ParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gifParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Sneak Veggies Into Your Kids' Mealshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/27/sneak-veggies-into-your-kids-meals/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/27/sneak-veggies-into-your-kids-meals/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/27/sneak-veggies-into-your-kids-meals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Credit: AP

Can't get your kids to eat their veggies?

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have a cunning plan. They suggest you discreetly add broccoli, zucchini and all that other green stuff to kids' meals.

Reuters news service reports their research found kids get more vegetables that way. And, while most of us might detect puree of broccoli on our macaroni and cheese, the little rubes don't even seem to notice the difference.

"We think of it as not deception, but recipe improvement," Barbara Rolls, one of the researchers, tells Reuters. "In this group of kids, we got most of them meeting their daily vegetable requirements -- that's pretty amazing."

Although the study was done in day care centers, researcher Maureen Spill tells Reuters parents could easily pull the same stunt at home. All they need is a blender.

Rolls says the technique can even work on older but equally stubborn children ... like husbands.

Adding pureed vegetables into adults' meals meant they ate more veggies and fewer total calories, she adds. Most of them couldn't taste the extra veggies, either.

According to Reuters, researchers fed prepared meals to 40 kids ages 3 to 5 one day a week for three weeks. The meals looked the same each day -- zucchini bread at breakfast, pasta with tomato sauce at lunch and a chicken noodle casserole at dinner.

One day's worth of meals was prepared normally -- with a typical veggie in each entree. On the other two days, researchers added pureed cauliflower, broccoli, squash, zucchini and tomatoes to triple or quadruple every dish's dose of vegetables.

After each meal, researchers weighed the food to determine how much kids ate. The preschoolers were also allowed to eat non-doctored side dishes and snacks during the day -- including fruit, cheese and crackers.

Compared to the day when they ate standard meals, Reuters reports, kids almost doubled their total vegetable intake on the day they ate high-vegetable dishes.

"I would urge parents to try to get vegetables into their kids' meals wherever they can," Rolls tells Reuters. "This is an additional strategy that you put on top of exposing kids to real vegetables, eating the vegetables with the kids, (and) being persistent in exposing them to vegetables."

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]]>healthy eatinghealthyl lunchesnutritionsneak in vegetablessneak in veggiesvegetablesTom HendersonWed, 27 Jul 2011 15:00:00 ESTKids Eating More and More Meals Away From Homehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/26/kids-eating-more-and-more-meals-away-from-home/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/26/kids-eating-more-and-more-meals-away-from-home/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/26/kids-eating-more-and-more-meals-away-from-home/#commentsFiled under: ,

Credit: AP

People used to complain that kids eat too often in front of the television instead of at the family dinner table.

Have no fear. Researchers have found kids rarely eat at home at all.

They get their nutrition (if you use the word "nutrition" loosely) from fast-food restaurants. And they're going for the large fries.

Coincidentally, there seems to be this obesity epidemic in the United States.

Research in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association points to the increasing amount of food kids take from fast-food restaurants, as well as food that comes fully prepared at grocery stories.

"Overall, this study highlights the continuing rapid shifts in the sources of food for children in the United States -- both where it's eaten and where it's prepared," Barry Popkin, a professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, tells Medical News Today.

"These results underscore the need to deepen our understanding of food preparation and consumption patterns, and further pinpoint where research and programmatic activity should focus," he adds. "The differences in energy intake by eating location revealed in this analysis demonstrate that eating location is an important factor in the diet of American children."

Popkin says American children increased their daily calorie consumption by 179 calories between 1977 and 2006.

His study found that it is linked to a rise in calories consumed away from home -- estimated to be an increase of about 255 calories per day.

In 1977, he estimates kids consumed 23.4 percent of their daily calories away from home, compared with 33.9 percent in 2006.

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]]>childhood obesityeating outfast foodkids eating outTom HendersonTue, 26 Jul 2011 17:00:00 ESTStudy Says 1 in 13 US Children Have Food Allergyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/20/study-says-1-in-13-us-children-have-food-allergy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/20/study-says-1-in-13-us-children-have-food-allergy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/20/study-says-1-in-13-us-children-have-food-allergy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

food allergy

1 in 13 children in the U.S. have a food allergy. Credit: Getty Images

CHICAGO (AP) - Food allergies affect about one in 13 U.S. children, double the latest government estimate, a new study suggests.

The researchers say about 40 percent of them have severe reactions - a finding they hope will erase misconceptions that food allergies are just like hay fever and other seasonal allergies that are troublesome but not dangerous.

Overall, 8 percent of the children studied had food allergies; peanuts and milk were the most common sources. That translates to nearly 6 million U.S. children.

The most recent government estimate, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was based on in-home interviews and found that about 3 million children were affected, or about 4 percent. Other estimates based on different methods have ranged from 2 percent to 8 percent.

The new study, funded by an advocacy group, is based on online interviews with parents of kids younger than age 18 and involved 40,104 children. Research firm Knowledge Networks conducted the survey. Families were recruited through random telephone dialing.

Results were released online Monday in Pediatrics.

The findings suggest that food allergies affect two kids per classroom, said lead author Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a pediatrician and researcher with Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Calman Prussin, an investigator with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the study "confirms that food allergy is a substantial public health problem."

