Baby believes in celebrating the season your baby will be introduced to the world. Even if the weather is on the cool side, we can create a masterpiece. Hats, mitts and scarves are all accessories to make your shoot that much better.


Book your photoshoot today! 519.589.8701

Friday, June 24, 2011

The Ultimate Gift of Love.

Self-confidence, trust, and security. What do these 3 words mean to you? They're 'feel good' words, right? You read them and can breathe out confidently. They are empowering words that evoke feelings of love. When you feel this sense of calm about you, you bring about a calm persona. And like a spiral, people that come into your life will benefit from knowing you and your tranquil state.

Speaking of people coming into your life...for an expecting mother, this is a very strong message. Baby inside the belly will benefit immensely by having a calm mommy. How you spend your day is important to your baby. A calm, peaceful environment is optimal for healthy development.

Continue reading this article at Toronto For Babies!


Give your gift of love today!
Visit www.zaidababy.com for more information.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Smarter Babies

Brain development is largely genetic, however, there are things you can do before your baby is born to improve your baby’s environment and enhance intelligence and language skills.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Dad's....listen up!

The research is all around us. Prenatal bonding is super important....bonding the family together for the long haul. Read all about it here....

Dad's involvement during pregnancy is key: Study