| Today, the news reports that Michele Obama is going | | | | make themselves. This way, if Mom or Dad are not |
| to play a more visible role working with the public and | | | | home from work, the kids can open a refrigerator that |
| speaking out. The thought is she will take an ever | | | | has healthy food choices they will enjoy, and not head |
| greater role than she already has in the fight against | | | | right for the frozen pizza or chicken nuggets! |
| childhood obesity and continue to emphasize the | | | | We all know fruit is one of the best sources of |
| importance of healthy eating and nutrition for children. | | | | vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, and a food choice |
| Thank goodness! There is no greater problem in the | | | | that is a perfect food choice to prevent weight gain. |
| United States today than the rising obesity rates of the | | | | Yet we can tell the kids to "get an apple" just so many |
| American population, particularly child obesity, and this | | | | times before they tune us out. It is up to us to find |
| problem needs a voice that will reach every home in | | | | creative ways to encourage our children to eat more |
| America today. | | | | fruit; not only for the natural benefits, but as a way to |
| The problem is staggering. Mrs. Obama said in a | | | | build better eating habits to combat obesity. |
| speech this past fall at the Department of Health and | | | | This is where fruit smoothie recipes come in. Healthy |
| Human Services, "Nearly a third of all children in this | | | | smoothies can be made with just a few nutritious |
| country are overweight or obese... and a third will | | | | ingredients and a basic blender. Milk, or yogurt, fruit, |
| suffer from diabetes at some point in their lifetimes," | | | | fresh or frozen-that is it! If a sweeter taste is desired, |
| Mrs. Obama also said, "It is a major public health threat | | | | add a little honey. Smoothies also make wonderful |
| right now, so just imagine what we're going to be | | | | dessert when made with frozen yogurt or even ice |
| facing in 20 or 30 years if we don't get on this issue." | | | | cream. Regardless of the recipe, the fundamentals are |
| So many people know-she is right; but just how did this | | | | so simple. |
| happen? | | | | Next time at the store pass up the chips, soda, and |
| Even as our county has grown in leaps and bounds in | | | | other snacks and go for some nutritious foods instead. |
| the past 80 years, there has been a breakdown in the | | | | Pick up some bananas, and some frozen berries. Buy |
| traditional family behaviors. Children today are typically | | | | a dozen or so cartons of yogurt and some soy milk. |
| being raised in families where Mom and Dad both | | | | And then, pull out the blender and have some fun with |
| work, and the amount of time to prepare healthy | | | | your kids. Let them cut up the fruit and choose the |
| nutritious meals has taken a back seat to work, after | | | | yogurt flavors they like best, and let them learn with |
| school activities and even just driving time back and | | | | you how to make the best fruit smoothie they can for |
| forth! So many families are looking for a quick meal, | | | | a healthy delicious breakfast, snack, lunch or desert. |
| which is fine, but the key we should to be looking for | | | | Spending a little time with your child, will help them |
| are meals that are quick and easy to make and are | | | | make better choices about food because they will |
| healthy | | | | follow your example. And, the time you spent will be a |
| If we are going to have a discussion about ways to | | | | "memory maker" for you and your kids too! |
| overcome childhood obesity we certainly should include | | | | And don't worry about what to make! Just visit Best |
| our kids ideas in determining healthy food choices and | | | | Fruit where you will find a wide variety of the best fruit |
| show healthy, no fattening snacks and meals they can | | | | smoothie recipes that are both healthy and delicious. |