Prussin said differences in estimates are due to different survey methods and definitions of what constitutes a food allergy. He said the only way to know for sure how many kids are affected would be lab tests on scores of children, which isn't practical.

Because the new figure is within the range of previous estimates, he said the study doesn't mean prevalence has increased, although experts generally believe allergies including those to food are on the rise, Prussin noted.

He said some people mistake food intolerances for food allergies. For instance, many people are lactose intolerant, meaning they can't properly digest milk. That can cause bloating and digestive problems, but not an allergic reaction.

Typical signs of a true food allergy include skin rashes, wheezing, tightness in the throat or difficulty breathing.

The new survey asked parents whether their children had those symptoms - a big strength of the study, Prussin said.

Many children outgrow allergies to some foods, including eggs and wheat, but they're less likely to outgrow allergies to peanuts and other nuts.

The study was funded by the Food Allergy Initiative, a nonprofit advocacy group founded by parents of children with allergies.

Mary Jane Marchisotto, the group's executive director, said the study "paints a more comprehensive picture" of food allergies, and should help raise awareness.

The group, funded privately but without industry money, is working with the CDC on national guidelines on how to manage food allergies in schools, she said.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

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]]>foodfood allergiesfood allergykidsAssociated PressMon, 20 Jun 2011 11:30:00 ESTSkyrocketing Food Prices Leave Poor Moms Hungryhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/14/skyrocketing-food-prices-leave-poor-moms-hungry/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/14/skyrocketing-food-prices-leave-poor-moms-hungry/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/14/skyrocketing-food-prices-leave-poor-moms-hungry/#commentsFiled under: ,

food prices

Vo Thi Quan, 44, cooks for her family dinner with vegetables in her house in Thuan Thanh, Long An province, Vietnam. Credit: AP

THUAN THANH, Vietnam (AP) - Vo Thi Quan's chopsticks needle deftly between two simple Vietnamese dishes sizzling on a hot plate. In her crude brick kitchen, she's working magic to create a dinner out of next to nothing.

Her table has gone two years without meat, so shredded pieces of hardened tofu fill the protein void. Cheap stalks of fried water spinach and a vegetable omelet complete the small meal that must be shared by four. It cost about half the money Quan earned scavenging scrap all day.

She eats last from the smallest bowl, nibbling slowly, to keep the rest of the family from going hungry. She even manages to save some of the meal for breakfast.

As world food prices surge to the highest levels ever recorded due to a combination of production constraints and rising demand from expanding middle classes, many poor families teeter on the edge, and it is the mothers who often quietly bear the brunt.

It's difficult to measure the impact of the food crisis on mothers, but even before it began, the U.N. World Food Program said women made up about 60 percent of those going to bed hungry every night worldwide. With cultural practices in some countries dictating that women and girls eat last, many are now making do with even less.

"They are more likely to skip meals and eat less to ensure their children and husbands get most of their meals," said Hassan Zaman, a World Bank economist on poverty reduction and equality.

The Asian Development Bank estimates some 64 million people worldwide have already nose-dived below the poverty line over the past few months due to the food-price crisis.

Quan's simple dinner cost about 27,000 dong ($1.32). That's up about 20 percent from a year ago after inflation spiked to double-digit levels in Vietnam, which has one of Asia's fastest growing economies but also an average monthly income that still hovers around $100 a month.

Since the beginning of the year, electricity has also shot up 15 percent in the communist country of 87 million, while gasoline prices hit a record high following a 17.5 percent to 24 percent increase at the pumps.

Quan and her husband were struggling even when the cost of living was lower: They have one daughter who is mentally disabled and another who has battled cancer. And with their tiny budget squeezed tighter than ever, she sees only one solution. It's a choice made each day by desperate mothers everywhere.

"My income is not stable, so we have to eat less," the 44-year-old says. "Mostly we have vegetable soup and sometimes we use cooking oil to make stir-fried vegetables."

Seven days a week, Quan wakes at 5 a.m. and takes four buses three hours roundtrip to reach Vietnam's sprawling financial hub, Ho Chi Minh City, in the country's south.

She pushes a metal cart along a river running black with raw sewage and polluted sludge near the slum where she earns her living going door-to-door in search of scrap. She walks miles every day in the oven-like heat, wearing a tattered conical hat and blackened gloves to keep her skin from baking. She collects plastic soda bottles, broken electric fans, cardboard, anything that can be resold for a few pennies.

On a good day, she'll bring in the equivalent of $5, but most of the time it's just $2 or $3. Her husband, Nguyen Ngoc Hanh, spends half the year farming rice and the other half working with Quan, but he also stays home at times to care for their 11-year-old mentally disabled daughter.

Quan has been hunting for scrap nearly half her life, but she doesn't complain. Vietnamese women have always served as the country's workhorses, digging ditches, carrying bricks and shoveling hot asphalt on roads. She's happy to labor 13 or 14 hours a day, only to come home to do the laundry, cooking and cleaning. But she is consumed by a nagging fear she cannot control, no matter how hard she works.

