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Fun local event will teach kids about health, nutrition
I have a confession: I have an insatiable sweet tooth. I do not like vegetables. I feel guilty as a mom because my children, too, prefer cookies over broccoli.
Although they like fruit, I began to worry.
This past school year we have had more cooties and crud in our house than ever before. I’m on a first name basis with the nurses in the pediatric office.
Within a month, we had Girl Scout cookies in the cupboard, a box of 52 (yes, FIFTY TWO) candy bars to sell for baseball, and a cookie dough fundraiser for school.
And we are concerned about poor nutrition and obesity in this country?
So, I started making some simple, healthier choices for my kids, and myself: - At the grocery store, if a low fat, organic, sugar-free or whole grain option is available, we buy that instead. - We are taking Juice Plus and vitamins every day. - If the boys don’t want to ask permission for a snack, they can have fruit or cheese. - I put cups on a lower shelf so they can help themselves to water any time. - And, we will be attending “Kids in the Kitchen” at the Boonshoft Museum.
Coordinated by Junior League of Dayton, Kids in the Kitchen will include seven stations where children will learn to make healthy snacks, participate in a Zumba exercise activity, learn about dental care and much more.
“We know the growing problem of childhood obesity and believe encouraging kids to learn how to cook healthy foods is one way to combat it,” said Melissa Goffinet of JLD.
“We also believe that all kids should have fun in the kitchen. It’s a great way to bond with their families and have pride in something that they do.”
JLD, in partnership with Dayton Children’s Medical Center, hopes to make Kids in the Kitchen an annual event.
Per the Dayton Children’s Regional Pediatric Health Assessment, it is now estimated that one in four children in the Dayton region is overweight, making programs like Kids in the Kitchen necessary.
“(A) healthy lifestyle is something the Junior League is always promoting,” said Goffinet. Hope to see you there!
Kids in the Kitchen 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 16 Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton Free with museum admission price jldayton.org or boonshoftmuseum.org
Contact this contributing writer at Motherhoodcolumn@yahoo.com or facebook/motherhoodCTC.com
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By Retired Teacher
April 12, 2011 10:04 AM | Link to this
Check out what the school lunch rooms are selling. Don’t take my word for it, go there and see for yourself any day of the week.