McDonald's has been heavily criticized for not only it's unhealthy food choices, but also it's questionable marketing tactics. So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that they're at it again with a nationwide event called McTeacher's Night. What is a McTeacher Night? On McTeacher’s Nights, McDonald’s brings the schools into their restaurants for a …
This October, Don’t Fall for Pink-Washing
You may have noticed something as summer faded and made way for fall. It's something that's almost as prevalent at the store as pumpkin flavored foods – the color pink. Yes, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it seems the only way to spread awareness is with pink everything. Sure, it may be a great way to get the word out about the …
The American Academy of Pediatrics Cuts Ties with Monsanto
Months ago we learned that the American Academy of Pediatrics was in a sponsorship relationship with Monsanto, a chemical company and makers of DDT, PCBs, Agent Orange, glyphosate & GMOs. In fact, Monsanto has been deemed the 3rd most hated company in the United States by the Harris Poll this year measuring "reputation quotient" which basically …
Family Leave: 6 Months For All Employees At Stonyfield
Stonyfield, as part of a coalition of employers led by its parent company, Danone, is pleased to announce that beginning in July of 2016, it will offer 6 months of paid maternity leave to mothers, or the primary caregiver in the case of same sex couples. As a progressive company with a focus on healthy families, Stonyfield already offers a …
GMO Labeling: Moms Want Big Food to Conceal or Reveal
Mom's have a lot of things on their plates, and a lot of worries when it comes to their children. We worry if we child-proofed the house enough, if we've put on enough sunscreen, or if they'll grow up to be contributing members to society. GMO labeling shouldn't be one of them. The concerns of a mom are endless. I asked some moms what they care …
School Chicken Nuggets: A Closer Look
What's in school chicken nuggets? Apparently that can be a hard question to answer. It took a Freedom of Information Act to get a Chicago school district to answer "chicken nuggets." After some more pressing, the school district came back with an incomplete 28 ingredient list. It took some serious work, but our Mamavation founder was able to get …
12 Inflammatory Foods
There are a number of ways in which food can affect our bodies. It can give us energy, impact how we feel, and change our health. Foods can have both positive and adverse affects, so it's important that we look at what we're eating. One of those adverse affects can be an inflammatory response. Inflammation is the body's attempt to remove something …
Dangerous Disposable Dinnerware: Toxic Dinnerware that Destroys the Earth
With the end of summer celebrations on the way and school activities gearing up, now is the time to rethink your disposable dinnerware products. Not just for summer and picnics, a fall full of back to school activities, kids' parties, and holiday events often require moms to purchase or contribute items to serve food and drinks. My own children …
Real Food Lunchbox Recipes: How to Survive School Lunch
It's back to school season and everywhere kids are likely dreading it. They don't want to leave carefree summers behind for homework and a scheduled daily routine. Meanwhile, parents are secretly rejoicing that they have a bit more time to themselves after carpool duty. But, perhaps parents and children are dreading one of the same things– school …
Better Sleep? These 5 Things Are Keeping You Up at Night, So STOP Doing Them
Sleep, it may be the most important thing you do each day, even though you're not really doing anything. A good night's sleep should never be underestimated. When your body sleeps it gets to work restoring your body's energy, repairing tissue, and stimulating the brain to form pathways for learning. It's vital to our survival, and our health. The …
Marketing To Children: 9 Ways Junk Food Giants Target Children
Hooking your kids on junk food is a billion dollar business. According to a recent study by the Federal Trade Commission, the food and beverage industry spends nearly $2 billion a year on targeted marketing to children and teens. That’s some serious dough—and it’s not just going toward Sponge Bob TV ads. In fact, the many ways the food industry …
Saving Money on Organic Groceries: The Ultimate Guide
As more consumers are discovering the benefits of eating organic, the demand is growing. As a result, organic foods are becoming readily available in grocery stores, big box stores, and almost anywhere you can buy food. Sales of organic food are showing double digits increases annually. It's more available and more affordable than it's ever been. …