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Healthy Kids

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Sugar Snap Boats, Bugs, and Butterflies

Our tagline at Super Healthy Kids is that we want to make Eating Fruits and Vegetables: Simple, Fun, and Delicious!  Today's Sugar Snap Peas fit into all three- according to my kids! Most kids love fresh green peas. They come in many varieties, most popular of them, garden peas, snow peas, and sugar snap peas.  The Sugar Snap Peas are the tastiest of the three.  You can test.... read more

Posted in Blog, Kids in the Kitchen, Peas | Post Comment | 4

10 Ways to Involve your Kids in Local Races

In a study conducted by the Department of Education in California, they determined "Higher achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness in the three grades they tested."  Almost 1 million kids were tested. So in short, the more physically fit a child is, the smarter he is!  And it makes sense.  Exercise helps kids focus in the classroom, just as good nutrition does..... read more

Posted in Blog, Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 3

Rainbow Ribbons

The textures from fruits and veggetables is sometimes the only thing standing between your toddler and and a love for all things healthy! Even I sometimes have a tough time biting into a carrot that's too big, or wanting to eat carrots that are too mushy from cooking.  Turning your veggies into ribbons, with the use of a vegetable peeler, may be a great way for kids to eat their vegetables wi.... read more

Posted in Asparagus, Blog, Cabbage, Carrots, Kids in the Kitchen, Peppers, Side Dishes, Vegetable Recipes | Post Comment | 3

10 Cooking Skills Your Kids Should Know

When Erica was about 7, she decided she wanted to learn how to cook!  I had been having the conversation with her: "When you are a mom, you are going to need to know how to cook!"  So, she pulled out an old spiral bound notebook, put page numbers throughout the ENTIRE thing, and asked me to spell each and every ingredient for our salad (the recipe she is holding was a bread recipe)..... read more

Posted in Blog, Kids in the Kitchen | Post Comment | 17

Flavored Water for Kids Plus Essential Benefits of Water!

Water!  We all need it, especially kids!  Did you know: Losing only 5% of water causes headache, fatigue, confusion, forgetfulness, elevated heart rate.  Water regulates body temperature. Water dilutes toxins and flushes them out. Provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues. Carries nutrients to your cells Water lubricates joints, improves skin, cushion&r.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 10

Snowshoeing with Kids- 5 Tips to Make it Fun!

Keeping kids active in the winter is a challenge!  My kids actually don't mind the cold or being outside, but some days are just dark and dreary, and the only thing that sounds like fun is cuddling up with some popcorn and a movie!  In fact, I think our food posts in the winter go up by 90%, and our kids-exercise posts go down by 100% in the winter.  It looks like my last exercise p.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids, Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 8

Sending Healthy Food To School {Hummus Veggie Sandwich!}

You may spend the better part of your morning putting together the perfect healthy lunch for your kids to take to school, but will it really matter if they don't eat it? I learned this the hard way when I found out my child traded his entire sandwich for a single candy corn in the lunch room!  Don't let this happen to you!  It's worth getting this right as your kids will bring 2160 lunch.... read more

Posted in Blog, Kids in the Kitchen | Post Comment | 11

Quick Macaroni and Cheese

(New menu ideas for this week are posted) Last week my daughter Erica babysat my sister's kids.  My sister left a box of macaroni and cheese for Erica to make for her kids.  As Erica was making it, she said to me, "Mom! You've got to come see this!  Look at how orange this macaroni is!"   Laughing about the incident, I texted my sister about Erica's discovery.  My sister.... read more

Posted in Blog, Dinner, Kids in the Kitchen, Lunch | Post Comment | 20

8 Ways To Reduce Your Kids Sugar Intake

If you are tired of your kids acting moody and feeling sluggish as a result of too much holiday sugar then let's re-commit together to take the health of our families up a notch!  I'm ready!   Sugar doesn't only make kids (and yourself) moody and tired. Too much sugar (more than 25 grams of added sugar a day) also: Reduces brain function!   Leads to over-eating (that one should .... read more

Posted in Blog, Childhood Obesity, Food Bites, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 4

Hot Apple Cider with Kid Assembled Spice Pouch

We got a late start this year,but finally, on Saturday night, buckled down with 9 pounds of almonds and bagged and tagged 25 gifts of cinnamon almonds for a few friends and family! I wish we could make hundreds of these and give one to every person in the neighborhood!  It's not the time, because these babies are super easy and fast to make, but it's so dang expensive!  We paid about $4..... read more

