In Our Kitchen

When you’re eating pizza do you think you’re munching on a vegetable? The answer is “yes” at least if you are in the federal school lunch program. Really? A vegetable? It all sounds reminiscent of the Reagan administration in the 1980’s trying to classify ketchup as a vegetable. In any case, it seems that the current Obama administration is trying to change the way pizzas are classified in order to make sure kids eat more vegetables but some lawmakers are saying “Basta!” (Enough!).

Also on the legislative plate, having more whole grains in school food, getting rid of starchy foods like potatoes and cutting back on sodium. The reason is a noble one as the Obama administration is trying to stop the tide of obesity in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 17% of children between the ages of two and 19 in the United States are obese! Yikes!

So, as it turns out, the tomato paste used in the sauce on pizza is currently considered a vegetable under federally funded school lunch programs and the USDA, which spends about 14 billion dollars on meals for kids, would like to cut back on how much tomato paste is actually considered a vegetable. Having tomato paste count as a vegetable is ok with the USDA, the problem is how much of it currently counts towards a daily requirement of vegetables.

Currently under government guidelines, each week children in the federally funded breakfast and lunch programs must be served at least two and a half cups of vegetables. The USDA would like to see that amount doubled. (Good idea!) Now if the tomato paste in pizza is going to be considered less of a vegetable, schools need to serve other vegetables with the pizza. Mama mia! Increasing the amount of vegetables kids eat does not sound like a bad idea at all. And having kids consume two and a half cups of vegetables in a five day breakfast and lunch program seems to be almost nothing.

What’s wrong with this new proposal started by the Obama administration to change nutrition guidelines for school breakfasts and lunches subsidized by the federal government? It seems to me, there’s nothing wrong with it. The amount of vegetables consumed by kids should by all means be increased, but a bill in Congress is trying to stop this. What do you think?? Let me know!

This helpful guest post is authored by the happyhealth.net editorial crew. Are you looking for the best hearing aid ? Then see our website to examine our ratings of hearing aids .

Healthing Choices

Everyone knows that proper nutrition is vitally important to children, but as parents, we also know it isn’t always easy to get kids to eat right, especially if you’ve got picky eaters. Good childhood nutrition is the foundation for a healthy life, however, so it’s worth the effort to help your kids choose healthier food options. Start Small When you’re filling your child’s plate, don’t overdo it. Start with small portions of everything, even their favorites. That way you can more easily convince your child to finish his spinach before he gets more chicken nuggets or applesauce.

Become a Master of Disguise

If your child won’t eat broccoli or other nutritious veggies, disguise them in soups, casseroles, or salads so they still get the benefits. You can puree vegetables like squash, cauliflower, tomatoes, and other foods and sneak them in dishes like homemade breads, cookies, sauces, and other goodies.

Don’t Ask Yes or No Questions

When it comes to food choices, don’t ask kids questions they can answer yes or no. If you ask “Do you want Brussels sprouts?” the answer is sure to be no. Instead, give them choices. “What vegetable should we have for supper, carrots or broccoli?” “Would you rather have chicken or fish?” That way, flat out refusal is not an option.

Set an Example

You are the most important role model in your child’s life. Let them see you enjoying nutritious foods. Say things like, “Yes, chocolate chip cookies sound good, but I’m going to opt for frozen yogurt because it will help give me strong bones” or “I’m going to eat broccoli because it’s a super hero food. Let them know why you choose to eat the foods you do. Be open to trying new tastes so they will also be willing to experiment with different foods.

Keep Healthy Snacks Available

If there aren’t junk food choices in your home, your child will turn to healthier options when they’re hungry. Stock the pantry with rice cakes instead of cookies, keep fresh fruit on hand, and offer to fix nutritious smoothies for your little ones. Keep ready to eat carrot and celery sticks in the fridge. Remember, you are in charge of what food is available in your home.

Be Creative

Make your children smile when they look at the food you’ve prepared. Celery, peanut butter, and raisins quickly transform into ants on a log. Create a flower face using a mound of cottage cheese, peach slices for petals, raisins for eyes, and a slice of red bell pepper for the mouth. Make a cucumber boat with grape passengers on board. A little imagination can go a long way when tempting your picky eater to indulge in nutritious food.

By following these suggestions and helping your child learn to enjoy healthy foods at a young age, they’ll be more likely to make healthier food choices as they grow and begin to make dietary selections on their own.

About the Author: Leonore Cuello loves her kids but mealtime can be a real chore. When she’s not spending time plotting her next sneaky meal in the kitchen, she can be found watching the UFX markets and studying investment portfolios.