Header

Header

Thursday, December 13, 2012

MOM to MOM: Indoor Activities


I used to love rainy days.  One year and two toddlers later,  I dread wet weather.  During the winter season I am constantly wondering how to keep my kids entrained indoors.  Perhaps you're wondering, too?  If so, here are a few ideas from other MOMs to help you through those long days indoors.

What's YOUR favorite indoor activity?  Please share!

Toddlers

New Old Toys
I have to credit my husband for this one.  When my girls' toys started to pile up in our living room, he suggested we pack up and hide away half their toys for a while.  When the toys reemerged a couple weeks later, their eyes lit up like Christmas.  Well done, Mr. Mom!

Dress-up
Nothing is more exciting to your little ones than letting them raid your forbidden dresser drawers or closet.  This activity is hugely popular with my girls.  They tap on my closet door with such excitement, you'd think they'd found Narnia on the other side.  Dress-up also promotes imaginative play and makes for great photo opportunities.  

Laundry Helpers
Get out the laundry baskets and clean clothes and ask your toddlers for "help" folding.  You will likely need to REfold after this activity, but it's an entertaining way to keep the kiddos entertained.   

Parachute Party
The parachute (blanket) game is always a big hit.  Just add music and you'll have Gymboree in your own living room. 

Dance Party
You love to dance.  They love to dance.  It's a no-brainer. 

Toddler Bowling
Line up plastic bottles or paper towel rolls and show your toddlers how to roll a ball to knock down the "pins."

Older Kids  

Forts
Building a fort is fun for everyone, and especially great for kids of different ages.  Bed sheets, chairs and sofa cushions are all you need to create your kid's hideaway. 

Art Projects
There's an art project for everyone.  Coloring and play-doh are fun activities with less mess.  If you have crafty kids, you might also try a scrapbooking project with photos, glue, and embellishments, or card-making projects for birthdays and upcoming events. 

Cooking & Baking
Let your children help prepare their favorite meal or a special treat!

Obstacle Courses  
Obstacle courses are fun and creative ways to help burn off energy!  Obstacles can be designed for any age using toys, books, furniture, pillows, and other found objects around the house. 

Board Games

Reading Aloud

Play Gyms
For a list of indoor play gyms in your neighborhood, please visit our website: https://ccpom.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=1&club_id=205610&item_id=5428

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Spring 2013 Convention Update!


An update from your Convention Co-Chairs, Heidi and Karis!

In case you haven't heard, our club is hosting the Spring 2013 NCA Convention at the Concord Hilton Hotel, April 26-28, 2013.  Our theme is MISSION TWINPOSSIBLE!  There will be fun Spy Games to test your mental and physical skills, wonderful speakers and workshops, happy hour to just connect with old friends and make a few new friends too, and best of all-- TONS of raffle prizes to be won!!  This event will take place in lieu of Bingo Night this year, so we hope that you will all join us for a weekend of fun and prizes right in our own backyard.

If you have been looking for a way to get involved in the club, this is it! Committees have been formed, and we are looking for volunteers in many different capacities.  There is something for everyone-- helping with decorations or assembly of raffle baskets, to selling raffle tickets or helping at a game or registration table one night of the event.  Big or small, there are lots of ways you can help.  If you would like to volunteer for a job or committee, or just as a floater to help out when we need you, simply email our Co-Chairs: Heidi Johnson (c-hjohnson@sbcglobal.net ) and Karis Coleman-Sink (karis.coleman@yahoo.com).  Or, you are welcome to meet us at our Convention planning meeting on Saturday December 1st, from 9-11AM at Panera Bread in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord, CA.

We also hope that everyone will Register to attend Convention this Spring to support CCPOM and all that we do and we know you will enjoy yourselves too!  More details will follow soon, so watch for clues that Convention is coming!

Feed Your Natural Defenses!


'Tis the season for germs!  We can't do much about the cool weather that keeps us indoors or the low humidity that germs love, but we CAN boost our immune systems by eating the right nutrients.  Strong natural defenses may help ward off cold and flu bugs, and hopefully prevent sick days.  According to askdrsears.com, there are several mighty foods that will help us keep our families healthy this winter: http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/family-nutrition/foods-boost-immunity/8-foods-boost-immunity.

