Very Cool Resource

While checking out the My Plate website, I came across this very useful tool for finding the nutritional value for any food.  Want to know exactly how many calories are in that banana you are eating?  Just type it in and see.  I'm sure there are many apps out there that can do the same thing.  Very cool tool!

Food-A-Pedia

My Plate

Have you checked out the USDA's new food "pyramid"?  It's called My Plate, and is supposed to be easier to navigate. Here is a VERY COOL tip sheet made by www.choosemyplate.gov.  Check it out...you'll be glad you did :)

Tip Sheet

Five Steps For Parents

Here are four easy steps to promoting healthy eating in your home.

- Keep a bowl of fresh fruit within your child's reach for snacktime
- Plan a healthy menu for the week (check out our post below on tips and tricks for this).  Be sure to get your children involved!
- Turn off the TV during mealtime
- Take a walk with your family after dinner

These ideas were taken from the Lets Move website found here: Let's Move!

Let's Move!

Did you know that childhood obesity has more than TRIPLED over the last thirty years.  That fact is astounding to me.

In an effort to combat childhood obesity, Michelle Obama has started a new campaign which is appropriately titled: Let's Move.  Here is some AWESOME information which is provided on their website for Meal Planning on a budget. 

PLAN

Plan meals and snacks for the week according to an established budget.

Find quick and easy recipes online.

Include meals that will “stretch” expensive food items (stews, casseroles, stir

‐fried dishes).

Make a grocery list.

Check for sales and coupons in the local paper or online and consider discount stores.

Ask about a loyalty card at your grocery store.

PURCHASE

Buy groceries when you are not hungry and when you are not too rushed.

Stick to the grocery list and stay out of the aisles that don’t contain items on

your list.

Buy store brands if cheaper.

Find and compare unit prices listed on shelves to get the best price.

Purchase some items in bulk or as family packs which usually cost less.

Choose fresh fruits and vegetables in season; buy canned vegetables with less salt.

Pre‐cut fruits and vegetables, individual cups of yogurt, and instant rice and hot cereal are
convenient, but usually cost more than those that require a bit more prep time.

Good low‐cost items available all year include:

Protein — beans (garbanzo, black, cannellini)

Vegetables — carrots, greens, potatoes

Fruit — apples, bananas

PREPARE

Some meal items can be prepared in advance; pre‐cook on days when you have

time.

Double or triple up on recipes and freeze meal‐sized containers of soups and
casseroles or divide into individual portions.

Try a few meatless meals by substituting with beans and peas or try “no‐cook” meals like salads.

Incorporate leftovers into a subsequent meal.

Be creative with a fruit or vegetable and use it in different ways during the week.

Food Champs

If you are wanting to find more ways to help your child have fun while learning about the importance of fruits and veggies, than this is the website for you!  I had my daughter play around with this, and she really liked it!  It includes online games, coloring pages, and even some recipes!  It's definitely worth taking a look at.  One of the best parts is that it is free, and you don't have to sign up to do it! You can check it out here! :Food Champs

Fruits And Veggies Recipes

I came across an EXCELLENT website that has a database of over 1000 recipes which use several fruits and veggies. Check it out here: More Matters!

Using A Healthy Meal Plan

Here are some great tips for creating a healthy meal plan.

Grams, calories, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, daily values, RDAs … the list goes on! For many Americans, sorting out what is considered a carbohydrate or a protein can be complex, let alone determining their daily intake of all the vitamins and minerals! Creating a healthy eating plan doesn’t have to be complicated! Instead of worrying about the minor details, focus on filling half your plate with fruits and veggies for every meal and snack, and keep this in mind …

• Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.
• Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
• Eat a diet that’s low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.
• Stay within your daily calorie needs.

For more information on how to do this, check out this fabulous website at: Meal Planning