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The 6 Rules of Feeding Your Babies

by Full House MOM on November 27, 2012

http://bestoftwins.com/breastfeeding-with-twins/

The 6 Rules of Feeding Your Babies

Just a few years ago there seemed to be a theme of “only the very poor breastfed their baby.” Today you are looked down upon if you have to do any form of supplement. At the end of the day it is all about being the best parent you can be. That is all that matters. I believe really good parents, after careful thought and consideration make educated choices that are the best for their whole family. The following is 6 basic rules lactation consultants use in their practices. I have adapted them to better support the families here at Full House Moms. I hope that you will find them informative and that they might help support you in being the best parent to your babies.

1. Feed The Babies
When all is said and done what is most important is just simply that you “feed the baby.” Most agree that breast milk is best but when you look at the whole picture of supply and demand and multiples there might be a time that supplements are called for.

2. The Mother is Right
Go with your instincts, nobody knows your babies like YOU do.

3. It’s Your Baby
As much as the moms, sisters, friends and yes even Doulas in your life care and are willing to give you advice, each mother has to figure out what works best for her family.

4. Nobody Knows Everything
This is a rule that should be referred to daily! As you see your OB, Pediatrician, Lactation Consultant, Doula, you need to ask your questions and to remember that if the answer is not satisfactory to keep asking.

5. There’s Another Way
When you think it’s all figured out, systems in place, a routine that works……it suddenly seems nothing is working any more! Along with multiple babies come multiple choices. Seek out ideas and answers from those have experience, read books (with all that free time you have), get on-line, BE CREATIVE. There’s always another way.

6. Protect the Milk Supply
If breastfeeding’s the choice you have made please protect the milk you have worked so hard to produce. This should include having a Lactation Specialist in your corner supporting you all the way. Find others who have breastfed multiples who can share their stories and surround yourself with positive influences.

Deana Andersen-Tennant
Multiples Specialist and Educator
Owner/Doula PCD (DONA)
Renaissance Childbirth &
Postpartum Professionals, LLC
OR (503)493-7390 ext3
WA (360)542-9534 ext3
www.renchildbirth.com
deana@renchildbirth.com

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What Outreach Means to our Members 2

by Full House MOM on October 31, 2012

I am a wife, a mother, a student, and an employee. I have been blessed with the opportunity to be the mother of 5 fantastic children; the youngest being five year old twins.

Near the beginning of 2007, my husband and I worked full-time, rented our house, and were enjoying our family. Shortly after discovering (surprise!) I was pregnant with twins, my husband lost his job. Although he looked very hard for another job, the opportunity never arrived. We decided that since I had a decent administrative job in health care, with medical benefits, that I would work as long as possible through the pregnancy (I made it to almost 37 weeks). I would go back to work shortly after (I went back when my boys were 7 weeks old), and my husband would be a full-time stay at home dad. Although this has worked, it has been insanely tight financially. The daily stress of not knowing if we can afford next month’s rent, not knowing if we can afford groceries, and have never been able to afford extra things such as Picture Day at my older childrens’ schools, is intense. I finally realized we would never get over this stress if I didn’t do something drastic to change it. So, four years ago I went back to school to get my pre-requisites completed to become a Physician’s Assistant. Although I work during the day, then go to school until 10 PM during the week, sometimes don’t get to see my kids at all for a couple days, and leave the burden of taking care of literally everything else to my husband, I know that this will end. I have about four more years of school before I am finished. I will never have to tell my kids they can’t get a school yearbook or go to a school event, never decline contributing at the check-stand fundraiser, and will be able to help someone else that has had a very hard time like I “did.”

If it weren’t for Full House Moms and Dads sharing their kindness with our family on Christmas, my kids would not ever get a gift at all. For that, I cannot begin to express my gratitude. I can only hope that one day I am able to reciprocate the thoughtfulness.

If you would like to make a donation to Outreach and support our member families in need this holiday season, or year round, please contact Outreach at outreach@fullhousemoms.com.

