Weigh In

Anybody who watches television at all these days has probably heard that our children, in the US, are overweight and not doing enough physical activity. If your child comes home after a full day of school wanting to "veg " in front of the TV with a big bowl of chips on his/her lap, it shouldn't be a surprise that he may be lacking in the exercise and nutrition department. If you start a routine, (when they are young enough to have no choice and old enough to really help), of planning, shopping for, and finally, preparing your evening meal, it will instill in your child the quality of being helpful and the satisfaction of creating something that bonds the whole family. It's like money in the bank. Just think of this: the child can read the recipe, which will improve reading skills, the parent can explain the benefits of eating fresh food and therefore teaching a little nutrition as you go. Imagine the gigantic smile on your child's face when you transfer his or her masterpiece to a serving dish for presentation to the rest of your family, who will be waiting patiently for the first bite! We are so lucky to live in an area where fresh produce is abundant.......both vegetables and fruit. And the weather....there is rarely an excuse that prohibits anyone from getting outside to do SOMETHING! Now, doesn't this sound better than rushing to McDonald's for a large fries and a greasy burger? Check out this website for info on kids and obesity:http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/food/kids/343.html

Also, the library is a great resource for books on kids and nutrition for both children and parents to read. Try this one: Eating Right by Slim Goodbody