One of the important immunity boosting vitamins is often neglected, Vitamin D! Adequate levels are needed to help fight off bacteria and viruses that try to invade the body. There are few foods that contain Vitamin D (fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel) but the best source comes from direct exposure from the sun on our skin. Our skin can convert Vitamin D however; we need to also balance out skin cancer risk, and sunscreen blocks the conversion. This is why typically most individuals need to supplement.

Here is a link to Vitamin D dose recommendations from the National Institute of Health.  When checking lab work, blood levels of children should be between 50-75 ng/mL, adults 40-80 ng/mL. Supplementation doses would be much higher if patients were deficient and should be prescribed by a physician.

**Just remember to soak dried beans overnight, drain and rinse then add back to crockpot.  

You can make soups, stews, pulled pork, pulled chicken, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal…you name it.  ANYONE can do it…no cooking skills are required…just chop, throw it in and press start!

Please see this chart on textures and adding calories as quick guide to how you might address your child’s preferences and how to make meals more calorie dense.