8 Easy & Kid-Friendly Remedies that Straighten Wild Hair ~ Vegan & Gluten Free!

5 Comments January 29, 2015 DrD4Health

Hola Amigos, and welcome back! Today, I am taking a detour from Yummy Food we put in our mouth, to Yummy Food we put on our head… Yep, yummy food on our head! lol…

Growing up, I always had straight hair, but after two kids and pregnancy hormones, both my toddler and I have crazy curly hair. Hahaha! 😄

The typical hair tamers and straighteners require harsh chemicals, extreme heat and are not Vegan, so we typically just let our curls go wild and free… These following hair methods are Organic, Vegan and Gluten Free. In fact, they are so safe, they can be used on children, pregnant women and women trying to conceive!

8 Natural, Organic & Vegan Remedies To Help Tame The Entire Family’s Hair:

1) Coconut Cream Mask:

Coconut milk has a great reputation for naturally relaxing and conditioning curly or unruly hair. Coconut Milk is so moisturizing, it will give your hair a beautiful shine and luster. The added Bonus is that when you let the Coconut Milk sit on your scalp, it is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral, which will keep your scalp infection free.

Ingredients & Instructions:
One large Mason jar.
One Cup of Fresh Coconut Milk.
Juice from One Organic Lemon or Lime.
Mix the Coconut milk & Lemon juice in a jar.
Place glass jar in fridge for a min. of 3-4 hrs.
It’s ready when a creamy layer forms on top.
Gently massage hair with this creamy layer.
Leave the cream on for at least 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, cover head with shower cap.
Wrap a warm moist towel around shower cap.
Leave Coconut Cream for another 30-40 mins.
Wash hair with a gentle shampoo & conditioner.
Run a Pic or Comb through wet hair & air dry.

2) Aloe Vera Hair Mask

Aloe Vera is medicinal in so many ways. Aloe Vera contains several enzymes that promote healthy hair growth & makes hair smooth & soft. Aloe Vera can easily penetrate the hair strands and keeps hair well moisturized and naturally relaxed.

½ cup of Aloe Vera Gel.
½ cup warm Organic Olive Oil & mix together.
*Optional, mix in 6 drops of Sandalwood Oil.
Massage mixture into hair and scalp.
Cover the hair with a shower cap.
Cover cap & head with warm moist towel.
Leave the towel & shower cap on for 2 hrs min.
(30 mins for children, depending on thickness).
Rinse & wash with gentle shampoo/conditioner.

3) Rosemary Hot Oil Treatment

Heat ½ cup of Olive oil.
½ cup Dried Rosemary leaves in Hot Olive Oil.
Strain the mix & allow it to cool down.
Massage scalp with this Warm Rosemary Mix.
Leave Rosemary mix on for ½ hour.
*DON’T USE THIS MASK WHILE PREGNANT!
Wash with mild shampoo & conditioner.
Wrap hair with warm towel & dry naturally.

4) Banana Hair Mask

Mash 2-3 Extremely ripe bananas.
Add 2 Tablespoons Coconut Nectar or Agave.
Add 2 Tablespoons Yogurt. (Rice, Soy, Coco)
Add 2 Tablespoons of Olive oil to the Mixture.
Mix & mash really well or blend a few seconds.
Apply Mask on hair & wrap with a shower cap.
Adults let sit for 1 hr, kids 30 mins, then wash!
This mask leaves hair healthy, shiny & tamed!

5) Celery Juice Soak

Extract juice from one bunch of Celery.
Store Celery juice in a jar & leave it overnight.
The next day, apply juice on roots & tips of hair.
Comb hair, then cover it with cap for 45 mins.
(Toddlers or kids with thinner hair, 30 minutes).
Gently wash hair & allow it to dry naturally.

6) Tropical Hair Mask:

Mash 2 very ripe Bananas in a bowl.
Mash 1 ½ cups Papaya really well.
Add 1 Tablespoon of Agave/Coconut Nectar.
Mix all of ingredients together in a bowl.
Apply the tropical mask on your hair.
Allow the mask to completely dry on hair.
Wash hair & enjoy your super soft tresses.