Two years ago her middle daughter, Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, then 14, was stricken with a life-threatening bone cancer and the family's meager savings were quickly devoured. Even though they qualified for some free medical care, it did not cover chemotherapy, X-rays, visits to specialists and expensive medicines.

The family took out a 30 million dong ($1,470) bank loan, and relatives pulled together another 30 million that can be repaid slowly without interest. Tuyen, now 16, survived only by having her right leg amputated at the hip, leaving her hobbling on worn crutches because the family cannot afford a proper prosthetic.

"If she gets sick again, I'm not sure where the money would come from," the mother says softly. "She might die."

With so much debt, Quan started buying discounted day-old produce and was forced to stop buying meat, except for small portions just for Tuyen to help rebuild her strength. Pork and beef prices skyrocketed during the 2008 food crisis, and they have only gone higher during the latest round of hikes. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said global food prices hit an all-time high in February and dropped off only slightly in March and April.

Quan's family has continued to go without meat, except once a year during the Lunar New Year holiday, known as Tet. To help keep them from going hungry, last year Quan's in-laws gave the family a small plot of land to farm enough rice for their table - a smart move since the cost of rice in Vietnam is now among the most expensive in Asia, having jumped nearly 40 percent between June 2010 and February.

The savings from the rice crop should have helped the family slowly recover, but rising food prices have dashed their hopes of putting any money aside. Instead, they live meal to meal.

Quan says they have no means to repay the family loan, and she constantly fears they will miss bank payments. But none of that matters when balanced against her biggest worry - the cancer returning.

Experts say a catastrophic family illness, accident or financial shock like a jump in food costs often breaks those who are just squeaking by. Escalating food prices are forcing some to eat seeds reserved for next year's crop. Others have to cut back intake altogether, skipping meals and rationing what little can be bought.

"Children who are deprived of enough nutrition, of enough food, at a crucial stage in their life suffer permanent reductions in their height and their weight," said Mahesh Patel at UNICEF's regional office in Bangkok. "We are especially concerned about the situation of children when malnutrition is rising in general in the population as a result of food prices rising."

Pregnant women also are at risk by eating less and resorting to cheaper, poor-quality foods that can result in low birth weights.

For Quan, the well-being of her three daughters is paramount. The oldest is in college, studying to be a teacher, and the whole family is pinning their hopes on her success.

"I'm willing to sacrifice to do whatever I can to give my kids an education," Quan says proudly. "I don't want to see my children have the same fate as me."

After cooking the evening meal, she places the dishes on the table. The mismatched plates, glasses and bowls, along with every other fixture in the concrete, tin-roofed house, have been scavenged from the streets.

Her 47-year-old husband arrives with their youngest daughter, Trieu. She runs smiling and leaps onto her mother, wrapping both arms and legs around her in a huge hug.

Trieu is much smaller than other girls her age. She learned to walk at age 4 and talk at age 6, and now attends a special class for mentally disabled children. Those school fees, along with the amount paid for the eldest daughter's college expenses, eat up half of the $200 Quan and her husband earn every month. Food accounts for nearly the rest of their income.

As a cool breeze blows and the sun fades, the family washes up for dinner.

Quan's husband makes a sucking sound as he quickly shovels in mouthfuls of tofu, rice and omelet before reaching for seconds. Quan digs through the choice pieces of tofu with her chopsticks, hand-feeding them to little Trieu. She then fills her tiny bowl and chews slowly, picking at the rice and twigs of spinach while leaving the protein-rich egg and bean curd for the others.

When everyone is finished, Quan scurries to wrap up what's left for a breakfast only her husband and daughters will eat.

She will rise early and leave the house on an empty stomach, hoping to earn enough to make a little more magic in the kitchen tomorrow.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. This article was written by MARGIE MASON, Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

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]]>food pricesPoor Moms HungryAssociated PressTue, 14 Jun 2011 09:30:00 ESTSweetSeat Booster Chairhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/sweetseat-booster-chair/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/sweetseat-booster-chair/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/sweetseat-booster-chair/#commentsFiled under: ,

The SweetSeat is just so sweet! Credit: SweetSeat

There comes a time in the lives of most children when they will refuse to sit in a high chair, but they're still too small to sit in a regular seat at the table. It's time for a boost.

And we've found one that's just, well, sweet. The SweetSeat is a booster chair that looks like a grown-up chair. Forget the plastic seats you used as a kid. These are covered in high-quality laminate cotton, are slip-proof and will make your little one feel like part of the big-people crowd.

Available in polka dots, houndstooth, floral prints and more, the SweetSeat fits kids between 18 months and 7 years. Find them for $84 at sweet-seat.com.

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]]>booster chairbooster seatsweetseatLesley KennedyWed, 08 Jun 2011 14:30:00 ESTFood Pyramid Out, 'My Plate' in For Healthy Eatinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/food-pyramid-my-plate/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/food-pyramid-my-plate/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/food-pyramid-my-plate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

my plate

A sample plate of the new food icon My Plate, is unveiled at the Agriculture Department. Credit: Susan Walsh, AP

WASHINGTON (AP) - There's a new U.S. symbol for healthful eating: The Agriculture Department unveiled "My Plate" on Thursday, abandoning the food pyramid that had guided many Americans but merely confused others.