Personally, I swear by #4: garlic.  I get my garlic in the form of homemade chicken soup.  Sure, you need a strong breath mint after dinner, but it always does the trick against cold germs in my house.

What's your go-to germ-fighting food??

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Giving Thanks To Our Volunteers


Hello! My name is Tessa and I'm your new Blog Editor. This Thursday, and every day, I'm thankful for family and I'm thankful for community. Thank you (times two!) to our fabulous volunteers who give their time and talents to strengthen our CCOPM community. Please join me in offering special thanks to our Angel Moms, special event Chairs, and Board members!

Angel Moms

Mary Baldizan
Nancy Bolcerek
Elizabeth Chamblee
Karis Coleman-Sink
Leah Giles
Christine Haswell
Janine Hollenbeck
Kathleen Houssels
Jennifer Matthews
Melissa Nolan
Jennifer Schofield
Melonie Schulze
Tami Zachary

Special Event Chairs

Tami Zachary & Emily Getty - 2012 Breakfast With Santa 

Nancy Bolcerek & Stacey Miller - 2012 Mom's Holiday Dinner

Board of Directors

Co-Presidents:
Heidi Johnson - c-hjohnson@sbcglobal.net 
Laura Weber - lauraherronweber@yahoo.com 
Tami Zachary - thzachary@gmail.com 

Vice President:
Nicolle Hazlett - nahazlett@yahoo.com 

Treasurer:
Jennifer Martell - jennifer.martell@yahoo.com 

Secretary:
Anne Swanson - annieswan04@yahoo.com 

Parliamentarian:
Tracy Williamson - tracy.williamson@yahoo.com 

NOMOTC Representative:
Karis Coleman-Sink - karis.coleman@yahoo.com 

NCAMOTC Representative:
Dawn Bohlmann - dbhlmn3@yahoo.com 

Angel Mom Coordinator:
Kathleen Colebourn - kato44@hotmail.com 

Membership Administrator & Club Express Administrator:
Louise Dyken - louisedyken@yahoo.com 

Blog Editor:
Tessa Rigdon - tessa.d.rigdon@gmail.com 

Vacant Board Positions:
ETC Sale Coordinator
Philanthropy Coordinator
Co-Social Activities Coordinator
Publicity Coordinator
Ways & Means

If you would like to learn more about the vacant Board positions, please contact us at parentsofmultiples@yahoo.com 

Mark Your Calendars!


Mom's Holiday Dinner

Who needs a relaxing night out to enjoy good food and great company?  Oh, that's right, we all do!  Please join us for CCPOM's annual Mom's Holiday Dinner and gift exchange on Thursday, December 6th, 7 pm, at Jack's Restaurant (60 Crescent Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523).

To RSVP and pay an upfront cost of $20, please visit the club website at ccpom.net.  Then, go shopping for a fun, sweet, or thrilling gift around $15 for the gift exchange. Wrap up the gift and yourself and join us on the 6th for a great night out. 

Breakfast With Santa

Ho Ho Ho! Santa's coming to Danville! Please join us on Saturday, December 8th, from 9 am - 11 am in Danville for fun holiday festivities with Saint Nick.  Online registration will be available soon.  

We need your help!  We're looking for a photographer to donate their time and skills at Breakfast with Santa.  If you're available or know of someone who might be, please contact Heidi (c-hjohnson@sbcglobal.net) for details.

12 Fun Ways to Give Thanks


How do you give thanks? 

Here are 12 creative, kid-friendly ways to offer gratitude, courtesy of howdoesshe.com. Number 10 is my personal favorite. I'm starting my Gratitude Tree today.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Bingo night