7) Almond Oil Treatment

Almond Oil is a super easy hair remedy!
Add 3-4 drops of Almond oil to Conditioner.
Wash & Condition the hair with it.
Your hair will be tamed & beautiful.
Repeat 2-3 times a week max!
(1-2 drops for toddlers & young children).

8) Hot Sesame Oil

Heat ½ cup Sesame oil until warm.
Apply Warm Sesame Oil to hair & scalp.
Comb hair with a wide-toothed comb.
Wear a shower cap & leave it on 30-45 mins.
Rinse it off & wash hair with a mild shampoo.
(10-15 minutes for toddlers & young children).

All of these foods can be purchased Organically, Vegan & Gluten Free. If your child gets curious and wants to taste some of the hair masks, then go right ahead mommy and daddy… No problem! 👶👶👶 nom nom nom… 😋

I have learned to love my curls and of course we absolutely adore our toddler’s sweet curls!

Furthermore, preparing these masks are:

A fun way to spend time with our family,
Easy to sit in the bath with & relax,
Are compassionate towards animals & our environment.
Best if repeated 2-3 times a week.
Are less expensive than salon treatments.

Have fun with these Yummy Hair Masks, I hope they help you love and manage your beautiful tresses!

You are beautiful just the way you are!

Sending you love & light ~ Dr. Dee

Are Kids & Teens Drinking Enough Water? 8 Tips to Help Stay Hydrated: Yummy Infused Water Recipe!

11 Comments January 20, 2015 DrD4Health

Welcome back Amigos! I have a question for you, how much water do you and your kids ACTUALLY drink? As a child, I primarily drank Tea, Kool-Aid and occasional Water. I do remember adults occasionally stating the importance of water, but I didn’t take it seriously, nor did I understand how to make it a priority. Today, Nephrologists (Kidney Doctors), report that more than ever, there is a high demand for Pediatric Nephrologists (Kidney Doctor for Kids & Teens). This is due to kids being diagnosed with PAINFUL Kidney & Urinary Stones, which are often caused by a lack of water and junk food! Today, kids & teens have so many drink choices, why should they drink boring old water?

Every system in our body depends on water & helps youngsters thrive!
Water helps the brain function & will help detox their kidneys, liver & other vital organs.
Water carries nutrients to their cells & helps them digest food.
Water provides a moist environment for their ears, nose & throat systems.
Water is our primary chemical component & makes up 60% of weight.

How much water do kids & teens actually need?

General Guideline for Drinking Water:

Symptoms of Dehydration:

Dry Skin
Dizziness
Headache
Dry Mouth
Constipation
Increased thirst
Few or No Tears
Decreased urine output.
Urine is dark yellow instead of clear/light yellow.
Feeling Tired & Drained even after sleeping well.

Hydrating Thoughts:

Researchers have similar but varying ideas about water amount we should drink.
Pay close attention to your child’s symptoms, activity level & climate you live in.
Your child loses water by simply breathing, perspiring, urinating & pooping.
Kids must replenish water by consuming foods & drinks that contain water.
If severely dehydrated, provide real coconut water to replenish electrolytes.
Speak with a health professional if dehydration symptoms persist.

8 Tips to Help Kids Drink More Water:

Always have clean & fresh tasting water on hand!
Infuse water with Organic Fruits, Veggies & Herbs!
Place a 16 oz water bottle by their night stand.
Have child drink 8 oz (1 cup) before sleeping.
Have child drink 16 oz (2 cups) upon awakening.
Have them drink 2 cups, 1 hour before each meal. (48 oz total)
Model behavior so your child will watch & learn.
Buy your child a sports bottle they can keep with them at all times (at school, during lunch, after recess)!

The chart above may seem like a lot of water, but it really isn’t. Remember, 60% of your body is made of water, so it is critical that children’s water is replenished on a daily basis.

