Healthy Crackers? Read the label

October 25, 2009October 25, 2009 Michelle Day holidays, nutrition

I’ve been thinking about healthy crackers lately. Maybe because the holiday season is fast approaching and hors de overs are about to readily served at every gathering.

Even if the amount of processed or ‘enriched’ flour in mass market crackers and chips is minimal, and your intake of them is low enough not effect your health, why not stick to a multi-grain cracker which might possible have a dietary benefit?
I’ve found that crackers labeled a ‘multi-grain’ are actually tastier and go better with cheeses and fruits. What I look for in a multi- grain or ‘healthy’ cracker is in the ingredient list (as always the shorter the better). I prefer to see ‘Whole grain’ not simply wheat. Make sure the box tells you what sort of whole grain — such as Quinoa, Spelt, Millet and Kamut. Most of these will be mixed with Wheat. But the health ramifications are greatly improved with these grains added.
And consider this — Even if the content of these beneficial grains is minimal, wouldn’t the effect of not eating overly processed crackers and chips be better for you and your kids?

In future blogs we will be talking about each of these grains (Quinoa, Spelt, Millet & Kamut) and how you can introduce your kids to them.

Michelle Day

Michelle Day has been cooking and baking since she was old enough to hold a whisk. Michelle is an expert cook and her passion for cooking and entertaining has never wavered. At the age of 10 Michelle’s Family started a bakery in Simsbury CT, where Michelle got her first taste of running a food service business. In 1994 Michelle moved to New York City, where, she found her true passion in baking. In 2001 she started “The Catering Divas” Catering business. Serving the Upper East Side, she catered numerous small dinner and cocktail parties. Her passion and attention to detail won her the attention of some of New York’s Elite. Back at home in Connecticut, Michelle is a well known culinary instructor and her cake decorating skills jump-started a side business — Devine Cake Designs — where clients clamor for her inspired and beautifully artistic designs. After 15 years in the culinary industry, Michelle’s love of cooking, baking and children, has lead to her to her newest career, offering personalized family cooking classes and creating a TV show, digital broadcasts and Cook Books like no other. Kids and a Cook is all about healthy, fun, and easy meals for kids and their families. Michelle credits her parents with her success and her love of food, helping to create so many memories being in the kitchen with them as a child. Her goal is to have a show to help viewers create the same memories with their families. A show for the kids, and by the kids, with the “cook” there as guidance. Michelle’s featured co-host is an energetic, precocious 9-year-old named Elisabeth. Although a finicky eater, Elisabeth still loves to cook in the kitchen and learn about ingredients and how to mix them to make tasty dishes. Come join us — as you and Elisabeth learn easy recipes and explore culinary adventures. Michelle Day is available for lectures and cooking demonstrations. Please contact us through this website.