The new guide is divided into four slightly different-sized quadrants, with fruits and vegetables taking up half the space and grains and protein making up the other half. The vegetables and grains portions are the largest of the four.

Gone are the old pyramid's references to sugars, fats or oils. What was once a category called "meat and beans" is now simply "proteins," making way for seafood and vegetarian options like tofu. Next to the plate is a blue circle for dairy, which could be a glass of milk or a food such as cheese or yogurt.

Some critics, including congressional Republicans, have charged the Obama administration of reaching too far in trying to make Americans eat healthier, especially when it comes to new rules that tell schools what children can eat on campus.

The new plate is simply guidance for those looking to improve their diet, however. It's supposed to be a suggestion, not a direction, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

"We are not telling people what to eat, we are giving them a guide," he said. "We're not suggesting they should not have a cookie or dessert, that's not what it's about."

Vilsack said the new round chart shows that nutrition doesn't have to be complicated. After almost 20 years of leaders preaching good eating through a food pyramid the department now says was overly complex, obesity rates have skyrocketed. He showed off the new plate with first lady Michelle Obama, who has made healthful diets for children a priority through her "Let's Move" campaign.

"Parents don't have the time to measure out exactly three ounces of protein," Mrs. Obama said as she introduced the new graphic. "We do have time to look at our kids' plates."

The department is planning to use social media - posting advice every day on Twitter, for example. The address of the accompanying website, choosemyplate.gov, is written on the chart. That website will eventually feature interactive tools that help people manage their weight and track their exercise.

The new chart is designed to be "more artistic and attractive" and to serve as a visual cue for diners, said Robert Post of the Agriculture Department's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. He has spent two years developing the plate and the website.

Even though the plate is divided into four different-sized sections, the servings don't have to be proportional, Post says. Every person has different nutritional needs, based on age, health and other factors.

The graphic is based on new department dietary guidelines released in January. Those guidelines, which are revised every five years, tell people to drastically reduce salt and continue limiting saturated fats. They say diners can enjoy food but should balance calories by eating less. The guidelines also suggest making half of your plate fruits and vegetables - a message easily translated on the dinner plate.

"We know Americans want to be healthy, but making those healthy choices is not easy, it's hard," said Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, who joined Mrs. Obama and Vilsack to unveil the plate. "We're trying to make it easier."

The guidelines and the icon were subject of lobbying by food industries who want to see their products promoted and not discouraged. Fruit and vegetable growers were celebrating their victory over half of the plate Thursday, while dairy producers said they were also pleased with the cup beside it. The president of the beef industry group National Cattleman's Beef Associaton, Bill Donald, said he is not concerned about the elimination of the word "meat" because beef is so associated with the word "protein."

The first food pyramid was introduced in 1992, with detailed descriptions of recommended foods and their portion sizes. The tip of the pyramid represented fats, oils and sweets, cautioning diners to "use sparingly."

After research showed the pyramid wasn't working, the department worked with a public relations firm and came up with an all-new pyramid in 2005 that was characterized by vertical lines of color and a stick figure walking up a staircase to symbolize exercise. At the time, officials said they wanted something motivational and recognizable. But the Obama administration eventually ditched that model, opting for something fresher.

Many nutritionists and nutrition groups praised the newest effort, crossing their fingers that people will listen.

Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University, said there are already a lot of symbols out there telling people what to eat. She said the new model isn't perfect, it's a good step forward.

"This brings it all together," she said.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. This article was written by Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

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]]>food pyramidMichelle Obamamy plateAssociated PressFri, 03 Jun 2011 10:00:00 ESTBig Brother is Watching You Snarf Those Fries During School Lunchhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/13/school-lunch-texas-surveilence-grant/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/13/school-lunch-texas-surveilence-grant/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/13/school-lunch-texas-surveilence-grant/#commentsFiled under: , ,

big brother

Big brother is watching you eat lunch. Credit: Getty Images

Big Brother is watching you. And he's saying, "Whoa, fat boy! Lay off the barbecue chips!"

In an effort to raise a new generation of crazy Texans who wear tinfoil hats and go on paranoid rants about how the "gummit" is reading their thoughts through their hip implants, school officials in San Antonio are spying on kids.

Time magazine reports officials are installing surveillance cameras and rigging cafeteria food trays with computer barcodes with a $2 million grant from -- you guessed it -- the federal gummit.

Meanwhile, toothless conspiracy theorists across the land are cackling, "I knew it! I knew it!"

Hold on. How all this ties into the UFO cover-up remains uncertain. School officials in San Antonio tell the Reuters news service they're just using the grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to find out what children are eating.

Then they report their findings to parents, school nutrition specialists and the Vatican. OK, maybe not the Vatican. (Someone's been reading too many Dan Brown novels.)

The actual conspiracy, according to Reuters, is to create healthier lunches based on what kids actually eat. The information can also help parents plan meals at home. If your kid is practically inhaling fries at school, you might want to know so you can force some green vegetables down his gullet later on.

Scientists who study children's nutrition also can use the data to better understand how kids' diets cause obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

"We will be able to determine whether current programs that are aimed at preventing obesity work and whether they are really changing students' behavior," Roberto Trevino of San Antonio's Social & Health Research Center, which is leading the program, tells Reuters.

