Choosy Kids

By: Lindsay Dawson, Choosy Kids Social Media Account Manager

I will never forget the afternoon of December 6, 2001. Little 11-year-old me had been sick for nearly a month. I was constantly thirsty; my complexion was muted; I had no energy; and despite my consistent hunger, I’d lost about 15 pounds in two weeks. My mom had been so concerned that I wasn’t eating, or that something very serious was happening to me. And on December 6th, she picked me up from school, took me to my doctor, and stood by my side as my life changed forever.

That afternoon, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes– a chronic autoimmune disease in which the child’s pancreas stops producing insulin, either due to hereditary disposition or a virus that initiates the attack on the pancreas. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form, Type 1 – formally known as juvenile diabetes. Without a functioning pancreas, Insulin cannot be produced. Insulin is one of the 8 hormones produced in the body that regulates blood sugar. This disease is not life threatening if treated properly, though there is currently no cure. The day I was diagnosed, I was sent to the hospital for a week of training and education.

I never ate poorly as a child, thanks to my mom’s love for home-cooking and her studies of being a nutritionist in college, I learned that I could never eat the same way. The sweet tooth I inherited from my dad had to be controlled (I loved popsicles and ice cream!), birthday parties and school lunches would be very different. Not only was food affected by my diagnosis; I’d no long be able to exercise the same way, travel, attend school, or even sleep as I had for the previous 11 years. Everything had to change, and I had to adapt to my new lifestyle very quickly.

As I mentioned, this form of Diabetes is either hereditary or caused by a bad virus, like Chicken Pox. I’m still not sure which caused mine: Type 2 runs in my family, and I had a viral rash for about 6 months earlier in the year I was diagnosed. Whatever the case, Diabetes treatment is very complex, particularly for a Type 1. You have to keep your blood sugar within a normal range, doing so by controlling your food intake and treating with the proper amount of insulin. Other factors such as stress/anxiety, exercise, illness, quality of food, and even the environment can affect your levels as well.

Until a few years ago, I was taking at least 4 insulin injections a day, testing my blood sugar 6 to 8 times a day, and monitoring my carbohydrate intake at every meal. My senior year of college, I decided to try the “insulin pump”, a mechanical pancreas, so to speak, that uses ratios, sensitivity levels, and trends specific to my body to deliver continuous doses of insulin. I also use my pump to give myself “boluses”, or injections, on top of my continuous stream of insulin. I wear the pump 24/7; it is always attached to me, except for the few moments when I change the site everything three days. It makes managing my Diabetes much easier! And it’s pink, which is a very good thing, in my opinion!

Healthy habits truly begin at a young age, and I feel very fortunate to have been diagnosed with a disease that taught me such lessons. At 11 years old, I learned the value of feeding my body in a healthy way – I used to snack on Clementine’s constantly - exercising and staying active, and doing the things I loved. Though Diabetes can be difficult and unpredictable, I have always felt that my circumstances could have been far worse. The benefits I have gained from my juvenile diagnosis enabled me to develop my independence and establish a strong sense of responsibility at a critically impressionable age. Consequently, I have spent the last several years cultivating my love and passion for healthy (and adventurous!) cooking, running, lifting weights, swimming, and biking, and embracing my Diabetes for all that it is.

I am now 24 and I recently celebrated my 13th anniversary in December 2014; I’ve lived with Diabetes longer than I lived without it, which is a pretty wild thought to me. This disease has and will continue to be part of every moment of my life. However, this fact does not leave me discouraged. Diabetes, despite the difficulties and frustrations, has taught me so much, and has instilled a remarkably strong sense of healthy living.

With childhood obesity trends as they are, our culture is seeing more and more young children develop Type 2 Diabetes, the adult counterpart that is more influenced by lifestyle choices than biology. Seeing these trends has inspired me to communicate my story of health and my journey with Diabetes to others. I hope to inspire more movement and excitement about nutrition – ideas I try to exude every day, and something I think Choosy would be proud of!

Since March is National Nutrition Month, now is a great time to commit to healthy eating – for yourself and for your family. Do you know someone effected by Diabetes? How can you help them, or help yourself, to get more active and find more joy nutritious cooking?

About the Author: Lindsay Dawson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and a minor in vocal performance from West Virginia University in 2012. In May of 2014, she graduated from WVU with a Master’s of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. She has enjoyed working for several non-profits, and in addition to her position with Choosy Kids, Lindsay is currently employed as the Outreach Coordinator for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Morgantown, WV. Her ultimate career ambitions inspire her to combine her love of the arts with her passion for marketing, leadership, and civic engagement.

By: Al Stewart

“On your mark, get set, ready…, wait!..., wait!..., wait!” How long do you think a preschooler can wait for you to say “Go”? How long could your child wait? The anticipation and excitement that build up while a child is waiting to hear that two-letter word sometimes causes the child to just “go” without the cue. Why do you think that happens? It may be due to their level of “self-regulation” or “self-control”, two terms referring to the same thing but each preferred by different experts. There may be a number of reasons for low “self-regulation/self-control” in young children. Two reasons are not enough practice and the “demand” for immediate gratification. In other words, children are, typically not waiting for anything. Everything is rush, rush, rush, and/or let’s do it now.

It is believed, by some experts, that there are certain skills everyone needs to be successful in their life journey. Here are a few of them – communication, critical thinking, self-direction, initiation, relating to others, cooperation, confidence, and, of course, self-regulation/self-control. Let’s focus on the last pair in this list. What can we do to help young children acquire these important character trait?

Playing games that require turn-taking, such as “Mother, May I?”, “Red Light, Green Light”, “Hide-and-Seek”, and many age-appropriate board games, is a way to enhance this skill. It is somewhat of a challenge for young children to have to take turns, or wait until it is their turn, while playing games. Since playing games with rules is the highest stage of play for young children, it is important to be sure the games chosen are age-appropriate. The games mentioned earlier are based on movement, which is good for many reasons. Taking giant steps, bunny jumps, leaps, or hops is great for increasing heart rate. Be sure to vary the wait times prior to allowing them to run, jump, twirl, slide, or hop. That is one of the fun aspects of “Mother, May I?” Focus is an underlying skill needed in this game also. Remembering to say “Mother, may I?” AND to receive permission, before moving is essential. It is no fun to have to go back to the starting line. “Simon Says”, “Statue”, and songs such as Choosy Kids “Freeze” also allow opportunities for self-regulation/self-control to be enhanced. There are a number of children’s musicians who have songs that ask children to “be still” for various lengths of time.

