We all know how crazy things can get when you’re trying to get your kids and yourself out the door in time for school and work. If you’re looking for some food ideas to shake things up a little, we’ve got you covered.
Sweet Heat Yoghurt (Noosa)
Noosa yoghurt has been a favorite since we first tried it. Yes, it’s a little pricey, but well worth the splurge now and then. It’s made in small batches on a family farm from all natural whole milk, fresh fruit purees, and honey, and you won’t find this kind of quality in many other brands. If gluten is an issue for anyone in your family, Noosa is gluten-free. It’s also probiotic. Noosa comes in cases of four small containers (that are easy to pack in a lunchbox) as well as larger containers. Their new “sweet heat” line includes flavors like Raspberry Habanero, Pineapple Jalapeno, Mango Sweet Chili, and Blackberry Serrano. If the heat’s not for you, no problem; Noosa has plenty of traditional flavors. Prices vary. http://www.noosayoghurt.com/
How much tofu do you eat? If you’re like most Americans, the answer is either “not much” or “tofu is for hippies.” But tofu (which is made from soybeans) is actually a very versatile, nutrient-dense food that mixes well with (and takes on the flavor of) just about anything you cook with it. And although it’s often associated with Asian food, tofu is great in Italian, Mexican, or any other cuisine. It’s also quite kid-friendly (just show them the packages with Kung Fu Panda on them and they’ll line up to eat like Po!) House Foods has a wide variety of tofu products (including noodles), which are all reasonably priced, gluten free, and non-GMO. Need meal suggestions? They’ve got tons of recipes too. Visit 
With soybeans getting so much attention, garbanzo beans (aka chick peas) were feeling left out. But no more, thanks to hummus, which is made predominately from chick peas. Wild Garden has a wide variety of hummus products, including traditional (chick peas, tahini—ground sesame seeds, salt, and spices), roasted garlic, sundried tomatoes, fire-roasted peppers, and jalapeno. Several flavors are gluten-free. They come in jars and small squeeze tubes, which are great for snacks or school lunches. Some packages include chips. Wild Garden hummus is all natural and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and contains no preservatives or transfats. Prices vary. Visit 
Vega’s plant-based protein powder is great for breakfast shakes, afternoon snacks, or for any other time of the day. Made from hemp, peas, sprouted whole grain brown rice, and other wholesome ingredients, Protein & Greens also contains papaya enzymes which help you digest what you eat. Every scoop (thus every shake) gives you the equivalent of two servings of greens from kale, spinach, broccoli, and alfalfa. If you’ve had other “green” drinks, you know they can be a little biting. This one isn’t. It comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, berry, coconut almond, and mocha. But be prepared: it’s not going to taste like a milkshake either. Vega also has a number of other healthy shake mixes and snack bars. Prices vary. Visit 
A healthy diet is important, but so is exercise. If you’re looking for something to break up your usual jogging regimen or gym routine, you may want to check into hooping. Yes, hooping, as in the hula hoop you played with when you were a kid. (Hey, with every other adult carrying around a coloring book, why not? Nostalgia is in!). Hooping is actually a great workout, and Empower’s Cardio Core & More weighted hoop is a great introduction. (If you’re a beginner, the weight—only three pounds—actually makes the hoop easier to work with). It targets your core, burns plenty of calories, builds muscle, and may make you a better dancer. It’s also a fun way to get exercise-averse kids up and moving. You can get a set that includes a hoop and instructional DVD for about $35 on Amazon or at major retailers. Empower also makes a number of other fitness-oriented products, including kettlebells, weights, and medicine balls.