In other words, are kids eating more salads and fewer Hostess Ding Dongs? You really need surveillance cameras and barcodes to figure that out?

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]]>big brothercafeterianutritionnutrition grantschool lunchschool lunchesTom HendersonFri, 13 May 2011 15:30:00 ESTGetting Kids to Try New and Healthy Foodshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/06/getting-kids-to-try-healthy-foods/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/06/getting-kids-to-try-healthy-foods/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/06/getting-kids-to-try-healthy-foods/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Getting Kids to Try New and Healthy Foods

"How do I get my child to eat fruits and veggies?" "Is it OK for my child to take a vitamin supplement and then eat anything he wants?" "My child only eats five foods: chicken fingers, fries, applesauce, cereal and milk."

Do any of these questions and comments sound familiar? As a registered dietitian, I hear them on a weekly basis from parents. I am amazed how many "picky eaters" I encounter. I see it from infancy through adolescence. (Actually, I meet plenty of adults, too, who eat the same foods over and over again.) So what are parents to do when their kids are reluctant to try new foods?

Children learn their habits, attitudes and beliefs from their parents and other caregivers, and that includes their willingness to try new and healthy foods. For National Nutrition Month, the American Dietetic Association encourages parents to be good role models and teach their children how to appreciate nutrition and enjoy healthful eating.

Here is what sometimes happens: A parent introduces applesauce to baby. Baby likes it and eats the entire serving. The next week the parent offers pears. Baby tastes it, spits it out and makes a face. The parent does not force it and thinks, "OK, baby does not like it, so I won't offer it again." So baby is only eating the applesauce.

It is true that it often takes multiple tastes of a new food before a child accepts it -- of course, some foods require more offerings than others, and some foods are never accepted. The most important thing you can do is offer your children as many new foods as possible, as early in life as possible.

It takes much longer to accept new foods when you are older, as you may already know. I meet 10-year-old children who have never tried a fresh pear or red pepper. I am also discouraged by the statistic showing that the number one vegetable consumed by toddlers is the fried potato.

Let's commit to changing that statistic -- these tips will get you started:

  • When infants are at the stage of trying new foods, offer new foods every few days to see if there are any reactions or allergies. By the time baby is 1 year old, hopefully, baby has a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein foods, including beans, tofu, soft meats and yogurt.
  • When toddlerhood (and independent eating) arrives, stick with meal times and avoid filling the child up on cheese, crackers and milk, or juice, before mealtime.
  • Let your child see you try new foods. Children are copycats, so if you model an interest in trying new things, there's a stronger chance that your child will, too.
  • The most important tip I can give to help get kids to taste new foods is to make sure they are hungry at mealtime. Halt snacking at least one to two hours beforehand and even longer for older children.
  • If children are labeled as "picky eaters," guess what? They will be! Let's stop the labeling and eat with our children the most nutritious meals we can provide.
If you're looking for more fun ways to get your kids excited about trying new (and nutritious) foods, see what's cooking at Fizzy's Lunch Lab on PBS KIDS GO! There are lots of great ideas and activities to inspire kids to give new foods a try.

This article was originally published on PBS Parents by Sarah Krieger, MPH, RD, LD. A national spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, Sarah Krieger developed and is lead instructor for All Children's Hospital's Fit4AllKids Weight Management and Fitness for Families program in St Petersburg, FL. The program targets families with 8-12 year olds and has a teen program for 13-18 year olds. Krieger and a research team of physicians at the University of South Florida completed a study that determined the outcomes of the program for obese teens. She continues to work per diem for All Children's on the clinical side by working with children at nutritional risk.

More From PBSParents.org:

Child Development Tracker

Expert Q&A

Activity Search

Kitchen Explorers

The Parent Show

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]]>eating healthyhealthy foodshow to get kids to eat healthy foodspicky eatersPBSParents.orgFri, 06 May 2011 17:00:00 ESTFamilies That Eat Dinner Together, Stay Slim Together, Study Findshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/02/families-that-eat-dinner-together-stay-slim-together-study-fin/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/02/families-that-eat-dinner-together-stay-slim-together-study-fin/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/02/families-that-eat-dinner-together-stay-slim-together-study-fin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

family dinner

Kids who ate meals regularly with their family were 24 percent more apt to eat healthy. Credit: Getty Images

Taking time to sit down and eat as a family at dinner could help keep your children at healthy weights.

A new study published today in Pediatrics, finds kids who ate meals regularly with their family were 24 percent more likely to eat healthy, compared with peers who seldom ate with relatives, according to HealthDay.

"We wanted to look at the family's contribution to positive outcomes as it relates to nutrition," study lead author Amber Hammons, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, tells the news service. "It's important for parents to know what they can do, especially with obesity and eating habits; they want to know what role they can play."

Researchers looked at studies involving nearly 183,000 kids and teens ranging in age from about 3 to 17, HealthDay reports, examining eating habits, weight and whether they engaged in any eating disorder behavior.

They found children who ate three or more family meals a week were 12 percent less likely to be overweight than those who ate with their families rarely or never, according to the news service, which adds they were also 20 percent less likely to eat sweets, fried foods, soda and other food lacking in the healthy department.

