Did you know that it is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week? A healthy body is important for a healthy mind, especially for children. Proper nutrition and outdoor play can go a long way in supporting mental health.
When adults think of exercising, they imagine weights and a stair master. It’s a bit different for kids – they think of outdoor activities and recess. Here are some top-rated exercises for kids, according to Elizabeth Somer, M.A. and registered dietitian.
- A game of H-O-R-S-E on the basketball court brings the family together and gets your kids moving their arms and legs.
- Biking not only allows your kids to see the neighborhood, but it gives them a cardio workout to exercise their entire body.
- Team sports help teach kids the importance of working in a group, as well as allow them to run around with their friends on the soccer field or tennis court.
Encouraging your kids to eat healthy foods may be challenging, as their favorite foods are most often sugary and high in bad fats. Here are Elizabeth’s tips for serving your kids the nutrients they need:
- Protein is important to grow their muscles. Good sources of protein that are kid-friendly include scrambled eggs, milk, string cheese and chicken.
- Kids love their carbohydrates, and it’s important to serve it without a lot of added sugar. Try serving your kids complex carbs found in fruit, whole-wheat bread and whole grain cereal.
- Serve sources of omega-3 such as tuna or salmon. These foods are rich in DHA, which is important for brain, heart and eye development. For kids who are picky about what they eat, try serving them a 100mg life’sDHA Kids softgel supplement each day.
Share your favorite tips on how to keep your kids eating healthy below.
Health Update 