Diets

"Most kids don’t come close to getting enough exercise daily and don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables: 62% of 1,630 parents with children ages 5 to 10 say their kids eat junk food one to four days a week. Only 14% of parents say their kids eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day.These results shed light on the reasons for the childhood obesity epidemic. About a third of children in the USA are overweight, which puts them at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and other health problems."*

We know you care.  That's why we have the Kid Kritics program so you can serve you family healthier foods they will like!  Lean on it to up your kid's 
consumption of fruits and vegetables and to down their odds of being overweight and sick.  By the way, hundreds of YMCA children are Kid Kritics!

Come see us at the Boca Raton, FL. YMCA "Healthy Kids Day" event this Saturday! Or, find one in your neighborhood and have some fun with your  kids!

                    … for the health of your family,
                    ellen and sally

* Hellmich, Nanci, "Survey: Kids Lack Exercise, Healthful Foods", USA Today, www.usatoday.com/health, 4/13/11.

 Kid Kritic!  

Cottage cheese, the affordable protein source (13 grams in 1/2 cup) that is great for bone and heart health and helps with weight management.  Kid Kritics Approved Cabot Cheese of Vermont’s cottage cheese.  Loved it in a spinach dip.  Get this recipe from our 2/3 newsletter, Family Food News.  Go to www.KidKritics.com.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

To ward off colds and the flu, to build brain and muscle power, to regain and maintain over all health, add this Wild Berry Burst Superfood by Greens+ to  your smoothies.  One tablespoon is equivalent to about 5 salad bowls of the long list of superfoods found in this product.  Thus, even a teaspoon is loaded with nutrients most of which you can’t find in the produce section of your store.  Yes, it tastes delicious!   Just ask a Kid Kritic.  It’s berry flavors blend well with juices and water.  Put his on your grocery list.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Kid Kritics recently taste tested Wyman's of Maine frozen wild blueberries.  They loved them!   The good news is that these berries are loaded with phytonutrients and antioxidants, exactly what is needed to fight the "bugs" that cause colds and the flu.  This makes them the perfect winter food.  Keep some in your freezer.  Use them as toppings, add them to smoothies, fresh fruit cups, simple salad dressings, plain yogurt, pancakes, and in low-sugar muffins and pies. Get creative and think out of the box.  Invest in blueberries and avoid the doctor.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

www.BetterFoodChoicesRadio.com

Pick just one of these five easy to do resolutions to improve your mental and physical health in 2011*: 
   1. Drink more water (coffee and sodas don't count). 
   2. 5 days on/2 days off (eat healthier foods for five days, enjoy treats on the weekend).
   3. Portion control (don't overload your plates- also a budget saver). 
   4. Keep moving (get up and move around for a few minutes every hour).
   5. Sleep at least 7 hours a day (turn that tv off and go to bed).

Any one of these will have both a short and long term positive impact on the health of your family as well as you.  You 'll feel better and consequently so will they.  Do more than one if you want – may be easier to add another later in the year. 

Wishing you a Delicious Healthy Happy New Year!

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

* This is an abbreviated version of our 12/31/10 internet radio (podcast) show, Better Food Choices. To learn more, listen to it on iTunes.