Cookus Interruptus: A laugh for while you cook.

I should be more careful when looking for nutrition blogs.  I found "Cookus Interruptus" a video blog by Cynthia Lair, and got stuck watching the videos for an hour!  Not only was I taking notes about the recipes, by the end of the first video I was hooked by the humor and storyline. 

The genius behind the blog, Cynthia Lair, is an Associate Professor for Bastyr University's School of Nutrition and Exercise Science and the Culinary Curriculum Director for their new Culinary Arts Degree program.  Cookus Interuptus' mission is to blend entertainment with whole foods nutrition education.  Their story line centers around "Cynthia", a fresh local organic nutrition educator  and cookbook author.  She lives with her husband of 25 years, Steve.  The economic downturn has her daughter, grandson and Steve's dad all living in the home.  So without a steady stream of income and many more hungry bodies, Cynthia agreed to do a web cooking show in her home, her very busy home.   Family life proceeds as usual during shooting, sometimes Steve, Jane, Ward or Darrell pitch in but mostly they interrupt and Cythia saves the world, one recipe at a time.  

Have a look, but just be warned, it will be hard to stop watching.  Now, excuse me, there is a red soup recipe I'd like to hear about.

Alliance for Natural Health comment on the AMA's article about Multivitamin use.

A well phrased comment on the recent journal article about Multivitamin use. It is a good reminder to look at sweeping claims with a critical eye and to make your own conclusions.  Click below to see the commentary.

Shame on AMA’s Archives of Internal Medicine

Helpful hits about how to negotiate a safe and fun Halloween!

I've talked before about two fantastic magazines (The Autism File and Living Without).  This month, both have articles discussing how to make Halloween fun, safe and stress-free of families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or special diets.

Living Without's article focuses on tips for keeping Halloween and Trick or Treating fun but avoiding all the potential pit falls associated with food sensitivities.  Listed among their suggestion, I also recommend setting up a trading post for doing a treat exchange and or buy-back.  This allows kids to trade for safe goodies or to cash in their loot for coins.  At the end of the night you may even offer to exchange the whole lot for a new toy or gift card to their favorite book or toy store.   Follow this link to see the full article:  Grapevine: Trick or Treat! Seven ideas for a safe and happy Halloween

The ghostly season also brings lots of unexpected treats and baked goods at schools and daycares.  Consider a friendly reminder to teachers about your child's restrictions and an offer to bring in safe treats when needed.  Coaching your child to avoid those treats, and rewarding with special prizes can go along way to helping them stick to their diets.

The Autism File has extra strategies for kids that might struggle with the Halloween environment. It has ideas for how to manage the tactile concerns with costumes and the extra stresses of door to door visits.  For that article follow: Top 10 Strategies “To Ensure Halloween is Healthy and Stress-Free for your Family” from Autism File Readers

Happy Halloween to all the little goblins and ghosts!