​​Hi Reader,

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I recently stumbled upon some information that left me absolutely floored, and I had to share it with you.

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You know those big food companies that fill grocery shelves with ultra-processed foods that are extra tasty but very low on nutrition? Well, it turns out some of them have also owned major weight loss programs…

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So, the same companies encouraging us to indulge are also profiting from our desire to lose weight. It’s a cycle that keeps people bouncing between overindulgence and dieting, all while these big corporations reap the benefits. Your health and well-being is not one of their priorities.

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Did you know about this?

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Nestlé & Jenny Craig

Nestlé, the company behind treats like KitKat and Hot Pockets, purchased Jenny Craig in 2006 for approximately $600 million. They owned the weight loss company until 2013, during which time they profited from both selling indulgent foods— and offering solutions to counteract their effects.

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Unilever & SlimFast

Similarly, Unilever, known for brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum ice cream, acquired SlimFast in 2000 for $2.3 billion. They owned the diet brand until 2014, meaning they profited from both promoting high-calorie, ultra-processed foods and offering weight loss solutions.

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The Bigger Picture

Ultra-processed foods are scientifically engineered to be “hyperpalatable,” with the magical combo of salt, sugar, and fat, making us crave more and more. Plus, they lack protein and fiber, the nutrients that keep us full and satisfied.

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People so often get down on themselves for not having enough self control or willpower around foods. It’s never been a lack of willpower; it’s about these foods being crafted to keep us coming back.

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That’s one of the main reasons it’s so important to have a general understanding of nutrition, so you know what is going to satisfy you and keep you from endless cravings. It’s also part of why I care so much about kids' nutrition— so we can set them up for success, despite these very large forces at play that will be working against them.

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New This Week From Mama Knows
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​IN THE RECIPE BOOK

Berry Banana Baby Led Weaning Muffins

You might be thinking, “muffins for babies? Aren’t muffins loaded with sugar!?" These berry banana muffins are actually perfect for baby led weaning.
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You can also adapt them for older kids- see my note on that below!

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They’re made from whole foods, have only natural sweetness from fruit and no added sugar, are soft, and easy for babies to pick up and explore. So today I’m sharing a baby-led weaning muffin recipe that I’d love for you to bookmark for your next bake!

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If you’re past the baby stage you can easily adapt these muffins for older kids- simply swap out 1 banana and instead add ¼ cup maple syrup! Teddy devoured them when I did that!

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What I’m Loving This Week

Measuring when baking can be kind of a pain. Gotta get all the darn measuring cups, rinse them in between ingredients, blah blah, annoying!
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For years I’ve been using a food scale (and I can’t believe I’m just sharing this now)!

Pro tip: just ask Alexa to tell you the weight of your ingredients. “Alexa, how many grams of peanut butter is ½ cup?” “Alexa, how many grams of flour in 1 cup?”

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You’ll use fewer dishes, and it’s faster and easier, too!

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Feeding Tip Of The Week

What to Avoid: Cereal Edition​
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It’s very simple: avoid high added sugar and low protein and fiber. Look for the number 6 on the nutrition label:

added sugar = 6 grams or less

protein + fiber = 6 grams or more.

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They can still have cereals that don’t fit perfectly into this formula but it’s a quick guide so you don’t have to spend all kinds of time looking at the label.

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We regularly buy multigrain cheerios and the sugar is a little bit higher, but it’s an affordable option my family likes and is less sugary than the other things my kids might pick, so it’s a good compromise!

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Emilia’s favorite is Three Wishes, but it’s a bit more pricey.

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I know there are people on social media trying to scare you about choices like Cheerios, but the truth is it’s affordable, widely available, convenient, made from whole grain oats, and any additives in it are not actually harming your child in the amount they are eating. You don’t need to feel like the expensive options are the only healthy choices because it’s simply not true. 💕 Cheerios are essentially ground up oats, and I struggle to find fault with that.

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You can always choose the organic option, if that feels better to you, but your child won’t suffer nutritionally if you buy the conventional Cheerios.

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Free Cereal List

Want more cereal recommendations? Grab my FREE cereal list here!

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Have a great week,

P.S. Don’t miss your chance for a one-on-one nutrition consultation where I can answer all of your child nutrition and feeding questions!

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Disclaimer: this message contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.​
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