Eating with Mom and Dad also reduced "disordered eating behaviors" -- think binging and purging, skipping meals, taking diet pills or laxatives and smoking -- HealthDay reports.

"We know that meals prepared at home are more likely to be less calorie-dense," Hammons tells the news service, but she adds that communication during a family meal could also influence healthy eating. "The future direction for research will not be looking at quantity of meals but at what is making meal time so important."

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]]>dinnerdinner timefamily dinnersfamily timehealthymealtimeLesley KennedyMon, 02 May 2011 14:30:00 ESTApril: National Pretzel Day Puts Fun Twist on Family Cookinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/05/national-pretzel-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/05/national-pretzel-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/05/national-pretzel-day/#commentsFiled under: ,


A rather unexpected twist emerged in our search for a special dish to showcase during the month of April. The twist? A baked curlicue of dough that has become one of those all-time favorite snack foods: the pretzel.

Initially, my daughter, Anna, and I had intended to whip up some Easter or Passover favorites during our monthly kitchen klatsch. But, truth be told, we were a little ho-hum on the long lists of traditional springtime dishes, figuring many of you already had plenty of exposure to recipes for hot cross buns, matzo ball soup and the like.

Time for something a little different, we said. So, we turned to one of those funny food holiday calendars and found that April 26 happens to be National Pretzel Day. Who'd a thunk?

It was too great an opportunity to pass up. We love pretzels around our house. They look cool, and they have a long, distinguished culinary history, apparently dating back to medieval Europe, where these baked goodies were associated with various religious holidays or festivals because of their resemblance to praying hands.

Germany, at some point, became the hotbed of pretzeldom, and, by the 1800s, the popular snack food had leapt across the pond to the United States, courtesy of immigrants who knew a good thing when they ate it.

Homemade whole wheat pretzels picture

Homemade whole wheat pretzels. Credit: Deborah Kloha

The recipe we selected for Whole Wheat Pretzels comes from KitchenDaily. Please note a few changes we made along the way.

Ingredients

1 cup warm water
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour, plus 1/4 cup for rolling dough
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
8 cups water
2 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Non-stick cooking spray

Directions

Place warm water in a small bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the water, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the yeast can proof. Sift together the 2 1/2 cups flour with the sugar and salt onto wax paper or into a medium bowl. Place the flour mixture, butter and yeast mixture in a food processor. Let the motor run until a sticky dough forms.

Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Place dough in a warm place and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or coat with cooking spray. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 or 24 equal pieces. Roll out each piece with the palms of your hands until the piece is about a foot long, using the remaining 1/4 cup flour. Form each long piece into a pretzel shape.

Transfer pretzels to baking sheets, leaving a 1-inch space between pretzels. Set aside and let rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 450ºF. In a large stainless steel pot, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Carefully add a quarter of the pretzels, one at a time. Using tongs, flip the pretzels over after about 8 seconds, boiling for about 15 seconds total.

Carefully arrange the pretzels on the parchment-lined baking sheets, again spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Sprinkle each pretzel with sea salt. Repeat the boiling process with the remaining pretzels. Transfer to oven and bake until the pretzels are lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool briefly before eating. Serve with sweet mustard.

(Cook's note: We ended up omitting the dough-boiling portion of preparation. Chalk it up to operator error, but our first twists of dough collapsed as soon as they hit hot water. Additionally, having made pretzels probably 10 years earlier, using a different recipe, we decided to brush an egg wash onto the dough before adding salt. The egg wash gives the finished product a darker brown, glossier finish, more like what you'd expect from a traditional pretzel.)

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]]>pretzel dayDeborah KlohaTue, 05 Apr 2011 11:00:00 ESTLosing Pregnancy Weight: 5 Diet Tipshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/losing-pregnancy-weight/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/losing-pregnancy-weight/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/losing-pregnancy-weight/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

losing pregnancy weight

To lose pregnancy weight, start your day with oatmeal and an apple. Credit: Getty Images

Celebrity moms seem to step right back into their pre-baby jeans moments after giving birth. But for most of us, getting rid of the baby weight takes time.

Even fitness pros have to work hard to lose weight after a pregnancy. Two experts tell ParentDish they have new respect for moms trying to get back into shape after having their own children.

However, Lindsay Brin, owner of St. Louis-based Moms Into Fitness, and Kara Mohr, owner of Louisville, Ky.-based Mohr Results, say there are a few secrets to getting back into your favorite jeans.

First : Remember it took nine months to gain the weight, so plan on it taking just as long to lose it. It's a battle to turn off the pregnancy and breastfeeding eating, but with these tips you can control some of it.

