Children And Healthy Food Plans

No matter what age children are, they can be taught to eat healthier foods and stay away from sugary snacks.  This needs to be taught by the way we, as adults, approach our own eating habits.  Eating the right foods and adding exercise will not only make us feel healthier, but also look healthier.  

Healthy snacks such as fresh fruits and vegetables don't have to be boring.  Dress them up; put real peanut butter in the center of celery stalks, topped with raisins.  Add shredded carrots to jello.  There are so many ways to be creative with ordinary fresh fruits and vegetables.

Some schools meet the USDA requirements, while others do not, serving some meals that contain up to 30 percent of calories from fat.  If this is the case, it is a good idea to fix children's lunches at home.

Granola is a great snack and very easy to make.  Take 4 cups of oats, 1 cup wheat germ, 1 cup wheat flakes, 1 cup pecans and 1/2 cup coconut.  Mix well.  Measure 1/2 cup canola oil, 1/2 cup honey, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.  Put in small sauce pan and heat just until mixed well.  Add to the dry ingredients, stir and put on a cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, stir and bake an additional 5 minutes or until toasted.  Remove from the oven and add 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup apricots and mix well.  Tastes great!