Eat Well…  Play Well 

March is Nutrition March and local registered dietitians this year have some simple ideas to help support you in making healthy eating a day-to-day reality.  Parents are important role models for healthy eating.  If you eat well, so will your children.  Remember to make time for breakfast.  Children who eat breakfast perform better at school, have healthier weights and are more likely to meet vitamin and mineral requirements.  You can save time in the morning by having someone set the table, get out the cereal boxes and toaster the night before.  Take a walk on the wild side and liven up breakfast with some fun ideas, like a whole-wheat tortilla rolled with peanut butter, banana and a glass of milk.

School is where children go to learn and play.  You can help your children be their best by fueling their days with healthy food choices.  Variety is the key and Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating is a guide to help you make food choices for healthier eating every day.  Selecting at least one food from each of the four food groups will give your child's lunch box a passing grade.  Here is some menu ideas to spice up the lunch box:

·        Pita pocket filled with cold chopped vegetables and tuna salad, cold milk and a banana

·        Cold cheddar cheese on raisin bread, cherry tomatoes, fruit juice and a milk pudding

·        Cold pizza, carrot and zucchini sticks, cold milk and grapefruit sections

·        Sunflower seeds, cottage cheese, fruit salad and a carrot muffin

When you can, try to do dinner together more often.  Children who eat home-prepared meals are more likely to include more milk products, fruits, vegetables and other fibre-rich foods and fewer fried foods and soft drinks than children who eat out.  For quick and easy family dinners, cook casseroles or rice in bulk, freezing several portions to enjoy on days when you are in a hurry.  To help create some family time during mealtime, turn off the TV and enjoy time for your family to come together over a home-cooked meal.

For further information call Public Health at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

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