Please join us on May 17th from 7pm until 9pm at Grace Episcopal Church in Martinez. Back by popular demand, we will be providing Mexican Food and Margaritas. This event is open to the public so bring your spouses, partners and friends. Proceeds will go to support Contra Costa Parks to help improve children's playgrounds and to the East Bay Children's Book Project which helps build literacy by putting books into the hands of children who have little or no access to them.
$20.00 gets you 4 bingo cards. Bring a PLAYING non-member and receive an additional card for free. Payment is due at the event but please register by going to the event calendar so we can get an accurate count for Mexican Food and Margaritas.
We have prizes for everyone including family outings, children's classes, restaurants and massages. ALSO, we will be raffling the following prizes:
  • Imagine That Photography - one outdoor portrait session including (3) 8x10 or (1) 11x14 photograph
  • Encore Gymnastics - four Rocktopie indoor climbing day passes, 2 tumble tickets, 2 parent's time off event tickets and a jump rope
  • Castle Rock Arabians - a gift certificate good for three private lessons
  • Renaissance Club Sport - one weekend night stay including valet parking
Raffle tickets are $5.00 each or $20.00 for 5 tickets. Tickets can be purchased and dropped into jars representing specific prizes. If you are unable to attend the event but are interested in participating in the raffle, please e-mail Jennifer Martell. (jennifer.martell@yahoo.com)

Your generous support for Bingo last May earned Contra Costa Parents of Multiples over $800.00 which we have donated to Children's Specialty Care Center of Walnut Creek, a division of Children's Hospital of Oakland.  
The money we raised will be used towards Child Life Specialists who help bridge the gap between home, school and the hospital with age appropriate activities designed to help children understand and feel a sense of comfort while at the hospital.
This program features highly trained and certified Child Life Specialists who promote growth and awareness through therapeutic play, education and self expression.  Children's Specialty Care Center is the ONLY medical center in Contra Costa County with a dedicated staff of Child Life Specialist who use medical play to help kids prepare for surgery and other medical procedures that can be frightening and uncomfortable.  This donation will help expand their educational resources to include interactive programs on iPads.









2013 NCA Convention




Our club is hosting the 2013 NCA Convention and WE NEED YOU!
Dates: April 26-28 (tentative)               
Theme: Mission Twinpossible


It will take a lot of volunteers to make this happen so we are asking everyone to pitch in.
Areas where we will need help:
Registration, Treasurer, Speakers/Workshop Coordinators, Program Booklet, Spy Games/Activities, Decorations, Show/Tell/Share, Prizes and Welcome Gifts.
Please click on the following links for more detailed description on volunteering opportunities:


General information 
Convention meeting chairs
Treasurer 
Registration 
Speaker workshops 
Program booklet 
Decorations 
Hospitality 
Show, tell and sell 
Prize drawing/door prizes 
Goody bags/welcome gifts 


If you are interested in helping please email the event chairs Karis Coleman-Sink (karis.coleman@yahoo.com) and Heidi Johnson (c-hjohnson@sbcglobal.net).

Helping Hands


Helping Hands
Helping our Members,  Helping our Community

When new families join CCPOM, they are welcomed into a club with over 110 members who are eager to offer support and advice.  But on occasion, members need more than support and advice.  Helping Hands helps members and their family when someone becomes seriously ill or injured. 
When members suffer a major illness or injury, Helping Hands often arranges for meals to be made and delivered by members to the family in need.  Not worrying about a hot meal can be a big relief.  On other occasions, members have had difficulties covering medical expenses for a member of their family.  Helping Hands has stepped in and coordinated fundraisers to assist the family.
CCPOM also believes in helping our neighbors and our community.  Every year during the holidays, CCPOM helps raise money and collect toys for families in needs.  This year, members donated toys and almost $400 in cash to help the Bay Area Crisis Nursery.   The Bay Area Crisis Nursery helps prevent child abuse and neglect by providing support to families in crisis. 
Helping Hands also recently helped a family in our community with funds to cover travel expenses to receive necessary medical treatment.  The father is in the military and their insurance covers medical expenses.  Unfortunately, their son has a rare illness and his treatment required travel that was not covered by their insurance.  CCPOM made a donation to the family to help the boy get the care he needs.
Helping Hands is successful because of our thoughtful and generous members.  With your continued support, we are here to support those around us.
For more information regarding Helping Hands, please contact Tami Zachary at thzachary@gmail.com.

Easter egg hunt photos



Members arriving
Little kiddies area
Egg hunt and play ground fun

Yummy home made cookies was a big hit

Happy campers

more happy campers

not so happy campers
thanks Tami and all the volunteers!