Meal times provide another opportunity to support self-regulation/self-control in young children. It may also reinforce this character trait in some adults, which could be a benefit for the entire family. Allowing children to help prepare meals and snacks teaches responsibility and helps build self-confidence. Not only is waiting for everyone to be seated and served before each person begins to eat considered good manners, it also increases self-regulation. Mealtime provides an opportunity for conversation to take place and is another chance for young children to wait their turn, before speaking. Another positive by-product of this process is giving everyone some “down time” to sit, wait, and converse.

These are just a couple of specific situations that would allow young children to develop the skill, or trait, of self-regulation/self-control. Think of other opportunities throughout the day when adults may be able to help children practice this important behavior, such as sharing story time, waiting in line at the grocery store, getting ready for bed, and maybe even preparing to go to the park or another special event. Build the excitement, but be sure to add a little wait time in the formula. “On your mark, get set, ready…, wait…, wait..., wait…, GO!

About the Author: Al Stewart has work in the early childhood field for 42 plus years including the public school sector in Texas for 34 years as a teacher, early childhood special/general education specialist and consultant as well as Head Start. After he retired, he started his own consulting business, A. Stewart Consulting, and continued his passion for teaching by conducting training sessions for teachers in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade and administration throughout the country.

By: Kerry McKenzie

Research has shown that kids who are involved in growing and making their own food are more likely to try different foods and eat healthier. And digging in the dirt is only half of the fun when it comes to gardening! Getting dirty is so good for you! Recent research has proven that there are health benefits to digging in the dirt. There is a particular strain of bacterium in the soil that has been found to trigger the release of a chemical in your body called serotonin, which is called the “happy chemical” because it elevates your mood and decreases anxiety. And on top of that, this little bacterium has been found to keep your brain healthy and possibly even treat cancer and other diseases. Contact with soil, through gardening or other means, is beneficial! Now there's a great reason to get outside and garden for good and get your kids involved too!

You don’t need to have a green thumb to get started or even any plant knowledge. Kids can learn as they GROW! All you really need is a yard to dig in or a space to put a few containers. You can even reuse an old sandbox (remove the bottom) and turn it into a raised bed garden or keep the container that last night’s rotisserie chicken dinner was in and put some dirt and seeds in there.

When planting in pots or an old sandbox, purchasing potting soil in bags is a good choice. Keep in mind that plants need sunlight and water to grow, so plan your garden in a sunny spot that will catch rain or is easy for you to hand water with a watering can or hose. If you want to plant your garden in the ground, remove all of the grass and rocks before you start. Tilling or breaking up the soil will help when you are putting the plants in the ground.

Involve your children in deciding which fruits or vegetables to plant as this may gain extra attention when gardening. Make sure to try some new fruits and veggies, like Okra! I like to plant seedlings so the kids can watch them grow from the very beginning. You can buy seedlings at any home and garden store. Gently place the seedlings in little holes, cover with a thin layer of dirt and drizzle with some water.

It's important to plant your garden at the right time, and the key is knowing when your area will see its last spring frost. You may lose your warm weather crops if you put them in the ground too soon. Search the Old Farmer’s Almanac freeze chart in your area!

The next part is amazing! Water, fertilize with old leaves, pick out the weeds and watch your plants grow. Before you know it you will have fruit and vegetables to pick and eat! It’s that simple! And it’s fun!

What kind of fruits and veggies do your children like to watch grow? Share your growing tips with us in the comment section!

About the Author: Kerry McKenzie, B.A., M.S., has been working in education for more than 13 years. She is a Certified Health Coach, a 500 level (E-RYT500) yoga teacher and specializes in early childhood motor development. She has a passion for working with expecting moms, babies, toddlers and preschool age children and their caregivers at Greenville Health Systems pediatric clinic, child care centers and in the community. Click here to learn more about Kerry.

By: Dr. Linda Carson

By age three, most children have acquired around 1,000 words. By the age of six, they have acquired nearly 10,000 words! This highlights the significant role we have during the first five years of life to lay the foundation for expanding vocabulary as well as using language for learning and communicating.

How can busy parents support and enhance this significant stage of child development? Probably the easiest way is to talk to children as much as possible. In the youngest toddlers, describe what they are doing as they explore and experiment. With preschool children, ask questions and have conversations about everything from what they might see in nature to their preferences for activities or foods. And be intentional about introducing new and unusual words so that your child’s vocabulary expands. Another very important but easy way to build vocabulary, and at the same time encourage a love of books, is bedtime reading.

While you are at it, add words to your playtime. Babies think and communicate with their bodies before they actually think with words, so your day to day playful interactions can be very meaningful for learning as well as for building bonds of trust and love. During early childhood, children learn a lot with their bodies and about their bodies. There are rich vocabulary words to be experienced by moving and exploring.

You can download this Healthy Vocabulary Framework chart of vocabulary words from Choosy Kids that can be used to mix and vary active learning experiences for young children. You can also listen to Choosy Kids song, I Am Moving I Am Learning, which incorporates words on the chart.

Combining music with deliberate movement has even greater impact on early learning. When young children hear music, they naturally respond by moving their bodies. Movement and music have been shown to influence and enhance the healthy development of the brains and bodies of young children. Music stimulates both sides of the brain. When childhood songs encourage movements that use both sides of the body and incorporate healthy messages, a powerful double whammy learning experience is taking place inside the child.

“Developmentally appropriate music activities involve the whole child-the child's desire for language, the body's urge to move, the brain's attention to patterns, the ear's lead in initiating communication, the voice's response to sounds, as well as the eye-hand coordination associated with playing musical instruments.” (Harman, M.A. Music and Movement - Instrumental in Language Development, http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=601).

So music and movement can not only build vocabulary and motor skills, they can also lay the very necessary foundation for school readiness and school success.

Choosy Kids is a company devoted to early learning through music and movement. Listen to samples of well-conceived, fun-filled songs that encourage active learning.

You can check out more blogs like this from a team of 51 other bloggers at the #Blogger52Project, brought to you by The Quinntessential Mommy.

About the Author: Linda Carson, Ed. D, is the founder and CEO of Choosy Kids, LLC, and the Ware Distinguished Professor Emerita at West Virginia University. An award winning, nationally recognized expert, Dr. Carson has devoted her career to promoting healthy preferences for young children and the adults who make decisions on their behalf. Click here to learn more about Linda.

