Flax Chia Garlic Parmesan Crackers

With the announcement that I suffer from osteopenia, diet changes are in the process--less caffeine and salt, more calcium enriched foods, more green vegetables--as are ways to increase my physical activity. Knowing I was already at risk for osteoporosis because of being a thin, white woman who has used systematic corticosteroids for over twenty years to control asthma, my first bone density scan came as a shock to me--and my physician.

One thing my doctor mentioned was adding flax to my diet. So, on a recent shopping trip I bought Good Grains by Carrington Farms® Flax Chia Blend. Since I was already cooking for the World War I Cooking Contest this weekend, I decided to try the recipe on the back of the bag for Flax Chia Garlic Parmesan Crackers, especially since I had all the ingredients on hand.

Flax Chia Garlic Parmesan Crackers

1 Cup Good Grains Flax Chia Blend
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Spoon onto a sheet pan which is covered with greased parchment paper.

3. Cover mixture on baking sheet with waxed paper and even out to approximately 1/8". Use a rolling pin.
Make sure thickness is even around the out edges or that part will over cook. Remove wax paper and even out as necessary.
4. Bake 15-18 minutes until center is no longer soft. Once edges begin to brown remove from heat. Let cool.
5. Once it is cool and crisp break into pieces.

I wish I could say I enjoyed these, but I can't. I didn't like the flavor or the texture. Even with a slice of cheddar cheese on top they weren't my favorite--though much better than eating plain.

The company's website offers a variety of recipes, so I am going to try again to see if I can find something I enjoy. If you cook with flax, I would appreciate any pointers you have.

Healthy Tips for Busy Moms

One of the most challenging things for me as a busy mom is in learning the most effective and efficient ways to take care of myself and my family. Managing a few health conditions (high cholesterol and blood sugar for the hubby and osteopenia for me) makes cooking an even bigger challenge. I find I'm looking for ways to make more of my own foods and depend less on pre-packaged foods and frozen foods.

Here are some links to help busy moms and their families stay healthy:

1. Nutrition Tips for Busy Moms - Here are more than a dozen healthy eating tips.
2. 5 Healthy Tips for Busy Moms - How to work in exercise, eat right, and prioritize from Modern Mom.
3. The Best Health Tips for Moms - Here you can find out how to squeeze exercise into your busy day, learn how to exercise properly, and eat right. 
4. The Working Mom's Renewable Energy Plan - This plan from Working Mother is said to help you get your mojo back.
5. 10 Simple Strategies for Busy Moms to Stay Healthy - Sugar-free Mom offers tips about eating clean, daily exercise, date nights, and more.