Healthy Eating for Kids

Healthy Eating for Kids

By Dr. George I. Traitses

In many families, planning and preparing meals can help children buy into weight management. Involve children in shopping and food preparation. Have the child start thinking, “I am doing this to be strong and healthy; I am accepting responsibility for my own health and growth.”

Give you children a choice of several appealing healthy foods. Try replacing cookies and sodas with the following for an afternoon snack.

Ants on a Log: Spread peanut butter on a celery stick and decorate with raisins.

Fruit Smoothies: Blend low-fat yogurt, orange juice and your favorite fruits together for a refreshing snack. (All types of berries work really well.)

Trail Mix: Make your own trail mix by combining your favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruits.

Take a Dip: Dip veggies in low-fat ranch dip or hummus, and try dipping fruits such as apples in peanut butter.

Homemade Popsicles: Fill an ice cube tray with lemonade or another fruit juice and place popsicle sticks in each compartment to make your own frozen treats.

Mini Pizzas: Smear some tomato sauce on half of a whole grain English muffin, sprinkle on some low-fat cheese, add chopped vegetables and a little bit of lean meat and pop it in the microwave or toaster oven for a minute.

For more information on health and safety visit the Ontario Chiropractic Association  Web site at www.chiropractic.on.ca or call 1877-327-2273; Dr. George Traitses, 416-499-5656, www.infinite-heatlh.com