By: Christine Cox (aka - The Choosy Mommy)

Many toddlers are what parents call picky eaters but I like to refer to my daughter as a choosy eater. Ever since I introduced her to Choosy, she now tells me to be choosy about what I eat. Some days it backfires (I really wanted that cookie the other day) and other days it is a nice reminder. But let’s be real…whether she is picky or choosy, she is still deciding what her and I eat…mostly her.

There are many times where I put food on her plate and she won’t touch it. But there are more times that she sees something that her dad is eating and she wants to try it. I will tell you that she has my husband’s pallet in that she prefers salty, spicy and sour over sweet. I love my sweets! So at least she knows who will lead her to the foods that she will love….DADDY!

Which leads me to my discussion about ten unique foods that my toddler eats. Maybe your child has unique tastes too? This is no way means your toddler HASN’T tried these foods, but these are just some things that my husband and I are really surprised that she likes. I’ve noticed that when I say I like something, she does become more open to trying, so maybe give this new Choosy Kids song, Yum Yum Yummy, a listen and sing it when trying something new!

Green Olives – This one isn’t so weird in that I do know some kids that like olives but she will just eat them as a snack. I HATE olives, no matter the color, but her dad also loves them.
Banana Peppers – Another snack food that her and her dad share a love for. The smell…uhg, it gets me every time but she loves them!
Wasabi Peas – Now this one really threw me for a loop. Daddy was eating them one evening and she decided to give one a try. At first I was a bit nervous because I figured, whoa, too spicy, but she ended up eating a handful (not at one time!)
Oil and Vinegar dressing on Sweet Butter lettuce – Otherwise known as ensalada verde in our family. This is a gem as it is a pretty low calorie dressing. It is a so simple in that you just sprinkle some extra virgin olive oil and white wine vinegar over your lettuce. A little salt to taste.
Pickled Cauliflower – This was a shocker to myself when my toddler came home from Grandma’s with this new favorite!
Frozen Waffles – This one might not be so different, but at least we aren’t drenching the waffle in butter and syrup. Just a plain, frozen waffle!
Soy Sauce – She loves rice and won-ton soup, but give her a dish of soy sauce and she’ll dip anything in it to try!
Pepperoni – Again, maybe not so different but many toddlers find this to be too spicy.
Green Onions – She will dip her green onions in salt and eat 3 or 4 of them!!
Tuna – I just mix a can of tuna with mayo and onion and make a sandwich out of it. She’s loved this for as long as I can remember.

Let me know if your child has tried or even likes any of these foods. Please post if you have a food you think my toddler would love. We are always willing to try new things (well, daddy will have to try it first I suppose).

About the Author: Christine Cox is the blog master and Choosy Mommy for Choosy Kids. She has always had a passion for writing and is honored to contribute her work to this blog. Most of her writing inspiration comes from her daughter, Capri, who is fun-loving and full of energy. Click here to learn more about Christine.

By: Dr. Linda Carson

We recently posted a blog by Lindsay Dawson who shared a very personal account of learning that she had a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes when she was young. That blog made me reflect on my own experience with diabetes. My sister was diagnosed later in life with Type 2 diabetes, and since then she has lost much of her vision and one of her legs to this dreaded disease. In the past 15 years she has managed her diabetes with lifestyle changes and much healthier eating.

Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult onset diabetes but in recent years, the age of onset has moved younger and younger. Children as young as six have been shown to have elevated blood pressure and cholesterol. Childhood obesity has steadily increased over the past three decades. An interesting book written by Francine Kauffman, a pediatric endocrinologist, describes the consequences of our lifestyles of convenience. She says that we have designed comfy environments and foods (non-foods) that are going to do us in.

Dr. Kauffman also warns that diabetes and obesity are so linked together that soon physicians will be diagnosing them as a single syndrome known as diabesity. In fact, Diabesity is the name of her book. It is written for parents to help them understand ways to prevent both obesity and diabetes in children. The CDC has published trend maps that show how the prevalence of both obesity and diabetes has revealed a similar progression in recent years.

http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/center/slides.html

Experts agree that many cases of Type 2 diabetes and obesity can be prevented or minimized with healthy nutrition and physical activity. To be sure that your family is getting the preventive benefits from your food, try to eat more leafy green veggies, beans, and fruits. The fiber, vitamins, and minerals in plant-based food are what we should have everyday to nourish body and mind. Eating natural, unprocessed foods that are nutrient dense rather than calorie dense, will contribute to healthy metabolism and blood sugar levels.

For many, a daily diet of fresh fruits and veggies will also result in healthy weight loss! Wondering how to know if a food is nutrient dense? Think of it this way, if it is grown as a plant, try to eat more of that. If it is manufactured or processed in a “plant”, try to eat less of that. The processing takes away nutrition. And when selecting or preparing food for your family, remember the caution from Dr. Kauffman: We’ve designed environments and diets out of convenience that one day soon will do us in. Everyone is busy and convenience is wonderful, but lets all try to make healthier choices for our children and families.

So feed them well and move them more. Listen to a song by the same title and let us know what strategies you do to promote plant flavors, plant protein, and plant fiber?

By: Amy Requa, MSN, CRNP

We have all heard about the key elements to excellent oral health and hygiene for young children: brushing their teeth twice a day, before bed and after breakfast, with a smear of fluoride toothpaste on a soft child-sized toothbrush; providing tooth-healthy drinks, such as water, instead of sugary beverages; flossing between teeth as soon as you see that they are touching each other; and taking your child for regular check-ups starting when the first tooth erupts. We’ve discussed creating good brushing habits with your children and starting regular check-ups when their first tooth appears, but what happens after they have been seen by the dentist and are on the way to mastering daily dental routines?

On one of our recent posts, a mom mentioned that her little one likes to dip his/her toothbrush into a cup of mouthwash and rinse with that. It got me thinking, as I am sure many children would love to do that. What does it do to their teeth/mouth? Is it safe?

The instructions on the label of mouthwashes is that children under six should not use the product. This is likely due to the fact that many, but not all, mouthwashes have a form of alcohol in their liquid and it is not safe to be swallowed in large amounts. This is something you will want to discuss with your child’s dentist. There’s no need to wait for your child’s next dental visit, just pick up the phone and call your dentist and ask for current recommendations!

Also, it is important to understand that any ingredient that limits our normal production of saliva will actually be counterproductive and can even lead to more decay of our teeth. Saliva is very beneficial because it has a buffering effect on the “acid attack,” composed of acid waste products that are created when the bacteria in our mouths digest sugars and carbohydrates.