Internet safety guidelines for parents


Content source:
http://www.safekids.com/child-safety-on-the-information-highway/


Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children
By taking responsibility for your children’s online computer use, parents can greatly minimize any potential risks of being online. Make it a family rule to:

  • Never give out identifying information — home address, school name, or telephone number — in a public message such as chat or newsgroups, and be sure you’re dealing with someone both you and your children know and trust before giving out this information via E-mail. Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age, financial information, or marital status. Do not post photographs of your children in newsgroups or on web sites that are available to the public. Consider using a pseudonym, avoid listing your child’s name and E-mail address in any public directories and profiles, and find out about your ISP’s privacy policies and exercise your options for how your personal information may be used.
  • Get to know the Internet and any services your child uses. If you don’t know how to log on, get your child to show you. Have your child show you what he or she does online, and become familiar with all the activities that are available online. Find out if your child has a free web-based E-mail account, such as those offered by Hotmail and Yahoo!® , and learn their user names and passwords.
  • Never allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they “meet” on the Internet without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in a public place, and be sure to accompany your child.
  • Never respond to messages that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you feel uncomfortable. Encourage your children to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that is harassing, of a sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy of the message to your ISP, and ask for their assistance. Instruct your child not to click on any links that are contained in E-mail from persons they don’t know. Such links could lead to sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate web sites or could be a computer virus. If someone sends you or your children messages or images that are filthy, indecent, lewd, or obscene with the intent to abuse, annoy, harass, or threaten you, or if you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while online immediately report this to the NCMEC’s CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678 or www.cybertipline.com. Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children.
  • Remember that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can’t see or even hear the person it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him- or herself. Thus someone indicating that “she” is a “12-year-old girl” could in reality be a 40-year-old man.
  • Remember that everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that’s “too good to be true” probably is. Be careful about any offers that involve you going to a meeting, having someone visit your house, or sending money or credit-card information.
  • Set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children. Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder. Remember to monitor your children’s compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time your children spend on the computer. A child’s excessive use of online services or the Internet, especially late at night, may be a clue that there is a potential problem. Remember that personal computers and online services should not be used as electronic babysitters.
  • Check out blocking, filtering, and ratings applications. Be sure to make this a family activity. Consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than the child’s bedroom. Get to know their “online friends” just as you get to know all of their other friends. If your child has a cellular telephone, talk with him or her about using it safely. The same rules that apply to computer use, also apply to cellular telephones.

Here is a link to a collection of reviews of parental monitoring software and services, edited for PCWorld.com by CCPOM member Laura Blackwell.  She has put together a collection of product review to show parents their options for monitoring their kids' interactions on Facebook, formspring, Twitter, and more. One of them even has a family GPS map!


http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/11567/parental%20monitoring%20software.html