Posted in Blog, Christmas, Holiday, Kids in the Kitchen | Post Comment | 1

Fresh Spinach Personal Christmas Pizza Trees

The kids are out of school for Christmas break!  I can't remember when it happened, but at one point, my life was easier when they were in school. Now, life is so much easier (and better) when they are on break!  We slow down in the morning, and spend more time together in the kitchen! What more could a mother ask for!  Spending time in the kitchen with your kids is a great way to c.... read more

Posted in Blog, Christmas, Holiday, Kids in the Kitchen, Lunch, Spinach | Post Comment | 3

Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas with Holiday Breakfast Burrito

The holiday performances are beginning!  I always let my kids choose one sport and one instrument to participate in (if they want.. I don't have the energy to get them to activities they aren't interested in).  I really think playing instruments makes them smarter! So, I always hope they'll want to play.  My boys are the only ones interested in music however. Erica has tried both pi.... read more

Posted in Blog, Bread, Breakfast, Kids in the Kitchen | Post Comment | 12

Fiber 101 and Constipation in Kids

Constipation is very common in little children, and I have learned this from my own experience with my kids.  My little Sophie has had constipation issues since she was just a baby.   What is it? Constipation is typically characterized by infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools. Some signs and symptoms of constipation are: No bowel movements for several days Bowel move.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 6

Flax Freezer Waffles- Homemade and Toaster Ready

One of the first things kids can learn to do themselves in the kitchen is to use the toaster!  I remember my kids being so proud of the morning they "made" waffles, when really, they just toasted some commercial waffles!  However, it's probably been at least 8 years since I purchased toaster waffles.  There is no need to!  Homemade toaster waffles are better than store bought b.... read more

Posted in Blog, Breakfast, DIY, Freezer Friendly, Kids in the Kitchen, Vegetarian | Post Comment | 12

Picky Eaters: How to Expand and Diversify their Diets!

I've been watching in awe as my cousin raises her adorable son who has autism.  My aunt recommended I talk to her about dealing with food behavior and kids who have autism. Instead, I thought it would be better for Angela to write the post for me!  And, don't forget we've posted our meal ideas for this week, on the meal plan page. Here is Angela's post: I am mom of a 3 year old w.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids, Picky Eaters, Special Diets, Toddlers | Post Comment | 16

Enjoying an Active Life So Your Kids Will Too

Being a healthy role model for your kids is more than letting them see you eating a bowlful of veggies for dinner.  It's about your attitude towards eating those veggies!  You can eat healthy food, but do your kids see you enjoying them?   One thing I've always been excited about is exercise.  I thoroughly enjoy being active!  I would rather go on a run in the m.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids, Kid Fitness, Menu Ideas | Post Comment | 6

Raspberry Salad with Homemade Raspberry Vinegar

We are forever experimenting with salads and dressings, so it's quite shocking that we've never made our own flavored vinegar before! I've been meaning to, and I even get excited about the idea of making vinegar for Christmas gifts, and yet we never have. So, then when I was shopping at Ross, I came across some oil and vinegar jars for about $2.00 per jar, and I decided to get .... read more

Posted in Berries, Blog, Kids in the Kitchen, Salads | Post Comment | 5

Zucchini Eyeballs

We made these Zucchini Pizzas for our meal planning site during the summer.  It wasn't until I was looking through some old pictures that I decided they look like eyeballs and would be perfect for Halloween!! We love finding healthy food for a holiday that is famous for being the most unhealthy of them all!  With all the candy and junk food kids get, it will actually be welcoming to hav.... read more

Posted in Blog, Gluten Free, Halloween, Holiday, Kids in the Kitchen, Snacks, Vegetarian, Zucchini | Post Comment

Fall Hikes and a New Meal Plan

We found a new strategy to get our stubborn one to head out on a hike without complaining.  We made her a photographer!  (It was a better approach than the time we paid her not to complain).  But, how can you resist these fall colors?   Exposing kids to the outdoors, is a great for their health, even if you don't hike or exercise in the outdoors. Simply being outdoors r.... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness, Menu Ideas | Post Comment | 7

How Much Fruit Kids Need and 10 Ways to Get It!