If your children are anxious to start copying your mouth washing techniques, my suggestion is to teach them how to floss instead. Flossing between two teeth that are touching is helpful because it breaks down the build-up of plaque between the teeth, which is essential to do because the toothbrush bristles cannot get in-between the teeth that are tightly spaced. It is important to help children with flossing because they do not have the manual dexterity to floss by themselves until they can write cursive. Be sure to move the floss gently under the gum line, where the germs causing decay are more likely to grow because that is where it’s dark and warm. The gum line is also where there are leftover food particles hanging out (which the germs love to eat). Flossing between our own teeth and our child’s teeth on a daily basis will disrupt the plaque traps and prevent the germs from building up. By demonstrating flossing between our own teeth on a daily basis, our children will want to copy us.

The manufactured “flossers” for children are very helpful because they are easier to grasp for small fingers and they fit into small mouths more easily, plus they are colorful and animated looking!

Have your children tried flossing? What age did they start? Remember to check out Choosy Kids CD and DVD collection for brushing songs and videos!

About the Author: Amy Requa, MSN, CRNP, CPNP-PC, is a board certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has 20 years of experience in public health nursing, maternal and child health, family and community health promotion and has extensive health expertise in oral health, childhood obesity prevention and child nutrition. Click here to learn more about Amy.

By: Rita Massullo & Caroline Ensor

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? That is a term you hear a lot in today’s world. And as much as you hear, there are many and varied perceptions. ASD is a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non-verbal social communication and social interaction. Other characteristics often associated with ASD are:

•Engagement in repetitive activities and stereotyped movements
•Resistance to environmental changes or changes in daily routines
•Unusual responses to sensory experiences.

As autism classroom teachers, we are presented frequently with questions from parents on how to introduce new activities, go through routines of the day and how to decrease anxieties which can cause behaviors.

Social stories are a great tool used to describe and/or teach a situation, skill or concept. The purpose of a social story is to improve the child’s understanding of the situation, skill or concept. They can share accurate information using a process, format, voice and content that is meaningful and physically, socially and emotionally safe for the child. For example:

1.I am starting a new school
2.I can eat new foods
3.I can go to the park
4.I can play with my friends

As we share this information with families on how to write social stories, we remind them to keep their child’s developmental level in mind, as they create a goal focused social story. Other factors to consider are length of the story, real vs. cartoon pictures, using “I” language and maintaining a positive and patient tone.

A good time to introduce and read the stories are before the activity or routine and while the child is in a calm and receptive state. It is important to give the child opportunities to review the story frequently. You may also use the story as a visual aide to remind your child of expectations, steps of the routines and positive social behaviors.

There are a lot of resources out there, including free templates and examples. Here are a couple links that we have found helpful for our families.

1)Social Stories and Resources
2)Educate Autism - Social Stories
3)Challenging Behavior - Social Story Tips

Can you think of a social story to share with us about Choosy? We would love to start a social story collection!

In addition, join us in celebration for 2015 National Autism Awareness Month! #AutismUniquelyYou is a month-long social media campaign in April celebrating uniqueness and acceptance. It’s a simple concept – hand painting for a cause and raising awareness for the Autism Society. The campaign encourages people to paint their hands, make a video or take a picture of a unique product, share it on social media, and urge others to do the same! Share this how-to video with others.

Nearly a quarter century ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with ASD is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. A popular way to promote autism awareness is to wear the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon.

About the Authors:

Rita Massullo, M.A., in Early Childhood Special Education and M.S., in Physical Education with a specialization in Motor Development, both from West Virginia University, has been working in education for over 30 years. She began to use her field of early childhood motor development with students after they were dismissed from physical therapy, and began to coach other teachers the importance of stability and balance on a child’s performance during other activities. She held the lead position in helping to design a playground to include designs for special needs children at the school she worked in. She went on to become a certified early child special education teacher and worked in West Virginia school systems, pairing general education and special education instruction within the universal classroom for 3-5 year olds. Rita had an opportunity to teach overseas, developing a nursery (3-4 year old) program in one of the United Arabic Emerites’ International Baccalaureate schools. Rita currently resides in Denver, Colorado, and works in Aurora Public School as an Early Childhood Special Educator. She continues to teach in her “love area:” Autism.

Caroline Ensor, B.S. in Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education and a certification in Autism Spectrum Disorder from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, has been working with children with autism for over six years. Caroline was a line therapist for the Wisconsin Early Autism Project for three years where she did in-home Applied Behavior Analysis therapy as a part of a therapy team partnering with families. She collaborated to teach children pre-academic, academic, daily living, communication, motor, play and social skills, while also breaking down behavior barriers. Caroline currently resides in Denver, Colorado and works for Aurora Public Schools as an Early Childhood Special Educator focusing on children with autism.

By: Lindsay Dawson, Choosy Kids Social Media Account Manager

In the first part of my journey with Type 1 Diabetes, “Did You Know: Only 5% of People with this Disease Have it in This Form,” I discussed a lot of personal components to my story. I shared with each of you the fear I felt on the day I was diagnosed; I confessed the frustrations I endure now and again; and I expressed how imperative it is to channel negative energy into positive energy.

And this is what I’d like to discuss today. My life with Diabetes will always have victories and struggles - peaks and valleys. And learning (and actively choosing!) to see the positive side of struggle has helped me overcome nearly every valley that I have experienced. This is not just a practice I use with Diabetes; I try to do this every day of my life.

I certainly do not have as much to complain about as some, for I always say that my situation could be far worse than it is. Still, I am only human, and I get stressed out, anxious, frustrated, and discouraged like everyone else. When I have bad days – especially bad Diabetes days – it is so easy to slip into a negative mindset and stay there. Wallow. Exhaust myself in the frustration. But I have learned to take those moments for what they are, and allow them to motivate me into an even greater sense of positivity. How many people actually enjoy feeling discouraged? Not many! But how many people would feel a huge wave of accomplishment in overcoming discouragement? A lot!

Obviously, this is easier said than done. There are many times when I struggle with chaotic blood sugar readings - fluctuating for no reason at all, cutting a workout short at the gym, limiting my ability to enjoy a meal, exhausting my energy, and stealing my joy. Since my diagnosis in 2001, I have made 4 trips to the ER for high blood sugar. The longevity of my diagnosis (despite my consistently diligent care) has left me with nerve damage within my digestive system, known as Gastroparesis. The anxiety that I deal with also causes unexpected spikes in my blood sugar. When you’ve been a Type 1 Diabetic for 13 years, the negatives add up. And that is EXACTLY why I have to focus on the positive! There are a lot of little things that could bog me down. But that would be silly!