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Keeping Up Your Immunity

by Full House MOM on October 10, 2012

By Maeshowe Pierce, ND

http://www.aletheiahealth.com/

Its that time of year again. The big transition into fall has begun. School starts, the weather gets cooler, the days get shorter and the warmth and carefree days of summer start to fade in our memory. With this comes colds and flus and the sluggishness of fall and winter. And while it is natural to go more inward, slow down, put on a few pounds and take a step back, it doesn’t mean we feel we have time for this. Herein lies the breaking point. Its time for more recitals and sports events and festivities and now you are sick! Well, let’s take a few precautions to make sure this doesn’t occur this year. And if it does, it is shorter and much easier to recover.

Simple tips to keep your immune system strong:

*Get lots of sleep. New parents are probably laughing, and I know from experience as well, but maintaining regular sleep hours is vital to your health. Every hour you go to bed before midnight counts as two hours of sleep! This is because growth hormone is made before midnight, which helps to replenish and restore your body. Cortisol is made after midnight, which is a stress hormone. So getting to bed even by 11pm will give your immune system a boost! And if crying babies are a factor, try trading off nights with your partner before you get too run down.

*Exercise. Now I’m not saying you have to run a marathon or lift 100 pounds. Just get your body moving every day. And try to sweat while you are at it. Exercising has been shown to increase your white blood cells, which help fight infection. Sweating is a great way to get rid of toxins that naturally store up and the movement will get your blood pumping and help to increase circulation and move your lymph.

*Drink lots of water. A good rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces. Unless you have kidney issues (always check with your doctor), drinking lots of water helps to flush out toxins and keep you hydrated.

*End showers in cold. Now my patients shudder when I say this, especially in the winter. But actually, ending your shower with a rinse of cold helps to bring your blood back to your core where all your vital organs are. This will boost your immune system and actually help to keep you warmer throughout the day. Make sure you are warm enough before you turn on the cold and start by making your shower luke warm and work your way to cold over time.

*Dry skin brush. This is another way to move your lymph system and promote circulation, which helps to boost immunity. Take a skin brush or dry, coarse washcloth, and before your shower, rub your skin with medium light pressure working in the direction towards your heart.

*Keep your nasal passages moist. Some of you may be familiar with a neti pot already. This is a great way to flush your sinuses and to keep the tissues hydrated. Winter air is often dry, even in Oregon. When your sinuses get dry, they tend to crack and possibly bleed. This is a great way for bacteria to get in and cause sinus infections and colds. If you are intimidated by neti pots try using a simple nasal spray that is just saline. This works just as well for hydrating. If you do get sick, the neti pot will help in flushing the mucus and quicken healing.

*Manage your stress levels. This is always challenging, especially with children, but stress increases cortisol, which suppresses your immune system. This is why when you finally take a moment to relax, you often get sick. So make sure to take a little time each day for yourself. Go for a walk, watch a comedy, chat with a friend, drink some tea, take deep breaths, whatever sounds relaxing to you.

*Eat a diet rich in vitamin C and zinc and avoid sugar and caffeine. Vitamin C and zinc are great for your immune system and for fighting illnesses once you have one. Vitamin C is found in rose hips (great for a tea), orange and red fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens. Zinc is found in calf livers, beans and pumpkin seeds along with other foods. Limit your sugar intake, including processed grains, because sugar feeds bacteria. And limit caffeine because it stimulates your adrenals increasing cortisol, which will wear you out.

*Take your probiotics. Keeping a good amount of healthy bacteria in your gut will help ward off dangerous bacteria. Make sure you use a trusted brand to ensure its efficacy. Ask an ND if you are unsure.

*Take your vitamin D. Vitamin D is key in the function of your immune system. Ask your doctor how much you should take.

Always make sure to consult with your doctor when someone is sick for more than a day or two, has a temperature of over 101 degrees F, has a cough, has a rash or is just not them self. Trust your gut when it comes to your kids and yourself. If you feel something is wrong, do not worry about over reacting. You know best and it is always better to be safe than sorry. It’s also great to establish a relationship with a doctor before you get sick. Make sure you are on the same page and that you feel heard. Check with your doctor about their favorite remedies and medicines to have on hand at home for when you do get sick.

Colds and flus are a drag but they are often your body telling you to take it easy. And for children it is often an opportunity to build a stronger immune system. Listen to your body, trust your body and take the time to care for yourself. The sooner you can boost your immune system, the better the chance your body has to fight off sickness. Start today!

