What’s the greatest thing about packing your kids lunch? You get to put whatever you want in it! So why not take advantage of this opportunity and throw in something from each of the recommended food groups. Not only will you be pleased with yourself for “doing the right thing” as a parent, your children will begin to feel great as they eat more balanced lunches.

The United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating a diet containing foods from each of the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy.                                      

They have made it easier than ever to remember how much of each of these delicious food groups is important in maintaining a healthy body with the development of MyPlate. By offering a familiar visual, the meal plate, the USDA reminds consumers how to make healthy meal choices.

Combine this wonderful tool with a cleverly designed lunchbox and you have an easy-pack, nutrient-rich meal to go! The folks at Yumbox have done just that. I recently discovered this simple creation and I think it’s genius!

Not only does this lunchbox offer a helpful quick-guide, prompting parents to pack a proper meal for their children when they’re distracted by the fifteen other things they need to remember before getting out the door in the morning, it’s an even BETTER guide for grade-schoolers who are capable of packing their own lunch in the morning. Kids love to feel like they have control over what they eat. Giving them a (fun) lunch box to pack all on their own will also help promote making healthy choices for a lifetime.

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/

http://www.yumboxlunch.com/

Disclosure: While I am a partner with Yumbox lunch, this post was not prompted or written by me.  This article is written by Jana Ffitch, one of my students, who just happened to write about this product unprompted by me.  I was also not compensated to post this article by Yumbox lunch.  The Yumbox just happens to be a product I love.  More about Yumbox soon.  And if you want to purchase a Yumbox, just contact me for more information.

This article is Registered Dietitian approved.

No Big Gulps in NYC: Why the government got involved

 By Beth Schuler

One of the biggest problems facing the health of Americans in our country is obesity where sugar is a huge contributor to this growing problem. Local government officials have attempted to ban the sales of sugary drinks that they think will help to resolve the issue of obesity that affects many, particularly children. Although it seems to be a great idea, the question is will it actually stop people from consuming large amounts of soda.

New York City’s Mayor Blumberg attempted to ban the sales of sugary drinks over 16 ounces in restaurants and convenience stores to fight the war on obesity. He argued that studies have proven that people eat what is served them and unfortunately we as a society tend to overeat and drink, the larger the portion size the better is now our norm in this country. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter is a strong supporter of Blumberg’s fight against obesity where he attempted to pass a bill to tax the sales of sugary drinks by two cents an ounce. Both of the cities Mayors have great ideas toward the fight against obesity, but will it deter people from buying sugary drinks? 

In my opinion I don’t think it will. People will still have the option to purchase soda and other sugary drinks at the supermarket and nothing can stop them from bringing the drinks to their favorite restaurant or to the movie theater. Mayor Blumberg’s ban against the sugary drinks may be a good attempt to fight obesity, but it is not the answer. In this country we are constantly provided with education on nutrition, fitness and wellness which enables us to make choices to live a healthier lifestyle. Hopefully parents will heed the warning of how soda is one of the contributing factor towards obesity and choose not to purchase soda but to choose healthy alternatives.

This articles was written by Beth Schuler, Nursing Student. Registered Dietitian Approved.

5 Easy meals to keep your active child happy and healthy

By: Siobhan O’Donnell

For as far back as I can remember I was always on at least 2 different sports teams at any given time.  For me this was the best, I always loved being active and playing sports.  For my parents on the other hand, it meant figuring out how to get me to and from all my practices and games, while making sure I was getting the necessary nutrients for a growing kid!  This can be quite difficult, especially when working with a limited budget and time frame.  So here are 5 quick and healthy meals, that can help you and your children.

1. Tacos:  Tacos are always great because everyone can personalize their own to match their taste buds.  You want to have options, so make sure you have hard and soft shell tacos, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, salsa, sweet or hot peppers, and sour cream.  Instead of ground hamburger meat, grilled chicken, or lean turkey meat could be a healthy option!

 2.  Make your own Pizza night: Perfect for picky eaters, they can put whatever they want on it.  My mom used to do this sometimes and I always loved it.  She would use English muffins, and we would make our own pizza.  You just need some sauce, unless you like white pizza, mozzarella cheese, and whatever toppings your kids like, pepperoni or maybe some fresh veggies! 

3.  Stir Fry: Another meal because the options are endless.  You can get white, brown, or maybe flavored rice, plenty of vegetables, some chicken, make your own marinade or buy one at the super market.  My favorites are Teriyaki or Lemon Pepper.  You can even get crazy and mix two together!