  • Never start your day off at a drive-through. An unhealthy breakfast can lead to unhealthy food choices for the rest of the day. "I tell people to eat oatmeal and an apple for breakfast," Brin says in a phone interview. If you're in a hurry, grab an oatmeal bar for the road.
  • Use the plate method. Make sure half your plate is covered with vegetables, one quarter of it with protein and the other quarter with whatever you want. Making sure your meals are veggie focused is not only healthier, but it means fewer calories, too.
  • Don't eat two dinners. Eating with your kids and then eating again when your spouse gets home is a sure-fire way to keep the weight on. Try sitting down with a cup of flavored tea while the kids eat, so there's a sense of ritual, and then eat your meal sitting down with your spouse later.
  • Skip the BLT diet. Moms can add a tremendous amount of calories through a series of bites, licks and tastes, says Mohr. She says cutting that out helped one of her clients lose eight pounds.
  • You bite it, you write it. Keeping track of everything you eat during the day may sound overwhelming. But the "you bite it, you write it" method makes it easier to keep track of calories, Mohr says in a phone interview. It also makes you more aware of the food you're eating throughout the day,not just at mealtime.
The baby is more important than the jean size, so don't beat yourself up by comparing yourself to the latest star who is showing off her post-baby body.

"They're paid to look good," Brin says. "And they have to put in hard work, too."

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]]>baby weightdietevergreenlosing pregnancy weightlosing weightEllen Rooney MartinFri, 01 Apr 2011 11:00:00 ESTHow to Make Snack Time Healthy and Funhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/30/-healthy-snacks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/30/-healthy-snacks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/30/-healthy-snacks/#commentsFiled under: ,

children snack time

Fruit before cookies when it comes to snack time. Credit: Getty Images

It's tough to please everyone at snack time. Parents want their kids to eat healthy food, while kids often push for chips and soda.

But experts tell ParentDish the middle ground is attainable with minimal eye rolls from your children.

Elisa Zied, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, tells ParentDish she tries to empower her two children to make good choices at snack time without prohibiting sugary or salty treats.

Zied suggests offering less processed foods, such as cheese sticks, yogurt, fruit, popcorn, nuts, seeds, whole grain crackers or granola bars. After kids have eaten a healthy snack, you can offer them a couple of cookies or a 100 calorie pack of their favorite chips.

This kind of routine at snack time helps kids understand portion control and how to eat an appropriate balance of foods, Zied says, adding that parents should read food labels to portion out cookies, chips and other treats.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers its own snacking suggestions for different age groups. For instance, preschoolers might like graham crackers dipped in yogurt, whole grain crackers or mini rice cakes and sliced fruit, according to MyPyramid.gov. This site also includes tips on portion control and exercise.

The ADA lists great snack ideas on its website, eatright.org, as well. Try smearing a scoop of frozen yogurt on two graham crackers and add a sliced banana for a tasty sandwich. Another suggestion: Mix together peanut butter and cornflakes in a bowl. Shape into balls and roll in crushed graham crackers. AOL Health also offers after-school treat options that keep kids healthy, active and satisfied.

When kids snack right before dinner, parents may worry their appetites will be ruined. But if the snacks come from one of the major food groups, just consider them a part of the meal, Zied says.

She also tells her kids that eating more fruits and veggies will make them feel better overall, and they'll have more energy when playing their favorite sports.

So, go ahead and offer your kids a snack, just try the healthy one before the cookies.

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]]>evergreenhealthy snakcshealthy-eatinghealthy-snackssnack timesnacksEllen Rooney MartinWed, 30 Mar 2011 16:30:00 ESTEating During Pregnancy Doesn't Mean Double Mealshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/eating-during-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/eating-during-pregnancy/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/29/eating-during-pregnancy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

eating during pregnancy

Cookies? Yum, but fresh fruit is a better option during pregnancy. Credit: Getty Images

Sure, you can eat more when you are pregnant. But don't think you are eating for two, despite the time-worn axiom.

With all the cravings and anxiety that come with pregnancy, it's easy to get carried away. But gaining too much weight can be harmful for you and your baby, doctors and nutrition experts agree.

Under the current guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy, women are now advised to gain less overall weight, says Dr. Jeffery King, director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and General Obstetrics at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

During pregnancy, you only need an average of 300 to 400 extra calories per day until the baby is born, King tells ParentDish. That's about the equivalent of a bowl of puffed grain cereal with skim milk and some dried fruit -- not an entire eggs, bacon and hash browns breakfast.

Pick foods that are lower in calories with a high health benefit. Low fat dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, certain kinds of fish, nuts, seeds and whole grains such as popcorn or oatmeal are all good choices for your diet during pregnancy, says Elisa Zied, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

"I do think, in terms of nutrition, you can still think in terms of eating for two, but not as far as calories," she tells ParentDish. "You want to gain weight, but it shouldn't be at an alarming rate."

Gaining too much weight can lead to gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and complications at delivery that may necessitate a cesarean section, King says.

"Women should be in a state of health before, during and after the pregnancy," he says.

Eating a wide variety of foods gives you the best chance of getting the proper nutrients for yourself and the baby.

"Eat a well-balanced diet that covers all the food groups," he tells ParentDish. And be sure to take your prenatal vitamins, too.

Pick and chose where you want to cut back, Zied suggests. If you want ice cream, skip the high fat milk in your coffee. Or, if you want a fruit yogurt, skip the cookies that day. Eating lots of junk food, such as cookies, candy and chips, deprives you of the extra nutrition you need during pregnancy for you and your baby.

"A lot of pregnant women think 'I can eat as much as I want,' " Ruth Frechman, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, tells ParentDish. "You want to have a normal weight gain."