Link to Doctor Pierce’s Bio: http://www.yogapearl.com/healing-arts/naturopathy/dr-maeshowe-pierce/

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What Outreach Support Means to our Members

by Full House MOM on October 8, 2012

From one Outreach Member with 5 month old identical boys:

I did most of my pregnancy alone, with the only support of 3 close friends and my father who lives 2,000 miles away. I was terrified when I found out I was having twins at 20 weeks. I took on a second job and worked 14 hour days, 6 days a week my entire pregnancy to save. I was a Professional Nanny and knew I would be taking an unpaid maternity leave and once I found out I was having twins the prospect of returning back to work with two babes instead of one changed. All of the funds I acquired from working went to me and my unborn babies survival after they arrived, I didn’t have enough funds to buy all of the furniture, clothing, diapers, bottles, breast pumps, toys, books, car seats, etc. that babies need. I contacted Jessica from outreach and she lifted a huge load off of my shoulders. As a soon to be new parent of two, she helped me create a list of must-have’s when I was pregnant. She later used that list to acquire ALL of my items I needed from fabulous Full House families that donated items after the consignment sale. She later helped me acquire car seats for my preemies who arrived nearly two months early. Most importantly, she worked as my partner and as my friend, both of which I desperately needed during that time. To say I am grateful for outreach is an understatement. Jessica is dedicated to helping moms and families in need for whatever the circumstance. She will bend over backward to help. She is one of the most generous and kind people I have ever met.

And to all of the families who donate to outreach and to all of the families who donate their items that didn’t sell at the consignment sale, know that you have touched me and my twins deeply and we think of you always. We recently received a donated BOB stroller, something I would’ve never dreamed I could’ve ever owned. We have come a long way thanks to the outreach program and your outstanding volunteers!

We love you greatly!

If you would like to donate gently used or new items to Outreach, or if you or your company are looking for a family to sponsor this holiday season, please email outreach@fullhousemoms.com. Your donations make a difference! Thank you!

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The Amazing Act of Crawling

by Full House MOM on October 1, 2012

The Amazing Act of Crawling

By Laura Knauer of Baby Sensory

Photo credit: http://ausnappynetwork.wordpress.com/gallery/babies-crawling-grass-shorties2/

You may have heard the statistic that states that a baby who skips crawling and goes straight to walking could have a learning difficulty later in life. This research has stirred up a lot of controversy and has many parents losing sleep because their little one has yet to get on all fours and shuffle across the living room. The fact is, babies develop at different rates and many do choose to skip crawling and start walking straight away. That’s okay! However, it’s also true that nothing can match regular crawling in terms of energy efficiency, coordination, stability and versatility. There is also evidence that crawling does actually fire groups of neurons (brain cells) in different parts of the cortex responsible for visual processing, sensory perception, conscious planning and prediction. So, what is a parent to think? Does my baby need to crawl or not?!

The deal is, if a baby walks before he crawls, this does not necessarily impact learning later in life. It’s the ACT of crawling itself that stimulates learning and development, even if this happens months (or even years) after the child begins to walk. What is important to remember is that the order in which crawling and walking happens are much less important than simply providing activities that encourage tummy time (for very little ones) and crawling. Even a toddler who crawls through a tunnel or into a playhouse, or chases a toy around the living room on hands and knees, is learning from the experience! So – don’t stress if your baby begins scooting and walking before crawling, but DO encourage activities that require your child to get on their hands and knees and explore the world around him!

10 good reasons for encouraging crawling
(Excerpted from the “Tummy Time” article by Dr. Lin Day, founder of Baby Sensory):

1. Stimulates the left and right hemispheres of the brain to work together
2. Brings oxygen-rich blood to the brain, an important component to overall brain health and immune system stimulation
3. Encourages cross-lateral exercise (left arm-right leg; right arm, left leg) which stimulates thinking and movement at the same time
4. Strengthens hand grasp for physical activities and later writing
5. Improves hand-eye co-ordination and eye-teaming, which is crucial for visual development and later reading skills
6. Perfects movement, control and balance
7. Improves elasticity and contractibility of the muscles, which thicken and strengthen in preparation for later walking
8. Reduces stress and frustration, which can be major obstacles in terms of learning and sleeping
9. Gives babies a sense of freedom: freedom to explore and learn about the world, to create alternative exploration scenarios, to interact with the environment at eye level and to find out about distance and space
10. Enables babies to explore the textures and properties of different objects and to find out what hurts and delights them

Crawling may seem simple enough, but the series of movements are actually very complex. It takes hard work to learn the art of crawling so please don’t lose sleep if your little one takes a little more time than his friend to perfect this complicated maneuver!