Monday, April 23, 2012

10 achievable ways moms can be healthier and live longer


***content source: http://www.babycenter.com/101_10-surprising-ways-moms-can-be-healthier-and-live-longer_10338373.bc

(1) Protect your posture
Whether that first twinge was triggered by pregnancy, holding your nursing baby, working at the computer, or ferrying a heavy toddler, the advent of parenthood is when many women suddenly start saying "ouch."
You may have back, neck, and shoulder pain, or even carpal tunnel syndrome evidenced by tingling, numbness, and pain in the arms, wrists, or hands.
Follow the problem back to its root cause and most often you'll find posture problems, says Esther Gokhale, a back pain specialist in Palo Alto, California, and author of 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back.
Take sitting, for example. "It's not just that we sit too much, it's how we sit that's causing problems," Gokhale says. Sitting with our shoulders rounded forward – as nursing moms and computer workers are wont to do – compresses the nerves and disks in the spine and restricts blood flow to the supporting muscles, Gokhale says.
Relearning how to sit, with the shoulders rolled back and the chest open, "not only prevents back pain but can help nursing moms with the letdown reflex and prevent mastitis."
If you're a nursing mom, use a pillow to support your baby during feedings so you can sit up straight rather than hunching over.
Most of us can use a posture refresher: When standing, pull yourself as tall as possible with your core abdominal muscles. Roll your shoulders back and down, and "tuck your ribs, not your pelvis," as Gokhale likes to say – which means pulling your rib cage back toward your spine.
(2) Lose some of the baby weight
You were eating for two, and now you're not, and those pregnancy pounds may have taken up permanent residence.
At the same time, you know remaining overweight isn't good for your health or your longevity. According to research compiled by the National Cancer Institute, being overweight in midlife (the study looked at 500,000 people ages 50 to 71) increases your risk of death between 20 and 40 percent and being obese carries a two- to three-fold increase. Yikes! (Other studies have found that being moderately overweight protects against some conditions – but it still increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.)
Luckily, the benefits begin with even a small amount of weight loss. Studies show that losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight (7 1/2 to 15 pounds for someone who weighs 150 pounds) lowers blood pressure, reduces bad cholesterol, lowers the risk of diabetes, and cuts your risk of cardiovascular disease.
So start small and don't beat yourself up when you cave in to the leftover pizza. Cutting just 100 calories a day can lead to a 9- to 10-pound weight loss over the course of a year. How much is 100 calories? Not a lot: A 12-ounce can of Coke contains 140 calories, a chocolate bar more than 200. Get tips on healthy post-baby weight loss.
(3) Take care of your teeth and gums
It's all too easy to postpone dental cleanings and checkups when you're juggling the myriad responsibilities of parenthood; after all, you've got more important things to worry about, right?
Not really. Not only is gum disease a leading contributor to tooth loss, but it puts your heart at risk, too. Studies show that oral bacteria from gum disease may raise the risk of heart disease and stroke by contributing to inflammation in your cardiovascular system, says the American Academy of Periodontology. In fact, people who have gum disease are almost twice as likely to also suffer from coronary artery disease, though it hasn't been proven that the gum disease is the cause.
And this condition is much more common in women than most people realize, thanks in part to the hormonal changes of  pregnancy, nursing, and perimenopause. One study in the Journal of Periodontology found that 23 percent of women between the ages of 30 to 54 had advanced gum disease.
Of course, there are other reasons to take care of your teeth as well: You want to kiss your kids with minty-fresh breath and smile at them with pearly whites. So follow the rules you set for your kids and brush twice a day and floss at least once. And get to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning – more often if you suffer from gum disease. You'll save on (bigger) dental bills and be more kissable, and your heart might hold out longer, too.
(4) Guard against depression
As many as one in five new mothers suffers from postpartum depression, often triggered by the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy and nursing and the stress of new responsibilities and life changes. But despite the publicity generated by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Brooke Shields, many of us still have an "it can't happen to me" attitude when it comes to depression. 
Here's the thing: Depression can sneak up on you when you're least likely to notice, mimicking the symptoms of other conditions. For example, if you're so sleep-deprived you can't see straight, you may attribute lethargy, fatigue, and feeling overwhelmed to exhaustion rather than recognizing them for what they are, signs that you're suffering from a major illness.
Also, stress is a trigger of depression, so if you're under a lot of pressure from going back to work or juggling too many responsibilities, you can be at risk. Make sure you're getting plenty of support from family and friends, since social isolation can contribute to depression. And if you suspect you're feeling lower than you should, talk to your doctor.
(5) Get more sleep
Being a parent and being sleep-deprived – the two feel inextricably linked. But what if you knew that getting too few zz's leads to a host of health problems, including weight gain and memory loss? Knowing this, would you be more likely to forget the laundry and go to sleep when your child does?
Here are a few simple ways to get more sleep, and sleep better during the hours available.
Stick to a sleep schedule: Go to bed and get up as close to the same times as possible each day.