Can a child be drinking too much water? It is possible for someone to drink too much water (hyponatremia), but it is very rare, and mostly happens to people who are extreme athletes.

The above chart is only a guideline, it is important you adjust your kid’s water consumption if you live in a very hot/humid climate, if they are athletes or have a medical condition. This Organic fruit & herb infused water recipe is a great way to always have great tasting water!

ORGANIC STRAWBERRY, LEMON, CUCUMBER, MINT INFUSION:

♥ ½ Cup Sliced Lemons

♥ ½ Cup Sliced Strawberries

♥ ¾ Medium Cucumber, Sliced

♥ ¼ Cup of Mint Leaves

♥ 1 Quart of Fresh Spring Water

♥ USE ALL ORGANIC FOOD

Instructions:

♥ Prepare & Slice Fruits, Veggies, Herbs

♥ Place Your Mix at the Bottom of Jar

♥ Pour Your Water over the Mix

♥ Chill in your Fridge or Serve Room Temp.

♦ Optional: Use a wooden spoon to squash fruit at the bottom of jar before adding water.

Important Final Notes:

On average, food can provide about 20% of total water intake. Watermelon & Spinach are at least 90% water weight.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women need additional fluids to stay hydrated.
Pineapple, Orange, Ginger is another great infusion for the family.

This infusion is so Yummy Yummy and it’s so fun to make together with your family. Stay hydrated Amigos, I look forward to you visiting again! Sending Love & Light! ~ Dr. Dee

Vegan Tex-Mex Tacos, Yummy & Kid-Friendly!

Leave a comment January 10, 2015 DrD4Health

Hola Amigos!

Happy New Year & Welcome Back! For those of you who have visited me here before, you know I am originally from the South… South Texas to be exact! There are a lot of things I miss about Texas… my extended family, childhood friends, the music, friendly drivers, the Cowboy Fans and THE FOOD!

When I say the food, I mean the Tex-Mex Food! I have eaten food from around the world, but for me, there is always something nostalgic about the Tex-Mex food I grew up eating, especially my mom’s food and healing spices, like Cumin, Oregano, Thyme and Cilantro!

Every day, and I mean every day, my mom always had fresh homemade flour tortillas sitting on the stove… Tortillas for breakfast, Tortillas for lunch, Tortillas for dinner… I never ever grew tired of mom’s flour tortillas!

Mmm mmm mmm, I miss those days!!!

I don’t miss my food related health issues with meat, dairy and gluten, but I do reminisce about the other aspects of the Tex-Mex Culture which surrounded my childhood food.

The men were often gathered around our huge BBQ pit, mostly boasting about the last Dallas Cowboy Game, while others were dancing, drinking and eating up a storm!

My grandmother, aunts and mom all gathered in the kitchen whilst preparing other dishes, such as, Tacos, Potato Salad, Tortillas, Rice, Beans, Guacamole, Desserts, etc… I can still smell the food, hear the laughter and feel the unity! Everyone talking over each other, some laughing, and the rest constantly picking on each other… oh, sweet memories!

As for me, I was always bare foot, in pig tails and one of many cousins climbing grandma’s trees, playing hop scotch and freeze tag, all the while, sneaking in and out of the kitchen, begging to help cook and eat a pre-dinner tortilla! 🌞

We drank tons of Kool Aide & Texas Tea. We didn’t mind water out of a hose, we were rarely indoors and never heard of transfats, gluten or lactose… Ahhh, such yummy food, ignorance is bliss… lol!

Our Texas family and friends still gather, but times have changed! Not all of us eat animal meat, dairy or gluten, but there are some things that remain constant- We all root for the Cowboys 🏈and we all love Tex-Mex Food! Woohoo!

Here is a Yummy Kid-friendly Twist on a Tex-Mex dish that may help a fellow Vegan survive this football season!

Vegan Tex-Mex Tacos!

