Nutritious FactsFor March

Importance of modeling healthy Eating Habit

Children model adult behavior. If healthy eating habits are being modeled children will pick up these habits. There will be less stress and conflict at the table. Parents you are your children’s Number one teacher. Include them in meal preparation. They enjoy being in on the action spending quality time with you. Kids are more likely to eat what they had a hand in making.

Is caffeinated soda o.k. for kids?

It is recommended to keep caffeine to a minimum. There is no guideline in the U.S. but in Canada guidelines recommend that preschoolers get no more than 45 milligrams of caffeine a day. That is 12 oz. of soda or (4) 1.5 oz. chocolate bars. Caffeine can cause upset stomachaches, headaches, and sleeping

problems. Too many caffeinated sweet drinks can lead to obesity, cavities, and dehydration. It can aggravate heart problems and some behavior and nervous system disorders. It’s best to keep caffeine away from your preschooler.

Get up and Get Moving!!!

Preschool children are working on these physical skills: Hopping, balancing on one foot, throwing and catching a ball, peddling tricycles, and skipping.

Some fun games to play, that your child will love: Tag, dancing, tumbling, duck, duck, goose, London bridge, I’m a little teapot, and Simon says. Children should get 60 min. a day of unstructured play. Don’t forget the water bottle, snack, and sunscreen. Have Fun!!

Fun Fact: try cutting child’s food into shapes with cookie cutters. Seasonal shapes are always fun.

References Smith, M.(2011). Food menu for preschoolers www.livingstrong.com/article/445814-food-menue-frpreschoolers

Healthy Snack OptionApple Smiles

• Sliced Apples• Peanut butter• Marshmallows

Spread peanut butter on sides of 2 apple slices, arrange marshmallows as teeth on one apple slice in peanut butter, place other slice on top of marshmallows.

Enjoy!!