This summer we have been eating a lot of fruit around our house... a lot!  Fruit is one of nature's most perfect foods! It has enough calories and fiber to be filling.  It is packed with antioxidants and vitamins that we haven't even discovered yet.  And the carbs and natural sugar from fruit, sent to your brain for energy can not be matched with anything synthetic.  Caffeine o.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 10

Girls Race Day plus a New Meal Plan

Erica and I ran a race together this morning.  It was called Utah Runner Girls!  So fun!  There was a half marathon, 5k, and a 1 mile princess run.  I ran the half and Erica (my 11 year old) ran the one mile princess run and came in first place!  She was thrilled.  I mean, really really thrilled. Her pre-race meal was a green smoothie and cantaloupe.  Mine, a ba.... read more

Posted in Blog, Kid Fitness, Menu Ideas | Post Comment | 3

Hikes For Bribes and New Meal Plan

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How much does it cost a stubborn 11 year old to hike 3 miles without complaining?  Apparently $3.  Yes, it is unfortunate it came to that, but at the sake of making the rest of our company miserable, it was necessary. We arrived at Arches National Park on Saturday morning because we wanted to show our Japanese Student how incredible Utah is!  And it is incredible!!  We set out.... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 5

5 Ways To Protect Your Kids From Junk Food

Many of you may be surprised to learn that my healthy kids don't always eat healthy foods! It's tragic I know.  The sad reality is they are old enough to make their own choices when they aren't home, and they don't always choose green peppers when there are chips around. As a mother I've thought long and hard about this, and although I feel like my years of influence are quickly going away, t.... read more

Posted in Blog, Childhood Obesity, Healthy Kids, Kids in the Kitchen | Post Comment | 14

Keeping Kids Cavity Free

My  kids have actually been extremely lucky in the dental department.  As far as cavities goes, Nate's never had one, TJ and Erica have only had one.  All three of them however will spend a good amount of time in the Orthodontist office. Keeping the cavities at bay doesn't just happen in the bathroom.  In fact, despite the lack of cavities, my kids are horrible about brushing .... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 1

Kids in the Kitchen with Eggs

If I could add Erica, my 11 year old, as a blog author- I would.  Her problem is, she rather play with friends. (ha ha).  But, many of the ideas for this site have actually been her ideas.  Including the one for today! It should be the goal of every parent to get to a place where your kids are making their own food, right?  You don't want your kids to be eating ramen and ven.... read more

Posted in Blog, Breakfast, Kids in the Kitchen | Post Comment | 11

Outdoors with Kids and Healthy Meals

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There is a waterfall in Alpine, Utah that you can literally slide down like a waterslide.  This new favorite outdoor spot has just made it to the top of a new list I'm making called, "Cool things God makes to help your kids enjoy the outdoors!" The benefits to kids who connect with the outdoors while they are young go beyond good physical health. They have also found the kids who get outside .... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness, Menu Ideas | Post Comment | 7

City Parks Keep Kids Healthy {Plus a Challenge with a Prize}

neptune park saratoga springs
"Unstructured free play in the out-of-doors brings a host of benefits to children --from being smarter to more cooperative to healthier overall. City parks play a vital role in connecting kids with the outdoors!" (Source)  Some kids are lucky enough to have a yard to play in, but there are also many kids without this type of safe outdoor access.  City parks play a vital role in the access for urba.... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 4

Outdoor Adventures For Kids {Timpanogos Caves}

starting timp with family
This summer, write a list of activities you can do outdoors with your kids!  I'll be posting one new outdoor adventure every week this summer because I feel so strongly that it's vital to our kids health.  Of course food is fun, and healthy food is generally our main focus here, but studies are reporting, children who spend more time outdoors are healthier and happier. Kids who are outdoors get m.... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 6

Coyote Gulch and New Meal Plan

Hurricane wash
When hiking with kids, it's important to be flexible! We had grand plans of backpacking into coyote gulch, with all our gear and camping.  It still may have been fine, but we backed out at the last minute, nervous it was too much for the kids.  Instead, we dropped our tent and sleeping bags at Calf Creek Campground, and then drove to Coyote Gulch for the hike. Despite hiking the kids over 18 miles.... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness, Menu Ideas | Post Comment | 3

New Meal Plan and Racing Season

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The racing season has begun.  While I love to run a few races each summer, we always at least sign  the kids up for one of them.  This race was sponsored by Nate's middle school as a fundraiser.  Have I mentioned how I love fundraisers that encourage activity!  I'm pretty tired of buying cookie dough and would much rather support a 5K!  The kids all started out prett.... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness, Menu Ideas | Post Comment | 2

Hiking with Children

Snow Canyon
Hiking with kids is somewhat of a learned talent.  They get tired easily, cranky, bored, etc.  There are ways to keep it interesting and to keep them going.  Every year we take the kids on a few hikes for several reasons: To get them outside!  Have you heard of the book, The Last Child In the Woods. Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder?  Fascinating book!  The entire book details heal.... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 9

Soccer Mom’s Unite!

