Making sure children get proper nutrition is always a
concern for parents; however, summertime proves to be a challenge as
kids typically spend more idle time at home, meaning easier access to
food - some healthier than others.
The Dairy Council of California's meal-planning Web site (www.mealsmatter.org) suggests healthy snacking as a primary way to ensure proper nutrition. The Web site provides hundreds of recipes, interactive tools - like the personal nutrition and fitness planners - and fun activities designed to teach kids about proper nutrition. Keeping the refrigerator and pantry stocked with a wide range of choices from the fruit, vegetable, milk and grains food groups is easy in summer months, when so many nutrient-rich, good-tasting foods are readily available.
"Smart snacking is a great way to meet nutrient requirements that may be missed at mealtime," said Andrea Garen, a registered dietitian at Dairy Council of California. "If chosen carefully, snacks can promote good health without adding too many calories."
Some snacking tips include:
-- Plan ahead and buy healthy snacks when you grocery shop for the week.
-- Pre-portion your child's snacks into small plastic bags to grab on the go.
-- Keep healthy snacks in a specific spot in your refrigerator or cupboard, and let kids help themselves.
-- Combine snacks from two or more food groups, such as raspberry yogurt, low-fat chocolate milk and a banana, in a blender for a cool, refreshing treat.
Garen said that encouraging outside play, such as swimming and other physical activities, is also an important part of the equation to keep kids healthy.
One of the many free and easy-to-make, kid-friendly recipe ideas from Mealsmatter.org, includes the Apple Bagel Sandwich. Parents can try this and hundreds of other recipes and snack ideas to help their children stay healthy during summer. -0- Apple Bagel Sandwich Ingredients 1/2 Whole-wheat bagel (or bagel of your choice) 1 Slice Cheddar cheese 1 Apple (green is better) A dash of Cinnamon Preparation 1. Slice the apple so that you make a round apple slice. Next, put the slice of cheese on top of the bagel half. Place the apple slice on top of the cheese and sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the apple. 2. Bake on a cookie sheet in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees, but watch to make sure it doesn't burn. It's done when the cheese starts to melt. Total Preparation Time: less than 15 minutes
The Dairy Council of California's meal-planning Web site (www.mealsmatter.org) suggests healthy snacking as a primary way to ensure proper nutrition. The Web site provides hundreds of recipes, interactive tools - like the personal nutrition and fitness planners - and fun activities designed to teach kids about proper nutrition. Keeping the refrigerator and pantry stocked with a wide range of choices from the fruit, vegetable, milk and grains food groups is easy in summer months, when so many nutrient-rich, good-tasting foods are readily available.
"Smart snacking is a great way to meet nutrient requirements that may be missed at mealtime," said Andrea Garen, a registered dietitian at Dairy Council of California. "If chosen carefully, snacks can promote good health without adding too many calories."
Some snacking tips include:
-- Plan ahead and buy healthy snacks when you grocery shop for the week.
-- Pre-portion your child's snacks into small plastic bags to grab on the go.
-- Keep healthy snacks in a specific spot in your refrigerator or cupboard, and let kids help themselves.
-- Combine snacks from two or more food groups, such as raspberry yogurt, low-fat chocolate milk and a banana, in a blender for a cool, refreshing treat.
Garen said that encouraging outside play, such as swimming and other physical activities, is also an important part of the equation to keep kids healthy.
One of the many free and easy-to-make, kid-friendly recipe ideas from Mealsmatter.org, includes the Apple Bagel Sandwich. Parents can try this and hundreds of other recipes and snack ideas to help their children stay healthy during summer. -0- Apple Bagel Sandwich Ingredients 1/2 Whole-wheat bagel (or bagel of your choice) 1 Slice Cheddar cheese 1 Apple (green is better) A dash of Cinnamon Preparation 1. Slice the apple so that you make a round apple slice. Next, put the slice of cheese on top of the bagel half. Place the apple slice on top of the cheese and sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the apple. 2. Bake on a cookie sheet in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees, but watch to make sure it doesn't burn. It's done when the cheese starts to melt. Total Preparation Time: less than 15 minutes
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