————–

About Baby Sensory:

Founded in the UK by Dr. Lin Day, Baby Sensory provides hundreds of sensory development activities that are great fun for parents and babies to share in the vital first year. Many activities involve exercises and stretches that build the muscles necessary for crawling and other important physical milestones. The classes also include fiber optic light shows, bubbles, bells, musical fun, baby signing, puppet shows, amazing light balls and so much more. With over 40 unique lesson plans, you and your baby will experience something new each and every week! Designed for newborns through 13 months, Baby Sensory is the perfect way to expose your little one to hundreds of unique experiences during a critical year of development and exposure.

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Fall Party Pics

by Full House MOM on September 30, 2012

Fun was had by all yesterday at Liepold Farms in Boring, Oregon, for our annual Fall Party. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and nicer people working at the farm. There was a large corn maze, dark hay maze (bring your flashlights for that!), Kid Pavilion, a country store, cute cutouts for picture ops, plenty of large and small pumpkins to choose from, a hay ride with a quick educational chat on how a pumpkin grows, and lastly, but probably the most popular event, the Pumpkin-pult. (Did anyone else hit the huge cutouts and win a free pumpkin? My husband did! My boys were so excited.)

Thank you to our Social Coordinators, Robyn R. and Robin W. for putting on this fabulous event. Thank you, Liepold Farms. We greatly appreciate your generosity in sharing your pumpkin patch/farm with our club and for opening up early for us, too!

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Taira living in the present

by Full House MOM on August 25, 2012

Just read this lovely blog entry Living in the Present from fellow FHM member, Taira. I’m sure it will resonate with many of you.

My present is as glorious as it is mundane. It is pleasing everyone and pleasing no one. It is poop on the floors, on the patio, on the rug, on the bed, on the tiny little feet padding into the room to say, “Mommy, I poop.”

It is moments where patience escapes me entirely and I raise my voice to an uncharacteristic pitch only to be met with three little boy voices in stereo mimicking my tone and teaching me a lesson all in one tiny phrase flowing from the mouth of a two year old: “you bad, Mommy, you bad.”

It is cooking dinner with a glass of wine, chatting with a friend at the kitchen table, running out in to the yard to rescue the hose swinging like a lasso and spraying everyone in sight, and then stepping in the poop on the patio and hearing the dreaded phrase, “I poop, Mommy, I poop.”

It is wandering the aisles of the supermarket staring at labels, looking at ingredients, calculating the nutrients, agonizing over protein content, separating the toddlers pulling each other’s hair in the car cart that barely navigates the corners, and losing the five year old to the display of fruit.

It is waiting like a clock watching fool for the front door to open, relief to come, smiles to gleam, boys to run to someone else and grab his legs, extra hands to change the diaper or clean up the poop that fell out of it.

It is a moment to wash dishes alone that feels like heaven even as I rush to finish before little feet come padding naked from the bath and soon three sets run races around the table laughing and screaming, their towels streaming behind them like capes.

It is reading book after book before ecstatically laying the sweet, sweaty boys into their beds and drowning them with kisses and then breathing deeply as the door snaps shut.

It is stories of antics and successes flying over the mouth of beer bottles and drowning in the glasses of wine, so exhausted that we fight to stay awake an hour longer than the children and then give up the fight and collapse into bed praying that we will stay there all night.

It is an alarm clock that yells, “Mommy!” at 5 am and continues with a cry from the other crib and then is met with a loud, “Hello!” from the other room…it is up and moving and running and dressed and eating by 6 am and wondering how to keep them entertained until the first place opens at 9 am.

It is occasional nights away circling with women who make me feel like I am not alone in the world, having dinner and drinks with my husband and remembering what being alone feels like. It is sneaking away every now and then after a quick and messy dinner, leaving behind naked bottoms that need to be diapered and dishes that need to be washed, so that I can stretch my body in yoga or expand my mind while writing in another circle of women, of acceptance, of creative flow and leaving there exhausted but full of love and hope and pages in a journal.

It is morning play dates with other tired mamas, coffee in hand ,jumping up and down to tend to the children and never missing a beat in the conversation about our next big challenge or the most annoying thing or the way our children have turned us into crazy people.

