85 Snack Ideas for Kids (and Adults)!!

We live in a world where there is fast food on every corner, the opportunity for junk food is everywhere, and even the cereal isle of the grocery store has the sugary stuff eye level for your child.  

Teaching kids while they're young to eat (and maybe even like) healthy food is something that we as parents must do!  

Lisa Leake has shared many healthy recipes on her blog, and has provided a list of 85 snack ideas! Check it out here.

Encouraging your child to be active is only half the battle!

Considerations

Tremendous development from a cognitive, emotional, and social standpoint occurs in childhood. Model healthy eating and physical activity for your child during this important time to build healthy habits for a lifetime. Adequate nutrition, especially breakfast, has been linked to learning and improved academic performance in school according to Judith Brown in "Nutrition Through the Life Cycle." Families exert the most influence over children's nutrient intake, but as a child begins to eat more meals and snacks away from home, she needs to be equipped to make good food choices.

Effects

Inadequate food intake causes growth retardation, resulting in wasting of weight or stunting of height. Overeating -- especially of low-nutrient, high-energy foods -- contributes to the development of obesity in children. The incidence of childhood obesity has increased substantially over the past few decades, and children who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults. Healthy eating and physical activity contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Significance

Normal growth and development signal health in children. Provide healthy food to prevent immediate health problems and promote a healthy lifestyle. Malnutrition contributes to a lowered immune system response and frequent infections. Reduce the risk of your child developing a chronic condition such as obesity, type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease as an adult by regularly meeting his nutrition and energy needs now.

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Physical Activity and Children

AHA Scientific Position Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. It also increases the risk of stroke and such other major cardiovascular risk factors as obesity, high blood pressure, low HDL ("good") cholesterol and diabetes. The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

Why is exercise or physical activity important for my child?

Increased physical activity has been associated with an increased life expectancy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.  Physical activity produces overall physical, psychological and social benefits. Inactive children are likely to become inactive adults. And physical activity helps with

• controlling weight
• reducing blood pressure
• raising HDL ("good") cholesterol
• reducing the risk of diabetes and some kinds of cancer
• improved psychological well-being, including gaining more self-confidence and higher self-esteem 

                                                                                            

  How do I promote physical activity in my child?

• Physical activity should be increased by reducing sedentary time (e.g., watching television, playing computer video games or talking on the phone).
• Physical activity should be fun for children and adolescents.
• Parents should try to be role models for active lifestyles and provide children with opportunities for increased physical activity.

What if my child is uncoordinated or overweight?

All children, even less-coordinated ones, need to be physically active.  Activity may be particularly helpful for the physical and psychological well-being of children with a weight problem.

The American Heart Association recommends:

• All children age 2 and older should participate in at least 60 minutes of enjoyable, moderate-intensity physical activities every day that are developmentally appropriate and varied.
• If your child or children don't have a full 60-minute activity break each day, try to provide at least two 30-minute periods or four 15-minute periods in which they can engage in vigorous activities appropriate to their age, gender and stage of physical and emotional development.

Thanks AHA!

Why is Soccer good for kids?

written by Anythony Graham: Livestrong.com

Soccer is a simple game that kids of any age and either gender can play. 

Physical stature is unimportant, making the game suitable for children of all shapes and sizes. As a result, soccer is a very inclusive sport, and it provides numerous physical and social benefits.

Health and Fitness

Soccer offers a great all-around workout for kids of all ages. Running up and down the field is an excellent aerobic exercise, while the constant change of pace and direction also helps to develop a child’s fitness levels and balance. According to SteadyHealth, playing soccer helps to increase a child’s muscle and bone strength while also promoting flexibility and endurance. Soccer is a great way to combat obesity; time spent kicking a ball around is far more beneficial than time spent in front of the television or computer screen.

Team Building

Soccer is a great way for kids to learn how to work as part of a team. A good soccer team relies on unity, with each player doing his part for the greater good of the team. Individualism is certainly not discouraged in soccer, but being aware of the players around you and their individual skills and strengths is an important part of the sport. Team play also helps to improve a child’s work ethic, another important life skill.

Confidence

Soccer is open to players of both sexes and all shapes and sizes. It therefore offers an activity to kids who might struggle in other sports According to Families Online Magazine, soccer can greatly increase a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence.

Sportsmanship

According to the Complete Soccer Guide website, kids can learn how to play sports gracefully from their coaches and teammates. The rules of soccer  promote and reward good sporting behavior among youth players. This is another positive attribute that a child can learn through soccer and then apply to general social interactions.

Social

Youth soccer clubs provide a great opportunity for kids to socialize and make new friends. The team-building aspect of a soccer club helps to foster relationships between kids of differing backgrounds and personalities.

Fun

The numerous physical and social benefits of soccer are made all the more appealing because soccer is good, simple fun. According to the Complete Soccer Guide, “Anyone can have fun kicking around a soccer ball.” With a good coach and support from parents, soccer can be a big part of a child’s life. A child can benefit from all of soccer’s positive aspects while having fun at the same time.