Taco Ingredients:

*All Ingredients are NonGMO & Organic

1 tsp each: Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Cumin, Thyme
1/2 tsp each: Paprika, Cayenne, Oregano.
2 Cloves of Garlic (minced).
1 Handful Cilantro to taste.
1/4 Red Onion (finely chopped).
3 Medium Bell peppers (cored & sliced).
Gluten Free Flour or Corn Tortillas of choice.
Vegan Taco Meat of Choice (24 oz) serves 4.

Taco Instructions:

First prepare Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper.
Break up Vegan Meat & Simmer in large pan.
Add Onion & Garlic, increase to Medium Heat.
Mix all of the dry ingredients together.
Wait 5 minutes, add dry ingredients to meat.
Add 3 Tablespoons Spring Water to meat.
Cook on Medium heat for 10 minutes.
Add Bell pepper slices to meat in pan.
Heat Bell pepper to desired tenderness.
Heat up Gluten Free Flour or Corn Tortillas.
Scoop some taco meat into Tortillas of choice.
Sprinkle Cilantro leaves on top, add toppings.

*Optional toppings:
Tomatillo Guacamole 🍈
Tomato Tidbits 🍅
Salsa. 🌱
Sliced Avocado Strips.
Daiya Shredded Cheese

Toddler & Kid-Friendly Taco Version:

Instructions:

Separate a small portion of meat.
Add 1/8 of Dry ingredients.
Exclude Cayenne, Black & Bell Pepper.

*Depending on child’s age, you may want to use:
Dry Onion, Garlic, Thyme powders.
*Fresh Onion/Garlic may cause painful bloating & gas.
Follow same steps for remainder of recipe.

Thanks for visiting us at YummyYummyBaby.Com and stay tuned for more Tex-Mex Food!

Stay warm & cozy and see ya real soon!

XOXO ~ Dr. Dee

——– Original message ——–

Jasmine Rice & Veggie Soup for You & Baby!

3 Comments December 30, 2014 DrD4Health

It was the night before New Years Eve, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…

We all have the flu and are snuggled in bed, while I write this blog I long to lay down my head… Hehehe!

There hasn’t been a time where everyone in the house is layed out, but after all the exposure to illnesses at holiday parties, it was bound to happen!

With loving kindness, I ask to consider staying home when having a cough or fever… I know it’s not always possible, but if you can, please spare the babies and toddlers from being exposed to these harsh illnesses…

Now back to your regularly scheduled blog about healthy living… Lol!

We are due for groceries, but luckily, I was able to scramble this together from the farm fresh produce box we have delivered to our home…

Jasmine Rice Veggie Soup!

*All Organic & Gluten free food

°32 oz of Vegetable Broth
° 2 Cups of Fresh Spring Water
° 3 Cups of Rice Milk
° 8 Large Mixed Carrots (diced)
° 4-6 Cups Fresh Green Beans
° 3 Cups Chopped Fresh Spinach
° 3 Cups of Fresh Broccoli
° 2 Cups of Jasmine Rice
° 2-3 Cups of Diced Red Potatoes
° 1-2 Veggie Bouillon Cubes
° 2 teaspoons of Sea Salt
° 2 Tablespoons of Liquid Amino’s
° 3 Cloves of Garlic (minced)
° 1 Small Red Onion (diced)

Instructions:

° Cook Rice separately & accordingly.
° Wash all vegetables.
° Add liquids, bouillon cubes, potatoes, green beans, carrots to pot and bring to desired tenderness.
° For adults and older children add garlic, onions and spices.
° 2 minutes before serving, add rice, spinach and broccoli to the pot.

*For Babies & Toddlers:

– Use a ladle to separate a desired
amount of liquid before adding the adult version with garlic, onion and spices.

– Soften the Veggies longer for lil ones and make sure they are cut in bite size pieces.

– Do the same with the Spinach & Broccoli before adding the Rice.

This soup turned out pretty Yummy Yummy for a hodge podge last minute scramble… It felt so good on our sore throats…

My apologies, for this messy format… I’m literally typing this on my phone, while in bed with a fever… Wahwahwah! A mommy’s job is never done!