There is so much in life to love. And I tackle my difficult times by doing the things that I love! As long as my blood sugar allows, I will go for a run or walk outside, hike at a local park, bike, or even go outside and take photos. I love being outdoors, and find my greatest reassurance from a pretty sunset or a good run. I also love to cook and try new healthy foods or recipes! I have a mental list of all the foods I want to explore. These include raw artichokes, raw beets, and poaching an egg. Finally, I spend time with the wonderful people in my life (Diabetes is not something I could ever deal with on my own!), sing, listen to new music, play a new instrument, and blog!

So, thank you to each of you for letting me do something I love, and helping me cope with my Diabetes in the process!

I know many of you are parents and overcome obstacles every day! Whether big or small, we all have to take a deep breath and move forward. What do you do to overcome the obstacles in your life? Do you or someone in your family have a health issue that you’ve made better with a positive attitude? I’d love to hear your stories! Share with us your blog if you have one!

By: Christine Cox, The Choosy Mommy

At my daughter’s 18 month doctor’s appointment, the physician asked me if she knew where her nose was. At that point, the honest answer was no. I was teaching her the “fun” things, like animals and the sounds they make and what we saw out the window. We were working on our ABC’s and 1, 2, 3’s, but it never occurred to me that I should be teaching her about her body parts.

It was like a duh moment for me. All parents have those but I can honestly say that I felt like I skipped this lesson when it should’ve been one of the first to be taught. Not only are these important but it can really help to tell me what is hurt when she falls or what doesn’t feel good on a bad day! So we started working on where her nose, eyes, ears, hair and toes were as soon as we got home.

Now, I am happy to say that I am running out of body parts to teach her and we are now able to play body part games like head, shoulders, knees and toes. I was playing the Choosy Nation CD in the car while we were traveling one day and it mentions moving her head, shaking her elbows and waving her hands in the air and I could see her in the rear view mirror doing all of those actions, even in her car seat! So when we got home, I played the same song so she could move and dance along with it. She loved it!

Needless to say, I went from, “Oh my gosh, I missed a parenting step” to, “She knows all of her body parts” proud parent moment in no time. It is important to continually educate our children but keep it fun too. My daughter most certainly learns best when it is an active and engaging activity. Sometimes it is a game to her, but in reality, she is just soaking up the knowledge!

What body part games or songs do your children love?

About the Author: Christine Cox is the blog master and The Choosy Mommy for Choosy Kids. She has always had a passion for writing and is honored to contribute her work to this blog. Most of her writing inspiration comes from her daughter, Capri, who is fun-loving and full of energy. Click here to learn more about Christine.

By: Christine Cox, The Choosy Mommy

Video by: Marianne Jenkins, Choosy Kids Graphic Designer

Do you know who the founder of Mother's Day is? I actually had no clue that there was a founder until Choosy went on an adventure in his home state of West Virginia. Learn more about how Mother's Day came to be a national holiday and join Choosy at Anna Jarvis' house!

About the Graphic Designer: Marianne W. Jenkins is a graphic designer for Choosy Kids. She is multi talented and has skills in graphics design, photography, videography, web based technology, and electronic game development. She graduated from Fairmont State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphics Technology with a minor in Communications in may, 2014, and will begin her graduate studies at West Virginia University in the Integrated Marketing and Communications Master's program in the fall of 2014. Click here to learn more about Marianne.

By: Holly L. Goroff MS, RD, CDN

It will happen. It does not care about meetings, doctors’ appointments, plans, projects or promises. It will happen, you, the parent, YOU WILL GET HUNGRY! I know we have supermoms and superdads out there who seem to go and go and go without thinking twice about themselves. Their focus is always on their children. But this post is for you, mom and dad! We always talk about our children being choosy, but let’s talk about you – the parent!

Consider this scenario whether you are a stay at home parent or work outside of the house (because we know we are all busy!): you have had back to back obligations all day. You ate a healthy breakfast and then ran out of the house (or around the house) to get started with your daily routine. In a few hours you feel you are getting really hungry but don’t have a healthy food option readily available. You’re in the middle of your day and you just don’t have time to grab a sensible lunch because of many different reason…you fill in the blank! What would you do?

You would be a victim of your surroundings…that cookie on the table, a bag of chips, something fast from the refrigerator, or if you are outside of the home - vending machines and drive throughs are always easy to grab. It’s the healthier stuff that tends to be slightly harder to find when you are hungry NOW! Also let’s face it, the hungrier you are, the less you care about quality of food and you make even worse decisions that can sabotage your healthy eating efforts for the day, especially if you were hungry earlier and avoided your brains message to your tummy that you are HUNGRY! The hungrier we are, it seems the worse our eating decisions become.

It sounds like a silly thing to point out, but especially for those who are trying to achieve a healthy weight, it may seem to make sense to stick to your three meals a day and not have any food available in between those times to reduce the calories from mindless eating.

There is truth in that thought! Mindless eating should be avoided at all costs because it has nothing to do with hunger. But let me make a quick distinction between choosy snacking and mindless eating. When I suggest snacking, I am suggesting you make arrangements to not allow yourself to become ‘starving’ and therefor avoid making poor food choices. To do that I would bring, or have on hand, a few low calorie, high fiber snacks and water or seltzer and have them with you especially on busy days. Be choosy about your snack and drink options. Sometimes it is easier to put yourself in your children’s shoes and think if you were the child, what would you, the parent, be feeding yourself? I am sure you’re not going to choose cookies and sugary drinks!

To avoid mindlessly eating your healthy snacks, I suggest keeping the food out of arms reach (out of sight – out of mind, right?) For example, put the food items in the trunk (if you have a car) or pre-portion a serving or two and put it in your cupboard at home so you don't over-eat because it’s there – this happens all the time with the infamous ‘trail mix’.

So parents, don’t let yourself be surprised by hunger. Our children surprise us enough with that! Plan for hunger to strike and be choosy with your snack decisions. This is great role modeling for your children to observe as well.

What are your favorite healthy, choosy snacks? Do you work inside or outside of the home?

About the Author: Holly is an experienced dietitian in both clinical and community nutrition. She is currently serving as the Clinical Nutrition Manager at now guest blogger for Choosy Kids!

She received her Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Studies from the Steinhardt School at New York University. She is published through her research and contributing work at Burke Rehabilitation Center investigating nutritional factors impacting neurological rehabilitation in stroke patients.

