Well before my son started eating solid food, I decided that I would be making all of his meals from scratch. I wanted him to be as healthy as possible, so feeding him wholesome, organic foods was the plan from the beginning. And this plan never changed – but my methods did. For his first few months of eating, you could pretty much always find me in the kitchen cooking rice, pureeing rice, mashing vegetables, cooking chicken, chopping chicken, pureeing chicken… Needless to say, this didn’t last for very long. Although I did keep up making vegetables and fruits from scratch for a bit longer, discovering prepared organic and nutritious baby food options for cereals and meats made life a whole lot easier from here on in. Stocking up on these products was convenient and saved me so much time and hassle.

Fast forward two and half years and my baby girl herself has reached that important stage when she too is starting to eat solid foods. We started off with the recommended rice cereal, then oatmeal, and now a variety of fruits and veggies are part of her diet. Just as I was considering which protein to begin with, I was introduced to a variety of certified-organic products from NurturMe which included protein-packed quinoa cereals. Quinoa is a supergrain that actually offers a higher nutrient value than rice – so the more nutrients she’s taking in the better! Although she will be eating meat soon, I was very excited to have her try one of my favorite plant-based proteins, and to say she enjoyed it is an understatement. She absolutely loved it right from her first spoonful and cannot get enough (it’s quickly become a staple in her daily diet). The cereal is hearty and thick, and although it can be diluted to whatever consistency you need, you know your baby is getting a filling and substantial meal, complete with protein, iron and other vital nutrients.

Busy moms will agree with me when I say that although getting vital nutrients into my baby’s mouth is certainly of top priority, having time saving options in order to do so is also important. I like to be very selective when deciding what my children are putting into their mouths, so having learned that NurturMe products are certified organic, gluten-free and non GMO, really did it for me. And with no added preservatives, sugars or salts, I feel good knowing that only wholesome goodness is getting into their little bodies, and nothing else. And the yummy flavours are just a bonus that will ensure your kids will love it!

NurturMe makes a variety of cereals, fruits and vegetable combos, and tasty toddler snacks which are all organic, healthy and packed with goodness. Even my picky toddler loved his quinoa crackers which he calls “chips” because they’re crispy and flavourful – exactly what kids love!

This is good time to let all of you know that I’ve recently collaborated with some amazing brands and for the next six consecutive weeks I will be giving away exciting products for your little ones. So be sure to check the blog often to get in on the action.

To start: Want to try some delicious foods for your baby and toddler? I’ve partnered with NurturMe to give away a fantastic gift set worth over $55 (everything you see in the pic above), so you can try as assortment of their goodies. Here’s how to enter:
1. Follow @nurturme and @themintedmama on Instagram
2. Tag a friend in my Instagram post who would also love to try out NurturMe
3. For a bonus entry, comment here and tell me what your baby’s favorite food is
Contest closes Monday, February 29, 2016 at midnight and the winner announced Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Open to Canadian and US residents.

For more information about NurturMe products, visit www.nurturme.com, or to purchase NurturMe products in Canada, visit www.iherb.com.

* Thank you NurturMe for collaborating on this post