It is, above all, about love.
Exhausting, fulfilling, overwhelming, magical, unconditional, painful, messy, loud, chaotic, silly, desperate, unending love for each and every person who makes the days pass by on the calendar like water through a funnel and brings me eventually to a tomorrow where I will look back and long for the joy of today.

See pictures of her little poopers and read other entries on Taira’s blog: My Three Little Boys

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Board Member Profile: Charla K.

by Full House MOM on August 20, 2012

I joined FHM in spring 2010 when I found out that I was pregnant with twins. I was fortunate to have met a woman with twins and she was the twins 411 guru for me and she introduced me to FHM. So lucky I am to have met her and even luckier that she’s become a friend. Joining FHM and my new twin mama friend really helped me to plan for my babies; to learn from veteran moms and dads on what works when you have more than one baby.

My boy/girl twins are now almost 20 months old and FHM has continued to be a helpmate through my new adventure in parenting. In the beginning it was finding a doula to keep my head on when my husband started traveling a lot, finding a photographer for their newborn pictures, and how to get them on a great sleep schedule. It’s now become my social network with play dates for the kids and some amazing new friends for me. I’m an older mom, so my friends from before kids either never want to have children or their kids are almost grown. The social aspects of FHM has really bridged the gap between my old and new life.

This last winter, the FHM board listed open positions and I was just a little less sleep deprived to consider a position. My babies turned one and I was getting nervous about the continued ‘baby brain’ that wasn’t seeming to go away. To put it simply, I was just feeling plain stupid and forgetful. I figured that I might as well step outside my box and take on something new and I wanted to give back to a group that’s given so much to me. I became the 2012 newsletter editor and it’s been a great experience. I’ve met even more amazing people by becoming a board member and I get to use my brain in my ‘free time’.

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Summer Window Safety

by Full House MOM on June 18, 2012

Why Window Safety is Even More Important During the Summer Months

By Melissa Moog, founder of Itsabelly.com, a Child Proofing Company

School is out and kids will spend more time at home during the summer. This means on warmer days families tend to open their windows to cool down the house and window safety should be a priority. For families with babies and young children it is critical to understand what window safety is all about and how to prevent your child from injury and possibly death.

It is becoming more evident from the number of accidents that teaching parents about window safety is critical. According to the latest Oregon Trauma Registry Data there were 89 children ages 0-5 that fell from windows in Oregon during 2009 and 2010. Most of the falls were from second-story windows. The majority of children survived, although two died from their injuries. Two and three year old children had the highest number of injuries.

From this data it is easy to tell that anyone with a child 5 years old and under should place importance on window safety especially during the warmer summer months when windows are open. Itsabelly offers child proofing services in the Portland Metro Area and installs window guards as well as locks. So, we wanted to share our top window safety tips to help educate parents and protect their children from danger not only during the summer but all year round.

Itsabelly’s Top Window Safety Tips:

Keep furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing and falling hazards.
Window screens are meant to keep bugs out but not keep children in.
Never leave the window open more than 4 inches. Use window stops and guards that can be removed by an adult in an emergency.
Use window guards on windows that you want to leave open and window locks on windows you want to keep closed.
Shorten all blind cords on windows so that your child is protected from strangulation.
Enforce rules with children to not play near windows. Falling through glass can be fatal or cause serious injury.
If you need to open windows, open windows that children can’t reach.
If using window guards or locks make sure there is a quick release incase of a fire emergency.

For questions or to schedule a child proofing appointment with Itsabelly please call our office at #503-297-5326. Or email info@itsabelly.com. Website: http://www.itsabelly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsabelly. All FHM members will receive 10% off our child proofing assessment services by mentioning the code “FHM10”.

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Crackers

by Full House MOM on June 7, 2012

For the Love of Chicken Nuggets: Taste-bud Rejuvenation for Kids and Kids at Heart

A 5-Week Blog Series for Full House MOMs and Dads

By: Megan Roosevelt, RD, LD, Founder and CEO of Healthy Grocery Girl

http://www.healthygrocerygirl.com

Crunchy, crisp, and oh so tasty, hello crackers!

So how could something so wonderful, ever go so wrong? The magic is in the ingredients. Let’s examine some common cracker flops and some healthier alternatives.