In addition to managing her staff of clinical nutritionists, she has a passion for serving at-need and underserved communities. She teaches outreach programs focused on mindful eating and strategies to make healthier lifestyle choices to at-risk community populations. She has recently been made lead in her hospital for teaching and managing the outreach classes to reduce childhood obesity.
She has expertise in: weight loss and management, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dealing with polypharmacy and achieving nutrition goals, achieving wellness goals in a creative and resourceful manner and motivating change.

From the White House Rose Garden to Your Garden

Celebrate Head Start's 50th Anniversary by Planting a Rose Bush!

By: Dr. Linda Carson

When I was a child, I loved to plant and care for flowers. I enjoyed watching them change and grow. What a great metaphor for our responsibility for nurturing and “growing” children. As adults in a society that values thoughtful and productive contribution to communities, we value learning, especially early learning.

May 18th is a very special day for early learning and should be acknowledged by all of us. On May 18, 1965, in the Rose Garden at the White House, President Johnson officially unveiled Project Head Start as a component of his War On Poverty. He mentioned that young children are the inheritors of poverty’s curse and not its creators.

Fifty years later, Head Start continues to promote the school readiness of young children birth to age 5 from low-income families through agencies in their local community. Head Start is the national commitment to give every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, an opportunity to succeed in school and in life. In the 50 years since its inception, Head Start has improved the lives of more than 32 million children and their families.

Choosy Kids applauds Head Start for providing young children and their families with exemplary comprehensive services and early learning opportunities preparing children for a love of learning and healthy living.

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) has launched a celebration campaign to renew the nation’s commitment to our at-risk children. Head Start Programs all across the country are planting a rose bush in a special place that will remind everyone of the commitment that was made in the Rose Garden in 1965. Let’s support this wonderful national project for vulnerable children by celebrating the anniversary with them.

Use the hashtags #HeadStartWorks and #HeadStart50 and help spread congratulations for 50 years of serving children and their families.

Let’s plant a promise of commitment and devotion to the well being of all young children. Choosy Kids salutes the Head Start community for tireless devotion to children, their families, and their communities. To commemorate it's 50th Anniversary, the National Head Start Association (NHSA) asks all supporters to plan a rose bush in memory of this great promise. So, Choosy friends, celebrate Head Start's 50th Anniversary with us by helping us plant a virtual rose on our website! Simply comment on this post with a name you would like to have displayed and a rose will virtually be grown on our website from you in support! Check out www.choosykids.com to see our garden grow beginning the afternoon of 5/18!

By: Kerry McKenzie

In my previous blog, Eat Well to Be Well, I discussed how to engage your family with eating nutritious foods, low in sugar and how to make meals fun. After that post, I got to thinking about how people are sometimes not sure how to wisely spend their grocery money and how sometimes eating nutritiously can be…well…expensive if you don’t know some secrets!

What we must remember as adults and parents (so that we can teach this to our children) is to prioritize eating well to be well. Yes, high-quality food can be costly, but the high cost of poor health and diet-related disease is far more expensive. Prevention is the best cure, and here are some ways to save when sourcing whole, nutritious foods…
•Take field trips to local farmer’s markets
•Comparison shop
•Start your own garden at home in windowsills, in containers or in raised beds

Buying food from local farmers is one of my favorite ways to save on nutritious foods. Your local farmers don’t grow their crops for fun – they do it as a business so they make sure that their products are the best. Plus, when you buy local, you are getting the produce as soon as possible. There isn’t any packaging that needs to be done, no pre-treatment to ensure the product doesn’t spoil before the gets from point A to point B. Because of this, it is less likely that nutrients will be lost because of the shorter time frame from farm to table. And one of the best parts of buying local is that you are supporting local families. The wholesale prices that farmers get for their products are low, often near the cost of production. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middleman and get full retail price for their food - which helps farm families stay on the land. Remember to visit your local farmer often as new crops come into season at different times. Prices are the lowest when crops are in full swing!

Comparison shopping is also another way to save money on your grocery bill. A lot of stores will be out competitor prices so watch your ads. Stock up and save when you can as well. Produce can be frozen but is always best when used as soon as possible. There are also great grocery apps for your smart phones that will save you anywhere from a quarter to upwards of $5 for just buying what you need. I don’t know about you, but I don’t ever see sales on milk but I always make sure to use my grocery app to get that $0.25 off! It adds up fast!

My last advice for you is to start your own garden at home. Research tells us that children are more likely to eat fruits or veggies they have helped nurture and grow. A packet of seeds is VERY inexpensive (check out your local dollar stores!) so starting from seed is cheap and can save you a ton of money! Research what you desire to plant so that you are aware of how it grows in your area. Many seeds can be started on window sills and can be transplanted once they are big enough. This also helps keep the wildlife from getting your seeds. Planting a garden can be great fun for you and your children.

What are some ways that you save on your groceries but still serve healthy, nutritious foods?

By: Dr. Linda Carson

It’s good to process your thoughts about an event or circumstance. Processing information helps grownups and children make better sense of day-to-day events and that helps to contribute to self-regulation and executive function of your brain and body. While we are beautifully designed to process information, we are not designed to benefit from processing food.

What does processed food even mean? Basically, processed foods have been altered from a natural form to one that will have a shelf life longer than some of us will live. To increase shelf life in stores and vending machines, food is treated with additives, preservatives, and chemical colors and tastes. The packaged, processed food that we are all familiar with is actually chemically engineered non-food.

Sugar, salt, and fat are additional harmful ingredients found in most crackers, cereals, cookies, chips, ready to eat meals, microwave dinners….well, you get the idea. The worst form of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, is found in almost everything these days, especially sugary beverages.

Because of easy access and convenience, we are becoming an unhealthy, processed nation. Not very many of us would put protective goggles on our young children and take them on a field trip to a chemical lab. But if we did, I don’t think any of us would encourage our children to drink or eat what we see in the test tubes and beakers. Yet that is the risk we take if we routinely serve our children processed food lacking the natural nourishment, vitamins, and minerals found in real food.

Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of the summer season of family picnics, grilling, and refreshing beverages. This summer, lets pledge to make a few small changes to help our children and families be nourished and not just fed. Let’s deliberately switch from being a processed nation to a healthier, Choosy Nation. Choosy Kids music CD, Choosy Nation, includes a variety of songs to help us get started making healthier choices.

Memorial Day is a holiday of reflection and respect, designed to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Before we go to our picnics, Choosy encourages families everywhere to honor those brave souls who died while defending our freedoms. Hang a flag, go to a parade, visit a cemetery, or attend a local tribute event. But let’s remember to talk to your child about the true meaning of Memorial Day. Learn more about Memorial Day by checking out this slide show.