I just loved this video by Real Mom Nutrition so much, I had to share!  Please share with your coaches and team mates too!   (helpful links in the video: Meal Makeover Mom's policy letter, Real Mom Nutrition Letter to coach and team) I remember the late 70?s going to my brother's soccer games.  When it was our turn for snacks, we would cut up a bowl full of oranges, and the pla.... read more

Posted in Blog, Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 7

Building a Fort and a New Meal Plan

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My husband has built a snow fort with my kids for as many years as I can remember. The funny thing is I think my husband likes it better than my kids!  They spend hours of hard labor, and they love to show all their friends when they are finished.  We let it stay up for a few days, and then knock it down before it collapses on unknowing children.  This is last year's fort: Yeste.... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness, Menu Ideas | Post Comment | 1

DIY: Tetherball!

The big weekend project was erecting this portable tether ball pole and game!  I really wanted to take more pictures of the kids playing with it, but the cement is still drying (it's been drying forever!!)  We have 3 kids and about 50 neighbor kids waiting impatiently, begging every day if they can try it out!  Unfortunately, Wade things because of the cool weather, the cement is ta.... read more

Posted in DIY, Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 5

20 Teeny-Tiny Healthy Changes that Your Kids Won’t Even Notice

poppy seed spinach salad
One of my favorite emails was from a mother, trying desperately to do the right thing by feeding her family well.   Only to have her kids tell her that they think she has gone "too far" with all this healthy eating stuff.  It reminded me of phases my mom went through throughout our lives.  One year it was "tofu season", and she started putting it in all our food, including a ca.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 13

New Meal Plan Plus Childhood Obesity

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I gave a presentation at the local college on Friday about the problem, cause, and solutions to childhood obesity.  Some of the things we discussed were: The problem: 16.9% of children ages 2-19 are obese. Obesity costs 150 Billion dollars per year to treat! Obesity kills more than 100,000 people per year 24-90% of adolescents who are obese become obese adults. Possible solutions: Focus .... read more

Posted in Childhood Obesity, Menu Ideas | Post Comment | 2

Government Steps in with New School Lunch Changes for Healthy Kids

Today the USDA made their final rule to enact the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act.  What is this act you say?? It basically is increasing the nutrition quality of all food sold at schools including school lunch, breakfast, a la carte lunch lines, and vending machines through increased funding and more strict nutritional requirements.  You can read more about it by clicking here.  The .... read more

Posted in Blog, Childhood Obesity, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 17

Kids and Weight Loss

kids running
I have been getting more questions in my inbox lately from parents looking for advice in helping their kids lose weight.  For this reason, I'm adding a category to the blog for articles that relate to kids and weight loss. For today, I wanted to share this question from a desperate blog reader: Question: Amy I am 310lbs and I am 30 years old.  I have two children a 12 year old boy and.... read more

Posted in Blog, Childhood Obesity | Post Comment | 4

Sprouting with Your Little Sprouts!

Who here sprouts?  Sprouting seeds is easy, cheap, fun for kids, and super healthy for everyone!  We mostly sprout alfalfa, but there are so many other things  you can sprout!  I have a book called, Natural Meals In Minutes by Rita Bingham.  She recommends using sprouts in the following foods: Drinks: Sunflower, alfalfa, buckwheat, and wheat sprouts Omelets: Mung, lent.... read more

Posted in Blog, Gardening, Kids in the Kitchen, Lunch, Sprouts | Post Comment | 4

Roskelley Olympics, Children’s Style

Wall sit
Although it's cold outside, there can be plenty of exercise indoors for kids! About three months ago, my husband started having nightly challenges with our three kids.  They would rotate between: Wall sit Plank Sit-ups Push-ups and V-sits Whoever could hold a pose for the longest, or do the most reps of an exercise was declared the winner.  The funny thing about the challenge was the kids starte.... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 6

Healthy Ideas from the YMCA

It would be fabulous if parents, daycare providers, preschools, and other after school programs would follow the lead of the YMCA in improving their standards to providing healthy choices for kids in their care. On Wednesday, at the Building a Healthier Future, the YMCA announced they were going to make changes in their after school program in favor of helping kids learn to be healthy.  They.... read more