Keep your room dark and don't bring electronic gadgets to bed or keep a TV in the bedroom. The light from screens has been associated with insomnia and poor sleep.
Take turns getting up with babies and small children – and if it's your turn to sleep, wear earplugs.
Prioritize sleep: If you have to leave dirty dishes till the morning, do so. You might even get them done faster after a night's rest anyway.
Nap if possible. Not everyone's a napper, but if you can nap, go for it. Post-lunch siestas are particularly effective – take 20 minutes to refresh and everyone will benefit from your renewed energy.
(6) Dance
Get moving and you not only burn calories, you protect your heart and lungs and strengthen your muscles, too. Dancing is a particularly mom-friendly activity because you can do it anytime, anywhere – and you can do it with your kids, too. Put on some music, kick up your heels, and you'll reap benefits and have fun at the same time.
"Dancing is the perfect form of exercise. It elevates your mood, works all your muscle groups, improves cardio health, and increases brain plasticity," says Gokhale. "And you're sharing a joyous activity with your child." (Brain plasticity is the ability of your brain to change as you learn new things; it's important for memory retention.)
If that's not enough to motivate you, consider research that shows that people who exercise regularly (and this can be just brisk walking) could add more than a year to their lives, and those who exercised more intensely could add nearly four more years. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise five days a week also can help you protect your heart. Now where did you stash that old Thriller CD?
(7) Watch out for "white" foods
Happily, we've moved beyond demonizing all carbohydrates, which means you can relax and enjoy that whole wheat toast in peace. But you can still do your body a favor by cutting back on "white" foods, meaning those that contain refined sugar or white flour. Why? Because refined sugar can be a major contributor to inflammation in the body, which is the biological process that releases damaging free radicals and amps up aging.
Eating too much sugar takes a toll on your heart and other organs – so much so that the American Heart Association recently called on Americans to limit the added sugar they eat and drink. For women, the AHA recommends restricting sugar intake to 100 calories, or six teaspoons per day of added sugars. (This doesn't include the sugar found naturally in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or milk.)
The kicker? You also need to cut back on so-called "simple" carbohydrates, as in baked goods made from white flour, because they quickly turn into sugars once in your digestive system.
Instead, reach for items made from whole grains such as whole wheat, bran, and oats. Even better, especially if you're sensitive to gluten, or wheat protein, grains such as quinoa, buckwheat, or millet. They cook quickly and can help regulate your blood sugar for hours after eating.
(8) Take stretch breaks
There's a reason yoga is often recommended by doctors and other medical professionals. It increases flexibility, which is one of the best ways to feel and look ten years younger. But you don't have to achieve a perfect Downward Dog to reap the benefits of stretching. Taking simple five-minute stretch breaks throughout the day can prevent back, neck and shoulder pain and stave off joint problems, experts say. 
"Every few hours, stand up and reach as high as you can, leaning forward as if you're trying to put something onto an imaginary high shelf," says Gokhale. "This lengthens and straightens the spine and puts your body into healthy alignment."
Other good stretches include touching your toes and doing simple twists from side to side, as if turning to look behind you with your feet planted in place. See how to do four stretches especially for new moms.
(9) Pass your tests with flying colors
You wouldn't think of skipping your baby's 1-year checkup – but when was the last time you had one yourself? Of course it's a lot more exciting to plot your little one's curve on the growth chart than it is to go to the doctor yourself, but your health deserves the same vigilance. Think of it as routine maintenance on a car, one you hope will carry you 200,000 miles.
Be sure to get an annual physical so you don't miss important tests to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health concerns, and so you stay up-to-date on your shots. Some, like the Tdap, could help save your baby's life.
Screening guidelines vary by age and also by doctor, but below are a few tests you can expect to take. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what tests might be right for you.
A blood panel to check cholesterol and lipidsBlood pressureBlood glucose screening to check for diabetesA mammogram to monitor for breast cancer. (Despite controversial new guidelines, most primary care physicians still recommend annual mammograms for women over 40.)Pelvic exam and Pap smear. New guidelines recommend a Pap smear every two to three years depending on your health history.Blood test for levels of vitamin DThyroid screening for an underactive or overactive thyroid gland, which can slow or speed up metabolismSkin cancer screeningVision and hearing tests
(10) Eat from the garden
If you're an apple-a-day girl, you're on the right track. However, the more fruits, veggies, nuts, and beans you can incorporate into your diet now that you're a mom, the better.
The reason? Natural substances called antioxidants found in these foods function as nature's vaccination system for your body. They help neutralize free radicals, the cell-damaging chemicals our bodies produce when they break down our food as well as in response to stress and our environment. Research shows that antioxidants may help protect against heart disease, cancer, memory loss, and pretty much every other less-than-desirable effect of aging.
Foods high in antioxidants include berries; kidney, pinto, and black beans; avocados; pears; apples (with the peel on); sweet potatoes; spinach; broccoli; walnuts, almonds, and pecans; spices such as ground cinnamon and ginger; beverages like green tea, coffee, and red wine; and – yay! – dark chocolate.