Kids Stuff: Cooking and Exercising

It can be a great challenge getting kids to cook, eat healthy and exercise. The Surgeon General says that today's kids are in the worst shape of any generation. What's to blame? Junk food, TV, video games and lack of activity. The old days of pushing the kids outside on a beautiful day seem to have whithered away, and packed unhealthy pounds onto many unsuspecting children. With some simple changes to their lifestyles and sneaking healthy education into their heads, such as how to cook and eat healthy foods and participating in more activities, we can change the health of our future generations.

It can be hard for workng moms to even cook themselves, let alone have the kids help out in the kitchen, but if they can manage just one day per week to set aside an hour or so to have fun in the kitchen and teach the kids how to prepare healthy meals on their own it could have a major impact on their future health. Just think, one new healthy food item or recipe per week will give your kids the healthy habits and cooking independence that can change their lives.

Kids And Cooking
Getting kids to cook can greatly benifit their health, idependence and your time too! When they can be trusted to safely prepare their own healthy food, that means that you're off the hook! Showing them that cooking is fun can be as easy as making something with them that they like, and make it look beautiful. When they see what they can create there is a real sense of accomplishment and pride. Watch a TV show on the food network together and make what they made on the show. It's nice to have something to follow and to see how the professional did it, and then that you can do the same.

It is also fun for kids to have their own stuff when they do something. How many little kids do you see with bubble mowers and tools their size? It's the same in the kitchen. If you want them to help, give them the right tools! There is a great website that sells kid-size chef jackets, hats, aprons and cooking utensils. These are great gifts for your kids and might even start them on the career path to become a chef!

Cookbooks for kids that are fun, easy and have good pictures are essential when they want to learn the kitchen basics. Some also have information on cooking techniques and puts them into simple terms for kids to understand. Most books also cover the basics of safety in the kitchen and some nutrition facts as well. Go to www.growingcooks.com to see kids cooking apparel. For a list of kids cookbooks click here.


To see my favorite websites for kids cooking click here.

Kids And Exercise
Kids are naturally energetic. It is up to us to get them to use that energy for something good for them, and not turn them into couch potatoes. With all of the activities that we have to offer, how is it possible that kids these days are so out of shape? It's us! The parents! If we don't introduce them to fun, healthy activities where will they discover them? We need to set that example. Get outside! Bikeriding, hiking, soccer, karate, tennis, frisbee... The possibilities are endless! Just get out there and do it!

Another reason for exercise? Their brains! Research shows that exercise increases blood flow to the brain and also helps to regulate many hormones in the body. It helps kids (and adults too!) stay focused, think clearly, and prevent mood swings. In one study, fit kids showed performed better on scholastic tests than unfit kids. Those are pretty good reasons to get out and move!


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