Let us know what you will do to help build a healthier, Choosy Nation and what you will be doing with your children on Memorial Day.

PS - Check out our sale at www.choosykids.com!

By: Christine Cox, The Choosy Mommy

“If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it
The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists
Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
Than my own meandering experience, I will dispense this advice now

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth, oh, never mind
You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth
Until they've faded but trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back
At photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now
How much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked”

I am sure I now have you singing this song in your head. If not, it is called Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrmann. Google it if you don’t remember it – you will!

This song means more to me than it did when it came out. I was that girl that rarely wore sunscreen, didn’t care if my face, shoulders, legs, etc. got burnt. Sure, it didn’t feel great the next day, but the days following that I would turn tan. And unfortunately, sometimes I would peel but everyone peeled in the summer so it wasn’t that big of a deal.

Now that I am a mommy, I would not let my children just bake in the sun like I did. I am more aware of the damaging effects of the sun and its UV rays, and I choose to always wear my sunscreen! Wearing sunscreen goes hand-in-hand with staying healthy, and as you probably know, the sun has short and long term damaging effects on our bodies. But getting my almost 3 year old to understand all of that and wear sunscreen is a different story. She just wants to play outside!

Last summer I used the spray kind of sunscreen on her. She was also a year younger and we know what a difference a year makes. But now that there are warnings about using the spray sunscreens, especially on children due to potentially breathing in the ingredients, I will have to make a switch to the regular lather on sunscreen.

But THIS year she is just squirmy, doesn’t want me to put ANYTHING on her and just RUNS away even when I try to grab her and cover her face and body. Sound like your kid too? I hope I am not alone here!

So what can I do to make sure I take care of her skin now and teach her the importance of being choosy with protecting her skin while in the sun?

Put a hat on her– She does like hats, so anything that has a wider brim to help cover her face and neck will help keep the sun away.
Wear swim shirts on her instead of just a regular swim suit– We have short and long sleeve swim shirts that have regular swim bottoms with them. The shirt helps cover her skin instead of leaving her shoulders, neck, arms and back exposed like a regular swim suit would.
Pay attention to time in the sun– I am not expert, but I know that even after an hour in the sun we are getting burnt. I will have to watch the clock closely this summer to make sure we are not out in the sun all day, especially if it is a day I can’t get her to wear sunscreen.
Check out these resources - Info from the CDC, KidsHealth.org, AboutKidsHealth.ca

What other advice do you have for me? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

By: Molly Luke, Early Intervention Specialized Instruction Teacher, Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, Norristown, PA

I know teachers typically say that “summer is their favorite time of year”, but since I teach all year long- yes, this is still true! Summer is my favorite season to teach, because you can almost guarantee to get the kiddies outside moving and learning each and everyday…with sunblock and water of course! Below is a great infographic which includes ideas for summer fun that you as a teacher or parent could incorporate with your child during the season.

Summer Fun

I hope these ideas start your motivation that summer is a GREAT time to keep your children actives. If you still need specific ideas, please feel free to “follow” me on Pinterest. I have folders labeled “Summer”, “Outside Play” and “Rainy Day Activities” that I’m sure could come in handy!

About the Author: Hello! I have been teaching for about 10 years now, ages Pre-K through 8th grade…needless to say, I am a life-long learner and always looking for new thing to challenge my body and brain to do in a classroom! Outside of the classroom, family comes first! My husband Dan, baby Marshall and basset hound Penelope enjoy my naturally caffeinated personality on a regular basis. The whole family enjoys traveling, and I personally have a goal of visiting all 7 continents! 2 more to go!

By: Christine Cox, The Choosy Mommy

Super heroes come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, so on and so forth. They have different sources of power and types of weapons. And for many of our heroes, a cape is part of their costume, and they too come in a wide array of colors and designs.

Did you ever think about the powers of a super hero’s cape? Some capes help heroes fly and others shield them from villains. But the cape that I specifically want to tell you about is worn by a super hero who is green and has antennae and fur! You may have never heard of this super hero before, but believe me when I say that this super hero’s powers help us all, especially when it comes to health, brushing your teeth and eating fruits and veggies!

Choosy is our super hero’s name and Choosy means Choose Healthy Options Often and Start Young. It is really up to you to decide if Choosy is a boy or a girl, or really what “life form” Choosy is. When interviewing children, we have learned that sometimes Choosy is referred to as a bug or an alien. Some children think Choosy is probably a boy because of the red backwards hat upon its head and others (usually little girls) think Choosy is a girl because of the purple hair. Regardless, what we do know is that Choosy harnesses a special power – the purple cape.

Choosy’s cape symbolizes empowerment. The power of making healthy choices even though unhealthy options are available everywhere. When children make healthy decisions about physical activity, nutrition, and dental habits, they are overcoming massive media marketing and sometimes even family preferences. Choosy is a messenger and a motivator and the cape empowers young children to be champions of choice ---- the healthy choice.

Choosy is a health hero. Do you know of other health heroes? Not since Popeye has there been a health-hero for children. Research has demonstrated that children’s characters are profoundly influential – like the super heroes you were thinking of earlier! Choosy can help promote healthy habits in your family, agency, classroom, clinic or community, which is really a super power! Choosy’s uniqueness includes health messages and reminders embedded in lively music. When used consistently, health messages paired with the image of Choosy can become familiar and favored.

Choosy is my toddler’s super hero. She always points out what Choosy would say if we made an unhealthy choice or is positive in stating that Choosy would be happy that we are brushing our teeth. Day care, pre-school and even kindergarten teachers love to use Choosy in their classroom, and physicians and dentists love to show off how strong Choosy’s muscles and teeth are in the office.

Super heroes are around us everywhere. What we need to remember is that it doesn’t matter what they look like but rather what their super powers harness.

Check out more about Choosy on our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and view videos of Choosy dancing on our YouTube page!

By: Kerry McKenzie

This blog could be considered part 3 of my Eat Well, Be Well series expressing yet another reason why it’s so important to eat “clean” (whole, natural, fresh) foods. Food dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1 and several others) are hiding in many processed foods and medicine and children are having adverse reactions to them, particularly behavior problems. Ingesting these synthetic artificial food dyes can cause the following issues, but not all inclusive, in both children and adults:

•Irritability
•Headaches
•Angry or aggressive behavior
•Inability to concentrate
•Sleep problems
•Increased symptoms of autism and ADHD
•Cancer

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, “Commonly used food dyes, such as Yellow 5, Red 40, and six others, are made from petroleum and pose a ‘rainbow of risks.’