I’m wishing you all stay well this winter season, I’m gonna get up and make some of my ginger tea remedies!

I hope you have started working on your New Year’s Resolutions! Consider reducing processed sugars and foods for you and family!

I wish you a healthy and happy 2015! Happy New Year and I look forward to you visiting us again! XOXO ~
Dr. Dee

Playful Persimmon Cups! Yummy Vegan Treat You & Baby Can Eat!

Leave a comment December 27, 2014 DrD4Health

Persimmon Cup

Persimmons, Bananas & Dates… Oh my! A Yummy Raw Vegan Treat You & Baby Can Eat ~ Even on The Fly!

It was pouring cats and dogs outside and we were stuck in our time share room…Yes, we are “those” people that love and enjoy our time share ! 🌴:) 🐳🌴

We were on a vacation to celebrate our toddler’s birthday, and of course, what would a birthday be with out a sweet celebratory dessert?!? I planned on waking up early, walking to the market and whipping up his favorite YummyYummyBaby treat, but the lightning, thunder and rain were being relentless…

Uh oh, my family would be up in a couple of hours, what was I going to do?!!? Luckily, we always travel with fruit & veggies… We are bound to have something in our fridge that would result in a Yummy treat.. something… Hmmm??? We have Persimmons, Dates, Bananas, Coconut Water, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Mangos, Kiwis, various greens, glass cups, bowls and a blender…

Yes! Yes! Yes! I figured it out… Persimmons, Bananas and Dates!

The week before last, I observed two people cyber-fighting about who owned a delicious persimmon pie recipe, but I have a strong hunch it may be one of those simple recipes many people have recreated a version of… It was the perfect inspiration!

Here is my result of desperately needing a YummyYummyBaby Birthday treat on a Super Stormy December Day!

Yummy Persimmon Cups!

Organic Ingredients:

1/2 of Very Ripe Persimmon per Cup
1 1/2 Medjool Dates per Cup
1/3 Ripe Banana per Cup
1-2 Tablespoons of Coconut Water
Optional ~ 1 tsp each: Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
Decide quantity of cups, buy Fruits accordingly.
Dessert cups

Alternate Version

Easy Instructions:

Date Layer (Bottom)

Open all the dates and remove the pits.
Mash Dates in the bottom of each Cup. (use 1-2)

Banana Layer (Middle)

In a separate bowl, mash all the bananas.
Spread a big scoop of bananas over the dates.

Persimmon Layer (Top)

Peel the Persimmons and place in bowl.
Mash/Blend persimmons, Coconut Water & Spices.
Spread Persimmons over the bananas.

Playful Persimmon Cups

Option 1: (Chunky~Mashed Persimmon Cups)

Peel the Persimmons. (eat or discard peels)
Mix in the spices and stir really well.
Mash the very ripe Persimmons with a fork, it will be Chunky & Delicious!!
Place a healthy scoop of Persimmon over the Banana Layer!

Option 2: (Fluffy, Blended, Aerated Persimmons)

Peel the Persimmons.
Add Persimmons, Spices, Coconut water to High Speed Blender.
Blend Persimmons about 20 seconds (nutribullet/high speed blender).
Persimmons will become very fluffy and aerated!

*Yummy, Healthy, Easy for babies & toddlers to eat

Fluffy Aerated Persimmon Cups

*Option 3: (Fruit on top of Persimmon)

Add tiny slices of fruit on top of persimmon layer.
Add chunks of fruit on top of persimmon layer.

All versions are delicious, it all depends what texture suits your family needs!

While stuck in our time share room, there were so many obstacles in my creative way… I didn’t have any spices, but it was still very YummyYummyBaby! After coming home, the rain was gone and I could see and think clearly while creating this blog version… hahaha! I added the Organic Spices and it knocked it up a couple of holiday notches!

Play with the recipe and have fun! Persimmons are full of Vitamin C, Antioxidants and Fiber! These Persimmon Cups are such a Healthy and Yummy treat your entire family can eat! Yay!!!