March is National Nutrition Month, and we’re excited to celebrate with a focus on healthy eating and active living. This month is all about making informed food choices, developing healthy eating habits, and incorporating physical activity into our daily routines. Here are some delicious recipes and fun exercises that you can enjoy with your young children at home.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers
These colorful fruit skewers are a fun and tasty way to encourage kids to eat a variety of fruits.
- What You Need: Strawberries, oranges, pineapples, green grapes, blueberries, and wooden skewers.
- What To Do: Wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Let your child help thread the fruit onto the skewers in a rainbow pattern. Enjoy this healthy snack together!
Veggie-Packed Mini Muffins
These mini muffins are perfect for sneaking in some extra veggies and make a great snack or breakfast option.
- What You Need: 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 cup grated zucchini, 1/2 cup grated carrots, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup honey, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- What To Do: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl, mix the grated zucchini, carrots, olive oil, honey, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool and enjoy!
Fun and Nutritious Smoothies
Smoothies are a fantastic way to get your children to enjoy fruits and vegetables. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
- What You Need: 1 banana, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup spinach, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup milk or a milk alternative, and a little honey (optional).
- What To Do: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into cups and serve. Your child will love this delicious and healthy treat!
Family Fitness Activities
Incorporating physical activity into your family’s routine is just as important as healthy eating. Here are some fun exercises you can do together:
- Dance Party: Put on some upbeat music and have a dance party in your living room. Dancing is a great way to get moving and have fun as a family.
- Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course in your backyard or living room. Use pillows, chairs, and other household items to create a course that your child can crawl under, jump over, and weave through.
- Nature Walks: Take a family walk in a nearby park or nature trail. Look for interesting plants, rocks, and animals along the way. Walking is a wonderful way to get some fresh air and exercise together.
Cook Together
Cooking with your children is a great way to teach them about healthy eating and nutrition. Involve your child in meal preparation by letting them wash vegetables, stir ingredients, or measure out portions. This hands-on experience will help them develop a positive relationship with food.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, involving children in meal planning and preparation can help them develop healthier eating habits and increase their willingness to try new foods (source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).
We hope these recipes and activities inspire you to celebrate National Nutrition Month with your children. Let’s make healthy eating and active living a fun and enjoyable part of our daily routine. Don’t forget to share your healthy adventures with us on social media by tagging Town & Country!
