"About 19 percent of children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese — a record high, according to the latest data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey."
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html
How can we change this? It can start right in your kitchen!
This month is all about ways to incorporate cooking, healthy snacking, and gathering at the table together. Whatever your family dynamic is - make it a priority this month to sit at the table together more often. Make it a priority to make a new recipe together…even if it’s chaotic and messy because it really isn’t the end product, but rather the experiences they are having with YOU.
Mark Your Calendars: "National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day is on September 13th.
We will be chatting all month about fun ways to cook with your kids, fun and healthy recipes to make at home, ways to incorporate learning in the kitchen, and the importance of gathering at the table together.
If possible (and time allows), let your kids help with packing their lunches. This teaches them responsibility and different ways to make healthy eating choices.
Make the presentation colorful and fun! Check out kid-safe skewers on Amazon.
Use unique containers like bento boxes and special containers for dips like hummus and peanut butter.
To carry on the tradition from my childhood, I write a quick note or draw a quick picture to let my kids know that we love them and are thinking about them while at school. If you homeschool – you can still write a cute note!
5 Healthy Lunch Ideas:
1. Naan cheese pizza (make ahead – put small amount of sauce and cheese and bake) + sliced peppers/carrots + fruit salad
2. Mini ants on a log + pretzels (regular or gluten-free) + cheese and meat skewers + watermelon cubes
3. Burger skewers with meat/cheese/lettuce + melon cubes + gluten-free pretzels/veggie straws
4. Ham and cheese roll-ups + applesauce + veggie straws
5. Peanut butter mini pancakes + berry mix/jam + hardboiled eggs
Some days it’s a lunchable….I mean…let’s be honest….we’re doing our best!
Resources:
https://wholefully.com/healthy-school-lunch-ideas/
https://www.
Resources at The Whole Mama:
Our goal this year at The Whole Mama is to help 100 mamas start homeschooling in 2024!
Will you join our movement of mamas ready to make powerful and positive changes for their children?