4.  Lasagna:  I know what you’re thinking, lasagna is not quick!  But that’s not completely true, yes making lasagna takes a little time, but the trick is to make it on the weekend, or when you have free time and then stick it in the freezer.  Then on a busy night, you can just defrost it and pop it in the oven for a quick and delicious meal!  Add a fresh vegetable or fruit and you are good to go

5. Tortellini and Vegetables in Alfredo Sauce:  It might sound fancy but its super easy and downright delicious!  All you need is your vegetables of choice, mines broccoli, some tortellini, and a jar of alfredo sauce.  It’s also great for kids who aren’t huge fans of vegetables because the sauce can hide the taste!  Feeling really crazy?  Add some chicken!

Especially in active kids, staying hydrated is just as important as having a healthy balanced diet!  You could let your kid pick out their own cool water bottle to encourage them to stay hydrated, or keep a case of bottled water in the car.  And another great tip is to keep fresh fruit around the house, whatever your kids like, try and keep it in stock to promote healthy eating habits! 

These are just a few ideas but there are so many other options to choose from.  Get creative!  The internet is always a great resource to share or get ideas from others.  The most important thing is to keep kids growing healthy and strong.

Parents, what do you feed your children on busy sports nights?  Kids, which foods do you love to eat?

http://www.nutrition.gov/

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/nutrition.htm

This article was written by Siobhan O’Donnell, nursing student.  This article is Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist approved!

Kids Love Food is in a green mood.  This site will be dedicated to teaching you about yummy foods for kids that are wholesome, healthy and delicious. 

And GREAT NEWS- we are kicking off this website with an amazing giveaway!

A case of Stonyfield Blends (that just hit the shelves) along with a Blendtec blender (valued at $455) to celebrate all things Blends.

Disclosure:  I am an ambassador for Stonyfield  and part of their Clean Plate club.  I was given a case of Blends Yogurt and a Blendec Blender as well (and both are awesome!)  I am not being compensated for this post- just have an awesome giveaway for you.  

NEW Stonyfield Blends is pure organic yogurt blended with fresh fruit pieces and fruit purees. For yogurt lovers who crave a thicker, creamier cup without the tang of Greek styles, Blends offer flavor combinations that just might have you thinking you’re eating berries and cream. Not only are Stonyfield Blends yogurts filled with fresh and creamy flavor in each bite, they’re also packed with protein and calcium. They’re perfect for breakfast – on their own or with fresh fruit and granola, and  they’re satisfying for snacking throughout the entire day too. 

Why I love Stonyfield Blends?  Because my kids LOVE this yogurt.  It’s smooth and creamy with no chunks.  I also love it because it is a good source of protein and makes a great breakfast before school and awesome lunch box addition!  My favorite flavor is blackberry.  My kids are in love with Vanilla and the Chocolate flavor!

Why do I love the Blendtec Blender?
It looks super cool and sleek on my counter, it’s fast and cuts through the chunkiest pieces of ice thoroughly AND it chops up spinach so fine that my kids don’t find it in their smoothies!  And because I can’t wait to use it on Cinco de Mayo!

What Do You Need to Do to win this awesome Yogurt and amazing blender?  Just do 5 things…for this Cinco De Mayo Giveaway!

1. Like Stonyfield onFacebook
2. Sign up for the Blendtec Recipe of the Week
3. Like our new Kids Love Food Facebook page
   
4. Tweet about the giveaway with hashtag #StonyfieldBlends (if you are a tweeter!)
5. Leave a comment here and tell me what you would make in this awesome blender (and it is okay to say Margarita, if you are 21 of course!)  Afterall, I am picking a winner on Cinco de Mayo!  Virgin fruit smoothies for the kids & Margarita’s for Mom and Dad.   Also, please tell me in your comment that you did all of the above.
   

Good Luck!  Winner will be chosen on May 5th- Cinco De Mayo at 5:00 pm EST.  The winner will be drawn randomly by And the Winner is… A cool plugin that will randomly picky one of my readers who leave a comment and meet the above criteria

Naturally, it’s difficult for kids to make the healthiest food choices when faced with a much sweeter treat.  KidsLove Food™ is here to help educate kids and parents on the what to eat, why to eat it, and how to make the best choices.  It’s all about introducing our kids to new foods and helping them choose foods that are going to make their bodies feel good and be their healthiest.

AND let’s not forget about including exercise and activities to keep their bodies strong!  KidsLove to Move, we help make it fun.

That being said KidsLove Food™ is also a big fan of cupcakes, but teaches kids that they are a “sometimes” food.  We also educate parents how to choose the healthiest meals and snacks available to help our kids grow up healthy and strong.

Contact us about setting up a program with your organization or school to teach your kids about nutrition and healthy living.