Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? While it’s something Mama is always thinking about for the kids, often Mamas forget to take care of their own nutrition needs. Breakfast is often a hurried rush out of the house with sometimes a cup of coffee to-go, if we’re lucky, or a bite of burnt toast. Lunch is ho-hum with maybe a piece of lunch meat and stale bread or if it’s a good day, a salad with protein packed tuna or chicken on top.
After a long day running about, dinner is the last thing Mamas want to plan so sometimes it’s just whatever doesn’t have freezer burn. If this sounds like your meals…read on for some fast and easy tips and recipes that both you and the kids will LOVE to eat!
Smoothies — With the warm weather coming, Mama is breaking out the blender once again for smoothies!! It’s a great way to get kids the calcium they need to get their day started right. A new favorite that Mama just tried yesterday with Lily-girl is from RealCaliforniaMilk.com and is a latin-inspired Luicuado that has a bit of cinnamon, milk and berries.
Breakfast for dinner — who doesn’t sometimes just pour the kids and yourself a bowl of cereal for dinner?! Sometimes, we have it three times in one day (okay, it was only once when Mama had the flu and who knows where the hubs was…!). Kick-up the breakfast for dinner idea a notch with pancakes. Not just any pancakes but California Cottage Cheese Pancakes. The extra dose of protein will give you and the kids the nutrition you need and all of you will leave the table feeling full.
After-school snacks — be the hippest Mama on the block when you put out an after-school snack of fresh fruit and a yogurt dip spiked with honey and cinnamon. YUM for you and the kids.
Sweet treat — for dessert try the new Fiber One yogurts in flavors like Strawberry, Peach, Vanilla and Key Lime Pie. With 5 grams of fiber and only 50 calories, even the Hungry Girl gives it two thumbs up. Perfect to satisfy any sweet tooth late at night or anytime of the day. Mama would love for you to try it too! Enter to win a Fiber One Prize Pack with $50 Safeway gift card (can also be used at Vons, Dominick’s, Tom Thumb, Randall’s and Genuardi’s) below.
Plain or chocolate— milk straight up or chocolate flavored are both healthy and much better for your kids then drinking juice or sports drinks. Pour a glass for Mama too!
Oh, and since Mama is from California…look for the Real California Milk seal…because California Cows are Happy Cows!! MOOO!

Hey Mama! My favorite nutritious meal is soup and salad — it makes a filling lunch and there are zillions of different combos to try at restaurants or at home. Just be sure to eat a broth-based soup (creamy soups are usually high calorie) and get a low-fat dressing or vinaigrette on the side. Yum!
Hey Mama!!
My fav nutritious meal is a definitely soup and a salad! I usually have this at The Olive Garden as their special.
I enjoy the Minestrone soup and the salad is sooo good that we get refills on both!!
Thanks so much for the chance to win this wonderful giveaway!purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com
My favorite nutritious meal is fish tacos and grilled squash. Thanks for the chance to win this Safeway giftcard!parodi821 at yahoo dot com
I am following you on twitter (WendiP) and tweeted:http://twitter.com/WendiP/status/10692585141Thanks so much!!!
I follow you on Twitter!
luvcontestspurposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com
tweeted http://twitter.com/luvscontests/status/10692846172purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com
I'm a FB fan and left a comment. purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com
My fav semi healthy meal is salad and whole wheat pasta with olive oil and garlic! very yum and very filling!
Fanned you on Facebook!
My favorite nutritious meal is whole wheat pita with hummus,and chopped vegetables! It really fills me up and I don't feel guilty at ALL:)blogicious(AT)rocketmail(DOT)com
I follow & tweeted – Harinderblogicious(AT)rocketmail(DOT)comhttp://twitter.com/blogicious/statuses/10802507181
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Everyday-Mama/151641045449?ref=tsI fanned & commented-harinder
I used to make a salad every day. It included greens – usually spinach & arugula, which I *LOVE* – some sort of cheese (mostly feta, bleu, or chevre), lots of garnishes (red cabbage, shredded carrot, fresh mushrooms) and nuts (pine or walnut most of the time). Occasionally I'd add some chopped chicken to the mix. Don't forget raspberry vinaigrette! Lost a lot of weight when I did this every day in combo w/plenty of walking. In fact, I need to get back to doing that!
I think it would have to be baked chicken and asparagus or broccoli.digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
I follow you on Twitter @cezovskidigicat{at}sbcglobal{dot}net
I am a Friend/Fan of yours on FacebookCarol Anderson Ezovskidigicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
I like to grill Halibut in a mustard sauce and serve it with some sort of green vegetable and rice.HobartsMama {AT} aol.com
I follow on Twitter @jennaiHobartsMama {AT} aol.com
I am also a Facebook fanJennifer KeeferHobartsMama {AT} aol.com