I love saltine crackers, I really do! But these guys put the crack in crackers, it’s hard to just eat one! In addition to being hard to manage portion control, check out the ingredient list!

Generic Saltine Soda Cracker Ingredients: UNBLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE {VITAMIN B1}, RIBOFLAVIN {VITAMIN B2}, FOLIC ACID), SOYBEAN OIL, PARTIALLY HYDROGENATED COTTONSEED OIL, SEA SALT, SALT, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, BAKING SODA, YEAST. CONTAINS: WHEAT (1).

Partially Hydrogenated Oils which are Trans Fats, are man-made and chemically created to increase the shelf-life of food, which sadly in return decreases our shelf-life. These crackers also are made from “enriched flour” which is code word for processed and striped of nutrients, therefore the company must “enrich” nutrients back into the product. These crackers also lack any fiber, protein, vitamins or minerals.

So let’s try a wheat cracker, that has to be healthier. How about Wheat-Thins. The words thin and wheat sounds healthy, right?

Wheat Thin Ingredients: WHOLE GRAIN WHEAT FLOUR, UNBLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE {VITAMIN B1}, RIBOFLAVIN {VITAMIN B2}, FOLIC ACID), SOYBEAN OIL, SUGAR, CORNSTARCH, MALT SYRUP (FROM BARLEY AND CORN), SALT, INVERT SUGAR, LEAVENING (CALCIUM PHOSPHATE AND/OR BAKING SODA), VEGETABLE COLOR (ANNATTO EXTRACT, TURMERIC OLEORESIN). BHT ADDED TO PACKAGING MATERIAL TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS. CONTAINS: WHEAT (2).

This is a long list of ingredients for a cracker! Ingredients that jump out to me are enriched flour, soybean oil, sugar, cornstarch, malt syrup (more sugar) and BHT. “Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are preservatives found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. This common preservative keeps foods from changing color, changing flavor or becoming rancid. Effects the neurological system of the brain, alters behavior and has potential to cause cancer. BHA and BHT are oxidants which form cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body (3).” Yikes!

Healthier “Cleaner Ingredient” Cracker Alternatives:

Food Should Taste Good Chips (crackers)
Mary’s Gone Cracker’s Crackers
Kashi TLC Crackers
Triscuits
Brown Rice Cakes

Healthy Dips for Crackers

Almond Butter
Avocado
Cashew Cream Sauce
Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Butter
Hummus
Peanut Butter
Pesto
Salsa

Homemade Wheat Thin Crackers

From: Ohsheglows (4)

Yield: ~64 crackers

Ingredients:

1        1 1/4 cups (5 oz) 100% whole wheat flour
2        1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
3        1/2 teaspoon salt, plus extra for sprinkling on
4        1/4 teaspoon paprika
5        4 tablespoons Earth Balance (I used soy-free) or butter
6        1/4 cup + 2 tbsp water (or a tiny bit more if dough is too dry)
7        1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a non-stick mat.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, paprika, salt).

3. With a pastry blender (or two forks), cut in the Earth Balance or butter into the flour mixture until crumbly. See image below. Now mix together the water and vanilla and then pour into the flour and Earth balance mixture. Stir this mixture until it comes together. I got in there with my hands and really squeezed the dough to help it come together. If it appears dry add a touch of water, but you don’t want it sticky.

4. Split the dough in half. On a floured surface or on a non-stick mat, roll out one half of the dough very thin (1/16th inch). Using a pizza cutter, cut into whatever shape you desire. Using a spatula, place the crackers on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat as necessary. Sprinkle with more salt and sesame seeds if desired.

5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching closely. Half way through baking rotate the pan to ensure even baking. My crackers took 10 minutes, but if you do not use a baking mat it will likely take less time for you. Be careful because they burn quickly. Cool completely. Makes about 64 crackers for this full recipe. Store in an air-tight container.

For nutrition and health related questions please contact:

Megan Roosevelt, RD, LD at info@healthygrocerygirl.com or visit http://www.healthygrocerygirl.com

Looking for Meal Planning help? We’ve done it for you! Check out the Healthy Grocery Girl Club for monthly meal planner, seasonal recipes, grocery shopping list, nutrition tips and discounts on services! Visit here at http://healthygrocerygirl.com/healthy-grocery-girl-club/

Resources: