Great Gift Idea

Parents, are you looking for a worthy gift for a health-minded friend? Check out Jessica Seinfeld's (yes, that's Jerry's wife) new book Deceptively Delicious - Get Your Kids Eating Good Food from HarperCollins. In the book, Seinfeld reveals various ways in which she manages to get her three children to eat healthy. Her tips include "hiding" unappealing veggies in a sweet dessert, or dividing a meal into courses so a child is not overwhelmed by the food selection. According to the publisher, this has become a best-seller, and Health 4 Kidz think it sounds like a winner.

Recipe of the Week
The following recipe can be found in The Moms’ Guide to Meal Makeovers: Improving the Way Your Family Eats, One Meal at a Time by Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RD and Liz Weiss, MS, RD. The authors are not only registered dieticians, but trained chefs and moms. This is a terrific recipe for a cold winter night. Enjoy!

Meal Makeover Moms' A-Plus Alphabet Soup

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-natural chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups water
1 can (8-oz.) tomato sauce
4 oz. dried alphabet pasta (about 3/4 cup)
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 can (7 3/4-oz.) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional


METHOD:
1. Add the broth, water, and tomato sauce to a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Cover and bring to a boil.
2. Add the pasta, vegetables, and chickpeas, and boil gently, uncovered, until the pasta is done, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. Serve in individual bowls and top with Parmesan cheese as desired.

Serves 4

NUTRITION FACTS:
Per serving: calories 230, fat 1g (0g saturated fat), protein 10g, carbohydrate 46g, sodium 670mg, fiber 7g

From Kiwi Magazine Online at http://www.kiwimagonline.com/recipes/index.php
Posted by Joyce

Exercise of the Week
OK everyone, it's time to get up, move and groove. Not only are we still recouping from our Thanksgiving feasts but the holiday parties are now beginning. Here is something that will not only burn calories, but it will give you more energy for tackling your schoolwork and holiday shopping. Check out this instructional video: Soulja Boy Tellem - "How to Crank That". Try this dance a couple times, and you'll be sure to work up a sweat!


Posted by Joyce

Exercise of the Week

It's time to dance like no one's watching! Strange, huh? How can one be active, burn calories, and have a great time all at once? Well, it's possible. Pop in a cd of your favorite dance songs and get moving!

If you are up for spicing things up a little, put in a dance song that you don't usually listen to. For example, if you are a hip hop type of person, maybe some fast paced country music or rock music might help you learn more dance moves. It's always fun and educational to step outside of the box and try new things.

Okay so dancing can help you burn calories, but what about laughing? If dancing means you are have a great time then that also means that you are laughing and smiling too. Vanderbilt University Medical Center recently released a study that proves that laughing can be healthy. It was found that laughing increases the heart rate 10% to 20%. Thus, laughing for about 10 to 15 minutes can help burn 10 to 40 calories. This means that just by laughing you can lose up to four pounds a day!

Hey, it's just laughing, can't hurt right? So give it a try!


Source: http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=4030


Posted by Karishma

Recipe of the Week

Hey guys! How was everyone's Thanksgiving? It has been a crazy weekend for most in terms of food and diet. All that turkey, cranberry sauce, yams, and mashed potatoes has probably completely stuffed you up! Well, here is a quick and light recipe to try out for this week.

The best part is that this recipe is perfect for kids (and adults) with diabetes. It is very low in carbohydrates, but packed with protein.


Club Wrap

Ingredients:
whole wheat tortilla, low fat, 7" diameter
2 tbsp. light cream cheese
1 oz. lean and low-sodium turkey slice
1 oz. lean and low-sodium ham slice
1 oz. Swiss cheese slice
1 iceberg lettuce leaf
2-3 tomato slices

Utensils:
knife (You'll need help from your adult assistant.)

Directions:
Place tortilla on a flat surface.
Spread cream cheese on one side of tortilla.
Lay the lettuce, turkey, ham, Swiss cheese, and tomato on top of the cream cheese on the tortilla (flat).
Bring the sides of the wrap in and then roll up in the shape of a cylinder.
Wrap each in plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Right before serving, slice wraps in half and remove plastic wrap.

Serves: 1
Serving size: 1 sandwich

Nutritional analysis (per serving):
387 calories
25 g protein
17 g fat
10 g sat. fat
33 g carbohydrate
3 g fiber
64 mg cholesterol
1083 mg sodium
338 mg calcium
1 mg iron


Posted by Karishma

News Flash

Posted by Karishma

Healthy Thanksgiving

Hello Health 4 kids! Well Thanksgiving is almost upon us and I know many of us are tempted to give in to our appetites and indulge ourselves. And that’s OK! However, one thing to remember during the Thanksgiving weekend with our relatives coming in and the family getting together is not forget to eat healthy food.

There are many side dishes to the turkey feast and many of them can be healthy if you remember to prepare them.

Green beans: these are probably the best things to have during Thanksgiving because they are so rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K. So when enjoying the feast, make sure to have a large portion of these.

Corn: Just like the first thanksgiving, corn is always a good idea and tastes good too. So make sure to have some good old fashioned corn in your meal. There are many different kinds of corn depending on where you live, but just make sure not to load it with butter, like some unfortunately overweight relatives of mine.

Sweet Potatoes: Are a rich source of vitamin C and have lot of great antioxidants. Some people don’t really care for sweet potatoes, but I would recommend giving one more round. I remember when I didn’t like to eat salad at all or anything with lettuce for that matter, but now I eat it all the time!

Have a healthy and fun Thanksgiving meal.


Posted by David

Exercise of the week

There are a lot of good exercises out there that will wear you out and make you very sleepy, however, sometimes when your exercising it’s more important to just be active. Being active on a regular basis is a lot more important than just exercising, because the more active you are the less you’ll have to work out.

So for this week I want you take a short walk for a half hour. You can walk most of the time, but have a minute or two in between where you job for a bit. Doing this will save you loads of pain later if you have to do a whole bunch of sit-ups and pushups.

Doing this exercise will grant you 100 points!


Posted by David

Recipe of the Week

Hello everyone I hope you’ve been having a good week because now its time for recipe of the week. Ever since I was a little boy I always liked eating spaghetti, but if you were like me I always made a big mess everywhere and my mom used to get very upset with me for it. To make life easier for herself, my mom would sometimes, instead of spaghetti, make spaghetti pie.

This week I want you try out this new healthy recipe of spaghetti pie. Make sure you get your parents help with this; otherwise you could upset them, like I did my mom. : )

Here is the link: Spaghetti Pie

If you are able to make this give yourself 150 points!


Posted by David

Fact of the Week

We all like to play outside (hopefully) and while were playing its very easy to get caught up in the moment of having fun and accidently get hurt or hurt someone else. Everyone at Health4Kids wants you to exercise and the best way to exercise is to play outside. In order to do so, you should be aware of what you’re doing and make sure your not putting yourself or others in danger.

For this week, click this link and read the article “5 Ways to Avoid Sports Injuries.”

Doing that will give you 50 points!


Posted by David

Preparing for Turkey Day!

Hey kids! Thanksgiving is on its way (just about two weeks away). What type of traditions does your family have for this holiday? If you didn't already know, Thanksgiving was first celebrated by the pilgrims that came to America centuries ago to start a new life. The Native Americans, such as Squanto, helped them learn how to grow their own food in this new land. Thanksgiving is celebrated to honor all those that have helped us, including our family and friends!

So do you want to contribute to your family's thanksgiving dinner?

Here is an easy and delicious (yet very nutritious) recipe for you to make on that special night. Can't convince your parents to let you cook? Tell them that these candied yams are ridiculously good for you. They are not only high in Vitamin B6 (a good supplement for the liver), but they are also high in vitamin C and low in fat.

I've followed this recipe as a kid and still do as a college student. It's made with fresh or canned yams and topped with marshmallows.

INGREDIENTS:
1 can yams OR 4 Fresh yams
1/4 cup butter
1/2 bag miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup Orange juice OR 1 orange, sliced
1/4 cup Brown sugar

PREPARATION:
Drain yams and discard liquid. Arrange in baking dish. Pour orange juice over yams. Sprinkle liberally with brown sugar. Dot with butter. Sprinkle with marshmallows, if desired. Place orange slices on top.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or in any oven temperature (for example, along with the turkey) until marshmallows melt and liquid is bubbly.

Serves 6.

Posted by Karishma

News Flash

How many parents keep up with health care issues in the news? When the issues might be related to your children, it's definitely important to stay informed! Here are some links that lead to health-care articles...

• This article focuses on current political policies involving health insurance for children in America:
  http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071108/OPINION02/711080316/1014/OPINION

• Learn more about how child obesity is turning into a global epidemic: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=5b344f5d-dbd2-4c64-a880-74282676759c
  

Posted by Karishma

Fact of the Week

Some people are considered to be active other couch potatoes. What are you? Take this quiz to check-up on the healthy progress that you have made.

Question 1: How many minutes a day are you active?
A. 15 or less minutes
B. About 30 minutes
C. 45 minutes
D. 60 or more minutes

Question 2: Fruits and Veggies are a great source of vitamins how many are you eating per day?
A. 2 or less
B. 3-4
C. 5-6
D. 7 or more

Question 3: About how many hours do you spend in front of the tv or the computer?
A. 2 hours or less
B. About 3 hours
C. About 4 Hours
D. 5 Hours or more

Question 4: A healthy breakfast is always the start of a good day. How many days per week do you eat breakfast?
A. EVERY DAY!!!
B. 2-3 times per week
C. 4-5 times per week
D. Never 

Question 5: Did you know that 70% of your body is water? How many glasses a day do you drink?
A. 0-3
B. 3-4
C. 5-6
D. 7 or more

Question 6: Everyone eats unhealthy snacks once in a while, when you eat unhealthy how big are your portions?
A. I don’t know
B. About the size of my fist
C. Twice the size of my fist
D. I eat the entire box of oreos at once

Question 7: Do you read the nutrition labels on the things you eat?
A. No
B. Sometimes
C. Sometimes
D. Yes, Always

Question 8: Do you eat lean meats or low-fat dairy products?
A. No, never
B. Sometimes
C. Yes, everyday

Question 9: Snacking is great! What is your favorite after school snack?
A. Potato Chips and a Soda
B. Veggies and Water
C. Lunchable Snack
D. Carrots and Ranch Dip
Question 10: Where you eat your meals is just as important as what you eat for your meals. Where do you typically eat?
A. In the car on the go
B. At the dinning room table
C. In front of the TV
D. In your bedroom


Okay, so are you ready for grading? Here it goes.
Question 1: If you answered:
A. Give yourself10 points
B. 15 points
C. 20points
D. 30 points
Question 2: Give yourself the following points for each option:
A.10 Points
B. 15 Points
C. 20 Points
D. 30 Points
Question 3: Take these points
A. 10 Points
B. 15 Points
C. 20 Points
D. 30 Points
Question 4:
A. 10 Points
B. 15 Points
C. 20 Points
D. 30 Points
Question 5:
A. 10 Points
B. 15 Points
C. 20 Points
D. 30 Points
Question 6:
A. 10 Points
B. 15 Points
C. 20 Points
D. 30 Points
Question 7:
A. 10 Points
B. 15 Points
C. 20 Points
D. 30 Points
Question 8:
A.15 Points
B. 20 Points
C. 30 Points
Question 9:
A. 10 Points
B. 15 Points
C. 20 Points
D. 30 Points
Question 10:
A. 10 Points
B. 15 Points
C. 20 Points
D. 30 Points

300-250 Points Health Superstar! You are on the right path to maintaining a healthy lifestyle go you!

200-250 Health Junkie! You are well on your way to becoming a health star. You eat healthy, but like your treats! Keep up the good work!

190-105 A Work in Progress! You are beginning to take the right steps towards becoming a healthy citizen and with a little more work you too can be a Health Superstar!

Posted By: Ashley

Recipe of the Week

Here is a great reciepe to try. I know there are times when those french frie cravings hit you and it seems like the best cure is In-And-Out or Mcdonalds, but before you reach for the ketchup try this alternative. Carrot Fries!!!


Oven-Baked Carrot Fries



1 1/2 lbs. carrots

1 tsp. sugar

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. finely chopped pinch of pepper

fresh rosemary

Preheat oven to 425. Line a shallow pan with foil. Using a sharp knife, slice away the tip and end of each carrot; peel each completely. Cut carrots in half cross-wise, then cut length-wise, then cut length-wise again.

In a mixing bowl, combine the carrot sticks, oil, rosemary, salt and pepper. Stir till all are evenly coated. Place carrots in pan, spreading sticks out as much as possible. Bake for 20 minutes or until carrots are tender. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Makes 4 servings

Posted By: Ashley

Exercise of the Week

Exercise of the Week
Aerobic exercise is great way to get your body moving. When many people think aerobic exercise they think of running on treadmill for hours while staring ahead at blank wall. BORING!! Did you know that ice-skating is a great aerobic exercise to get your heart pumping? If you live in the Las Vegas area and are unfamiliar with places to ice-skate in the valley have no fear you have a couple of options.
*The Montelago Village
Located at the Lake Las Vegas resort you can skate on a floating rink on the lake. The rink opens November 16, 2007. For Pricing, Location and Hours of Operation Information visit this link




*Fiesta Rancho Casino
How cool is this skating rink? The Sobe ice rink is home to the UNLV Rebels. So catch a game and do some skating after. This rink also offers a skating school so check them out.





So, do some research on these two ice-skating rinks, lace up some skates, hit the ice and give yourself 50 points! And heres a cool video to watch to!



Posted By: Ashley

Orange Juice

Fact of the Week
Hello everyone. I hope you all had a great weekend full of fun and adventure.
Todays topic is Orange Juice. I imagine you've all seen the commericals on TV about Florida orange juice being really good for you. Well I thought it would be fun to read about why is it so good for you.

So I have a link here that will take you to the florida orange juice website and you can read about all the nutrients in orange juice.

Since this is a pretty long FAQ and they use some pretty big words, you get 40 points for reading it!


Orange Juice

Posted by David

Exercise of the Week

Who said that exercising can't be fun? Participating in activities not only gets your heart racing, but it also helps you make more friends and teaches you how to work with others. Besides, wouldn't you rather be outside in the beautiful weather with your buddies than sitting alone inside on the couch?

Alight kids, grab your friends, a piece of chalk, and a small rock. Find a nice driveway (ask your parents permissions first), and start drawing a hopscotch! Start with drawing one sqaure with the chalk, then two more in a row directly on top of it, then make two squares (side-by-side) on top of the three you have already drawn. Draw one more directly on top of the previous ones, and then end with two more squares lying side-by-side. Now you are ready to go!

Start at the beginning of the hopscotch (close your eyes), and the throw the rock at the squares. The square on which the rock lands is the one you have to skip. Open your eyes and on one foot, hop your way down the hopscotch (skipping the square with the rock).

Too easy for you? Try it with two rocks and skip both squares.


Posted by Karishma

The Vegetables that we need, but so often don’t want.

I know what your mother says all the time, “Eat your vegetables!” But of course you don’t want to eat them. Now no one can blame you for not liking vegetables, they are the most unpleasant food to eat. However, I strongly urge you to re-think this. Vegetables are by far the healthiest thing you can eat, but are often the very last thing we have to eat on the dinner plate and we look at them, hoping somehow they’ll go away. But they don’t! And unless you want to try feeding them to the dog every night (who wont eat them anyway) here’s another thing you can try which is mixing them with other foods. You got steak, potatoes, and the dreaded broccoli, all you have to do is chop up your meat or potato and mix in the vegetables and eat away. It won’t take away all the taste of the vegi’s, but it will dull the flavor immensely and you won’t have to make lame excuses to your mother. Try it out! I’m sure it will be better for you; who knows, you may even begin to like vegetables.


Posted by David

The Stuff of Laziness

One thing to remember about the generation of today is that we have too many automated devices to do our work for us. Some of these devices are necessary, but others can be taxing to our heath. One example of this is in the entertainment sector of our society. We have too much TV, too much internet, too much I-pod, too much lazy time. We park ourselves in front of a screen everyday, whether it be the TV, computer, I-pod, video game or whatever. One day this week you should banish all the “Screen-devices” from your life and go outside and play. Don’t let your mind wander into the realm of, “I wonder what’s on TV ect ect ect…” Find something interesting to do outside. Some easy examples are: play a sport, (my old favorite is playing baseball), ride your bike, go for a walk, take a swim, or be nice to your dad and rake the leaves for him. If you did some of these things more often you might start to forget all the stuff on TV and the internet. Except for Health4Kids of course!



Posted by: David

***BONUS POST***

I know that all this healthy living is tiring, but remember to have a happy life it is necessary. You are doing a great job traveling on your path to healthy living, but it is also important that your parents encourage a healthy lifestyle. So find your parents and watch this scarry, but informative video.



Bonus points 25

Posted By: Ashley

Recipe of the Week

Chicken Nuggets!!
Who doesn't love chicken nuggets? Chicken is a great source of protein, unfortunatly all that deep fried breading takes away from all the chicken goodness. In this recipe the chicken is coated with seasoned stuffing mix and grated Parmesan cheese a healthier alternative to deep fried, oily breading. For this recipe you will need:

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups herb-seasoned crumb stuffing mix
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons margarine
1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound)

Equipment

Measuring cups
Resealable plastic bag (1 gallon size)
Rolling pin
Small saucepan or small microwave-safe bowl and wax paper
Measuring spoons
Medium shallow bowl
Mixing spoon
Paper towels
Cutting board
Small, sharp knife
Baking sheet
Oven mitts
Tongs

Ready? Okay, lets begin!!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2. Measure stuffing mix into resealable plastic bag. Seal bag and place on flat surface. Crush crumbs by rolling and pressing rolling pin over bag.

3. Open bag and add Parmesan cheese. Reseal bag and shake to mix thoroughly.

4. Melt margarine (see Cook's Note)

5. Place melted margarine, buttermilk, and pepper in medium shallow bowl. Stir well with spoon. Set aside.

6. Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels.

7. Place chicken breasts on cutting board. Cut chicken with small, sharp knife into 16 chunks of the same size. (Each chicken breast should give you 8 chunks or pieces.)

8. Dip each chicken chunk into buttermilk mixture, covering all sides. Let extra buttermilk mixture drip off. Place 3 dipped chunks at a time into bag of crumbs. Seal bag tightly and shake until chicken pieces are evenly coated with crumbs.

9. Place coated nuggets on an ungreased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken chunks.

10. Place baking sheet in oven. Bake nuggets 4 minutes.

11. With oven mitts, remove pan from oven. Using tongs, turn over each nugget.

12. Return to oven and bake 4 to 5 minutes, or until medium golden brown.

13. With oven mitts, remove pan from oven. Using tongs, remove nuggets to platter or plates. Serve nuggets immediately. Place a small bowl of your favorite dipping sauce nearby, if you like.


Ask an adult to help you. Try this recipe, tell a friend and here is 100 points!
Posted By: Ashley

Activity of the Week

Your mission for this week is to design an obstacle course! If you want get out a pencil and some paper and start sketching some obstacle course ideas. You can use hula-hoops, sports balls, or make some hurdles using buckets and a stick. Include blank space in your course where you can do some push-ups or sit-ups. Don't forget to invite some friends over for obstacle course fun! Award yourself 75 Points and watch this video!







Posted By: Ashley

Fact of the Week

Happy Nevada Day to everyone! Lets all celebrate with a healthy snack! Kashi is offering free snacks. Just simply go to this website http://www.kashi.com/outreach/snack_drive and follow the steps. First, the Kashi website will ask you to click on a snack that you are willing to give up. I gave up the cupcake! Then, the computer will suggest to you a Kashi snack to try. The next step is to fill out your adderess and Kashi will mail you a snack! Be sure to ask your parents permisson first! For completing this activity you can award yourself with 20 points and you get a free snack!!
Posted By: Ashley

Exercise of the Week
Hi there! We’re back with more tips on keeping fit and healthy.
We have something fun to get you up and moving, and it’s called the “ski jump.” Stand with your feet together, knees slightly bent, elbows at a 90 degree angle, with your hands gripping your imaginary ski poles. Jump to the right, then back to the left, and repeat nine more times. Don’t forget to inhale as you lift off and exhale as you land. Do three sets of ten repetitions and you can give yourself 50 points!


Fact of the Week - Healthy Fast Food?
Yes, there are times during the week when families - parents and kids - need to grab something quick for lunch or dinner. We all know the dangers of "super-sizing" your order, but you needn't stay away from the drive through completely when time is in short supply. Children's meals now offer fruit or veggies as a substitute for french fries and milk instead of sugar-laden soda. Check out the following link for other ideas when you're on the run:

http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/gallery/0,21863,1544890,00.html

Give yourself 10 points for going to this website, and add another 5 the next time you substitute milk for a soda.

Recipe of the Week
OK, so you do want some crispy potatoes every now and then, but you know the sad facts about french fries. Here is a recipe that will satisfy any potato craving - at less than a gram of fat per serving! As always, before you start, be sure and get mom or dad’s permission to work in the kitchen.

5 large baking potatoes (about 2 ½ pounds total)
Light vegetable oil cooking spray
2 large egg whites
1 tablespoon Cajun spice

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Slice each potato lengthwise into ¼ inch ovals, then slice each oval lengthwise into matchsticks.
Coat a baking sheet with 3 sprays of the vegetable oil.
Combine the egg whites and Cajun spice in a bowl. Add the matchstick potatoes and mix to coat. Pour the coated potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them out into a single layer, leaving a little space between.
Place the baking sheet on the bottom shelf of the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the fries are crispy, turning them every 6 to 8 minutes with a spatula so that they brown evenly. Serve immediately.

Recipe serves 4 Fat per serving = 0.5 gram (versus 16 grams for fried potatoes)
Calories per serving = 291

(From In the Kitchen with Rosie – Oprah’s Favorite Recipes by Rosie Daley)

Give yourself 15 points if you try this recipe.
Happy and healthy eating from Joyce!

New Health Stuff

Hello healthy eaters out there. We here at Health 4 Kidz are instituting a new program to get you more encouraged to eat healthily. We will be starting up a new point system for doing the three things we post. If you get to 1000 points you will be rewarded with a digital very spiffy looking gold medal. Ready to earn some points? Here are the 3 postings this week!



Exercise of the Week
Ok were going back to basics, this week the exercise we have will be 30 pushups! And no, there will be no “girly” style pushups, even if you are a girl. We live in an equal opportunity society, so everyone must suffer equally. To keep everyone from killing themselves, I suggest you do the pushups in 2 sets of 15, or 3 sets of 10; taking a breather between each set. Doing this will grant you whopping 40 points!

Fact of the Week
Ever have Kool-Aid before? Well the average half-gallon (1 liter) of Kool-Aid has an entire CUP of sugar in it! AHHHH! That’s a whole lot of sugar, and besides bouncing off the walls after drinking it, it’s not very healthy for you either. So instead of drinking Kool-Aid, go drink some water with lemon. Reading this nifty fact gives you 5 points! And it was soooo easy!

Recipe of the Week
The recipe this week is a very nice strawberry smoothie. It doesn’t take long to prepare and there’s some very healthy stuff in it. Making this gives you a nice 50 points!
Prep time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
¾ - 1 cup of milk
2-3 ice cubes
3/5 cup of frozen strawberries
1/4 cup of cottage cheese
1 1/2 tsp of sugar. (Not nearly as much as what’s in Kool-Aid!)
1 tsp of vanilla extract
Utensils:
Blender (Ask adults for assistance)
Cup
Measuring cups and spoons
Directions:
Pour all of the ingredients into the blender.
Put the lid on the blender and blend for 45 to 60 seconds until smooth.
Pour your smoothie into a glass and enjoy.
Serves: 1

Total points this week: 95

Posted by: David

Eating Habits

Hey parents! This one is for you. The video below discusses what consitutes healthy food and why it is important to instill good eating habits into your kids while they are still young.

Personally, I used to love McDonalds growing up, but back then I didn't know just how unhealthy eating fast food could be. Occasionally (about 3-4 times a month), giving into a craving for a burger value meal is not detrimental, but there are many more healthy alternatives out there.

Instilling Lifelong Healthy Eating Habits in Children

Add to My Profile More Videos

Posted by Karishma

Recipe of the Week

Looking for a great, simple snack? Well, I have got the perfect popcorn recipe for you! So, plan a movie night with some friends, make this Taco Popcorn and feel free to pig out, because two servings only counts as one carbohydrate exchange. This recipe is great for kids with diabetes, but is a tasty treat for anyone.

Ingredients:
*7 1/2 cups air-popped popcorn

*1/2 tsp. cumin

*1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

*1 1/2 tsp. onion powder

*1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

*cayenne pepper (optional)



Utensils:
*oven (You'll need help from your adult assistant.)
*large baking pan
*measuring cups
*measuring spoons




Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (148 degrees Celsius).
Put popcorn in a large mixing bowl.
Lightly coat popcorn with cooking spray. Toss and coat again.
Combine cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (optional).
Sprinkle spices over popcorn and toss to coat evenly.
Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over popcorn and toss again.
Spread popcorn evenly in large baking pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, tossing once.
Serves: 6
Serving size: 1 1/2 cups




Nutritional analysis (per serving):
*45 calories

*1 g protein

*1g fat

*0 g sat. fat

*9 g carbohydrate

*2 g fiber

*0 mg cholesterol

*28 mg sodium

*9 mg calcium

*6 mg iron


Posted By:Ashley

Exercise of the Week

I see you! You, yes you! You are sitting there on the couch, it's been a long day and all you want to do unwind with some uninterrputed, quality couch-time playing video games. Well, before you reach for the xbox controller and continue your Halo 3 game how much exercising have you done today? How much water have drank today? And, just how much time do you plan on spending playing Halo 3? Whats that you say? You can't possibly exercise today because it is raining outside. Oh, you drank a Mountain Dew at lunch today? Well, my friend grab yourself a glass of water and toss the Xbox for the Nintendo WII. Create your MII and start bowling, hit some homeruns, try to sink a hole-in-one, knock someone out boxing and be sure to drink plenty of water because you will get sweaty! Have fun and stay out of the rain!!

Now, read this: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/48950


Posted By: Ashley

Exercise of the Week

Attention kids, moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas!

It's time to get a breath of fresh air. Right now is the perfect time to experience the weather. The intense summer heat is fading away, and we are just beginning to feel the cool breeze of winter. This week's exercise will get all your family members moving.

Parents, park all your cars outside in your driveway or somewhere convenient.
Get your kids (or kids grab your parents), and start hosing and scrubbing down
the cars. Be sure to use soap that won't hurt the car paint, and be sure not to
waste too much water!

Have a blast, bond with the family, and get a good workout at the same time. Plus the sun will help provide your body with plenty of Vitamin D which is needed to maintain strong bones.

Exercise is essential for people of all ages, even children! Just by letting kids play outside in a controlled environment gives them the three things that they need to work on: endurance, strength and flexibility. Check out this website for more information: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/fitness/exercise.html


Posted by Karishma

Welcome to Health 4 Kidz!

Introducing a place to hang out and play fun games, and learn lots and lots of factz. All with less calories and without (icky) carbonation. So put down your snack cake and join us for:

• our recipes for a snack of the week or send in your favorites
• activities to get your heart pumping
• fun and cool factz
• a laugh and a half with jokes and riddles

This site is for tweens, teens, and their parents who are looking for a source for healthy living. We're taking an energetic yet amusing way to teach kids healthy living habits that they can maintain throughout their lives.

Now get up and do fifty jumping jacks for joy!

Let us tell you who we are! We are a group of four college students on a mission:

• Meet Joyce, a mother of a dancin' teenage daughter, concerned about the productivity of kids in school as related to eating habits.
• Mingle with Ashley, a mother-to-be (yay!), wanting to encourage a good lifestyle right from the womb.
• Learn with Karishma, a pre-medical student at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, aiming to educate future parents about childhood obesity and type II diabetes.
• And heeeeerrreesss David, an aspiring teacher, whose desire is to collaborate with school administrators and parents to enforce yummy, but good eating options.