Posted in Blog, Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 1

Healthy Vacation: Not an Oxymoron

For many, vacation is synonymous with: eat and be lazy. Sometimes, we definitely need a rest, but eating and being lazy don't give our bodies the much-needed rest and recovery we may think. Sitting around for days and stuffing our bodies with processed and fast food will make us feel worse headed home than we did on the way in. Finding a balance between relaxing, but not abandoning your health d.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 1

Kale: Beyond Smoothies and Chips

sauted kale
When I asked what vegetables you wanted to serve your kids more often, there were a lot of you who responded with kale! I totally understand, because kale is a superfood! Sometimes though, it's hard to figure out what to do with it besides add it to smoothies, or make kale chips!  Kale is awesome because it contains: Over 1000mcg of vitamin K per cup of cooked kale. Over 9000 IU's of vitamin A I.... read more

Posted in Fruits and Vegetables, Kids in the Kitchen, Salads | Post Comment | 16

Green Tips for the Kitchen and Around the House

The company that provides our utilities just started adding a new item to our monthly bill. They decided to tell us each month how much more energy and money we are spending as opposed to our "energy efficient neighbors". Our last bill said, "You are spending $446.64 more per year more than your efficient neighbors." Yikes! This is definitely motivating to me to be better about saving energy .... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids, Sponsored | Post Comment | 4

Portion Sizes for Kids! How Many Servings should they be eating?

Good morning!  I need to share more of my emails with you, as many of you might have the same question.  So today's questions comes from reader, Kim, who is concerned about her kids eating too much!   Hi Amy.  I love your blog and spend lots of time there picking up ideas and advice.  I think we're doing a decent job feeding our twin boys healthy food but we're having .... read more

Posted in Blog, Childhood Obesity, Fruits and Vegetables, Healthy Kids, Toddlers | Post Comment | 10

Top 3 Ways To Promote Childhood Nutrition

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There are three people, key to making changes in the education of children about their health and behaviors.  According to the Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition, they include families, schools, and pediatricians. The top three things families can do to promote healthy behaviors include: Continuity Awareness Consistency The Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition is putting a lot of.... read more

Posted in Blog, Childhood Obesity, Healthy Kids, Sponsored | Post Comment | 6

Tasty Teeth-Healthy Foods for You and Your Child

Today I have a guest post by health writer, Nan Gibbons; Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, & Fitness Advisor. You can find her on twitter at @healthnut2011, or as a contributor to the Eat Breath Blog.   "Oh, the human mouth is a disgusting place." - Gurgle, Finding Nemo Gurgle's sentiment may sound a little harsh, but let's face it, there's a reason we don't share toothbrushes with an.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 2

5 Simple Rules For Super Immunity! {Plus Giveaway}

I am a long time fan of the books written by Dr. Joel Fuhrman.  I remember being introduced to his first book, Disease Proof Your Child, by a neighbor who was extremely healthy. This book teaches parents how to feed your kids the best food and by doing so, avoiding childhood illnesses like ear infections, colds, fevers, etc. One thing about Dr. Fuhrman's books that some find tough, is to eat.... read more

Posted in Fruit and Veggies Facts, Fruits and Vegetables, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 82

Activity Idea: Lawn Golf

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My husband can't sit still.  When he has a few days off from work, he always has to build something.  Last week, he headed to the hardware store for PVC Pipe, found 12 golf balls around our yard, and put together a lawn golf game for the kids.  They have literally been outside with or without friends every single day to play.  It's easy to play, even for the very youngest kids..... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 1

Exercising with Kids

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Today I have a guest post by health writer, Nan Gibbons; Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, & Fitness Advisor. You can find her on twitter at @healthnut2011, or as a contributor to the Eat Breath Blog.   After getting coverage on health insurance I almost immediately started thinking of ways to improve the well being of not only myself, but that of my three year old son Reid as well. Being .... read more

Posted in Kid Fitness | Post Comment | 3

10 Health Tips for Your College Bound Kids

The ultimate goal in teaching our kids to be healthy, is that when they are on their own (without us watching), they will make healthy choices. My good friend just went on a field trip with her son's first grade class.  The kids were all given a sack lunch.  It had your typical food: Sandwich, carrots, apple, and some Teddy Bear Graham crackers for dessert.  Not so bad, right?&nbs.... read more

Posted in Blog, Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 2

Is Your Child’s School Healthy

3 Questions for Parent's Night   (NEW YORK) August 25, 2011 - September is synonymous with back to school and it's also National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. School is the place where young people spend the most time, aside from home. Students consume up to 50 percent of their daily calories while on campus and are often in attendance for before and after school programs, in addition .... read more

Posted in Healthy Kids | Post Comment | 1

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