Why are food dyes even in our foods? The simple answer is that they are used by manufacturers so they can make cheap, unhealthy products and they are pleasing to our eyes (colorful, healthy and appetizing – or so we think). Food dyes are contained in many processed foods including snack foods, candies, margarine, soft drinks, cheese, macaroni and cheese, jams and jellies, desserts, flavored popcorn, yogurt, cereal, and more.

Did you know that about 15 million pounds of these petroleum-based dyes continue to be used in food each year in the United States? Yuck!! Yikes!!

These chemicals are really unhealthy for our children so Choosy says, “it's time to get rid of them altogether!” and consider avoiding them or replace them with safe, natural ingredients.

But how?

Be choosy by reading labels and avoid products with “artificial coloring” or that contain names with numbers - Red #3, Red #40, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Citrus Red #2, Green #3, Blue #1, and Blue #2.
Skip packaged foods marketed at kids. Leave anything brightly colored or unnatural looking on store shelves.
Shop the sides and the spice isle. Buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and spices that can be used to color frosting and foods naturally:

Red or Pink: Beets (puree or juice), cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, strawberries and raspberries (puree), paprika
Orange or Yellow: Mango (puree), carrot (puree or juice, golden beets (puree or juice), yellow curry, turmeric, saffron
Blue or Purple: Blueberries (puree), red grapes (juice)
Green: Basil (puree), spinach (puree), mint (puree), mashed avocado, green tea powder

Check out these websites to learn more about how to make you own food coloring:

ApartmentTherapy.com

Care2.com

Here’s some food for thought from the Center for Science in the Public Interest:

“Back in 1985, the acting commissioner of the FDA said that Red 3, one of the lesser-used dyes, “has clearly been shown to induce cancer” and was “of greatest public health concern.” However, Secretary of Agriculture John R. Block pressed the Department of Health and Human Services not to ban the dye, and he apparently prevailed—notwithstanding the Delaney Amendment that forbids the use of in foods of cancer-causing color additives. Each year about 200,000 pounds of Red 3 are poured into such foods as Betty Crocker’s Fruit Roll-Ups and ConAgra’s Kid Cuisine frozen meals. Since 1985 more than five million pounds of the dye have been used.

“Tests on lab animals of Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 showed signs of causing cancer or suffered from serious flaws, said the consumer group. Yellow 5 also caused mutations, an indication of possible carcinogenicity, in six of 11 tests.

“In addition, according to the report, FDA tests show that the three most-widely used dyes, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, are tainted with low levels of cancer-causing compounds, including benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl in Yellow 5. However, the levels actually could be far higher, because in the 1990s the FDA and Health Canada found a hundred times as much benzidine in a bound form that is released in the colon, but not detected in the routine tests of purity conducted by the FDA.”

How can we be even more “choosy” about the foods we buy and serve our children? Share your tips and ideas with us!

By: Heather Dyson and guest Angela Kuhn

Summer is on the way and now is time to start thinking about healthy hydrating snacks for the kids. While many families spend much more time outside during this season, it is more difficult to stay hydrated in the heat.

Research shows that children are at a greater risk than adults for becoming dehydrated throughout the summer. They are more likely to forget about drinking fluids – especially when they're having fun playing outside. Infants can be provided with breast milk or baby formula to prevent dehydration. Children over 12 months of age should be offered water as their primary source of hydration. Sugary drinks such as juice can be presented in moderation (4 oz. or less per day) and that includes sports drinks too.

There are some hydrating healthy snack options that are great alternatives to sugary drinks which are perfect for the summer time. Give these a try:

Homemade Popsicles: Blend 2 cups of frozen berries, 1 banana, 1 cup of yogurt, ½ cup of juice, 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup and divide equally into 8 freezer-pop molds. Freeze until firm (1-2 hours). If you don’t have freezer-pop molds, you can use small paper/plastic cups instead.

Make a Smoothie: Smoothies are a great healthy alternative to milkshakes or ice cream in the summer. They are an excellent way for kids to get lots of fruit and calcium into their diet while allowing them to stay hydrated. Blend up the ingredients below and garnish with a slice of pineapple or orange for fun! Don’t limit yourself to only these combination of ingredients. They can all be mix and matched to make the perfect personalized smoothie your child will love.

Strawberry-Banana Protein Smoothie- 1 medium sized banana, 1 cup strawberries, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon nut butter and 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed (adds omega-3s in this fresh fruit smoothie recipe). Use 1 cup of ice cubes if you like a frosty smoothie or add water instead if you don’t want it so cold.
Berry-Orange Smoothie- 1 cup orange juice, 1 banana, 1 cup frozen berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and/or strawberries, ½ cup low-fat silken tofu, or plain yogurt, 1-2 teaspoons Stevia.
Very Green Smoothie- 3 peeled and quartered kiwis, 1 cup mango, half of an avocado, ½ cup milk, 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup.

Offer Fresh Fruit: Summertime means that there will be a plentiful availability of fresh fruits. These are just a couple common summer fruits and their benefits:

Watermelon is packed with fiber, water, and other beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C.
Cherries are a refreshing treat that contain a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and the building blocks of muscle known as amino acids.
Grapes contain a high amount of vitamin C, fiber and phytonutrients which have health-promoting properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-health-promoting activities.

Fresh Fruit Kabobs: Try making a fresh fruit kabob by using sliced watermelon, grapes, cantaloupe, kiwi, strawberries, and bananas. Chop up any other fruits you can think of that are in season and let the kids customize their own kabob.

What other healthy summer snacks do your children and family love? Share them with me in the comments section!

About the Author: Heather Dyson is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian who currently focuses on counseling patients with a variety of health situations, and in ages ranging from infancy to elderly. Click here to learn more about Heather.

About the Author: Angie Kuhn is a Dietetic intern at WVU. She has attended Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA (B.S. Dietetics); and Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, England, UK (MSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition). Click here to learn more about Angie.

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My Diabetes Journey: Part 2

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Parents: Don’t be Surprised by Hunger!

Plant a Promise!

Eating Well Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

Process This!

If I Could Offer You Only One Tip for the Future, Sunscreen Would Be It

Summer Fun!

The Powers of a Purple Cape: The Choosy Story

Red Hats and Red Shoes are Cool…Red Dye in our Food is Not

Healthy Summer Snacks for Children Age 5 and Younger