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]]>eating during pregnancyeating too muchevergreenhealthy-dietpregnancypregnancy weightweight-gainEllen Rooney MartinTue, 29 Mar 2011 15:30:00 ESTPicky Eaters? The Sneaky Chef Offers Tips to Get Your Kids to Try Healthy Foodshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/28/picky-eaters/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/28/picky-eaters/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/28/picky-eaters/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mac N Cheese muffins from The Sneaky Chef

Mac N Cheese Muffins from The Sneaky Chef. Credit: Photograph (C) Jerry Errico

As The Sneaky Chef, Missy Chase Lapine has spent years perfecting hundreds of recipes for foods kids love -- only sneakily fortified with hidden superfoods such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, wheat germ and more.

The trick is to add the superfoods invisibly. Lapine urges you to try these Sneaky Chef tips to get your picky eaters to eat healthy meals:

  1. 1. Don't plead, beg, threaten or bribe. This will only result in a power struggle. The less you show them that you care about what they are eating, the more likely they are to try the healthy foods you secretly want them to eat.
  2. 2. Shh! Don't tell them it's healthy! Defying some sort of logic, when children know something is good for them, they think it can't possibly taste good, even if it really does.
  3. 3. Hide healthy foods in kids' favorite meals. Puree cauliflower and zucchini and mix them into the cheese sauce for mac 'n' cheese, or puree yams and carrots and mix them into tomato sauce served over pasta.
  4. 4. Borrow smart packaging concepts from the food manufacturers. Let kids make up a funny new name for a vegetable or serve veggies on a skewer, in an ice cream cone or on toothpicks with fun dips. Make eating a new vegetable an adventure by serving a whole artichoke and allowing kids to peel the leaves and scrape the flesh against their teeth. Serve fresh green peas in the shell and let your children pick the sweet peas out of the pod, or cut open a fresh pomegranate and let them pick out each juicy seed. Hint: always serve the new vegetable alone, with no competition from a favorite, less healthy food, and serve it to kids when they are hungriest.

RECIPE: The Sneaky Chef's Mac N Cheese Muffins with Hidden Orange Puree

A handy lunch box alternative for kids who are tired of sandwiches or just won't eat them, The Sneaky Chef mac 'n' cheese formula is tried and true. This version becomes a hand-held meal that can be popped into kids' lunch boxes. No fork is needed -- eat them just like a muffin. (For some reason, children prefer to give up flatware whenever they can, to eat with their hands.) Kids don't mind them cold, so make ahead and freeze, then take them out and put into the fridge the night before.

Makes 8 muffins
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup Orange Puree (see make-ahead recipe below)
  • 2 cups low-fat shredded cheese
  • 2 cups cooked macaroni
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Below are two ways to cook the muffins:

Oven-baked method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray liners with oil.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and Orange Puree. Mix in the macaroni and ¾ cup of the cheese. Divide the mixture evenly among the 8 muffin cups. Top each with about 1 tablespoon of cheese and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Microwave method: Line 8 microwave-safe ramekins or custard cups with paper muffin liners. Lightly spray liners with oil.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and Orange Puree. Mix in the macaroni and ¾ cup of the cheese. Divide the mixture evenly among the 8 lined ramekins. Top each with about 1 tablespoon of cheese and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The Sneaky Chef Orange Puree

The following make-ahead recipe blends excellently in pizza, pasta and cheese sauces, bringing a big nutritional boost to meals that usually aren't thought of as health foods.

  • 1 medium sweet potato or yam, peeled and rough chopped
  • 3 medium to large carrots, peeled and sliced into thick chunks
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons water
In a medium pot, cover carrots and potatoes with cold water. Boil 20 minutes until tender. (Thoroughly cook carrots or they'll leave telltale nuggets -- a gigantic no-no for The Sneaky Chef). Drain vegetables. Puree on high in food processor with 2 tablespoons water, until completely smooth. Use the rest of the water to make a smooth puree.

Makes about 2 cups of puree. Store in refrigerator up to 3 days, or freeze in ¼ cup portions in plastic containers.

Missy Chase Lapine is the author of "Sneaky Fitness: Fun, Foolproof Ways to Slip Fitness Into Your Child's Everyday Life."

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]]>eatevergreenmac-n-cheesemealspicky eaterspicky-eatersrecipesuperfoodsJulie Z. RosenbergMon, 28 Mar 2011 17:30:00 ESTCookbooks for Kids: ParentDish's Top 20http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/24/cookbooks-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/24/cookbooks-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/24/cookbooks-for-kids/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Watch and Learn Great Recipes To Make With Your Kids!
cookbooks for kids

Cookbooks for kids offer a fun intro to kitchen basics. Credit: MCT

Letting your little ones help stir, pour and decorate in the kitchen can be a great way to cook up some family fun.

Sure, popping some ready-to-bake cookie dough on a baking sheet works in a pinch, but children love being part of the process, as well. From yummy appetizers to tasty entrees to sweet end-of-meal treats, here are 20 cookbooks filled with recipes your whole family will enjoy. Bon appetit!

1. Fanny At Chez Panisse by Alice Waters: This fun and elegant cookbook narrated in the voice of Fanny, daughter of legendary restauranteur Waters, offers sweet stories of life at her Berkeley, Calif., eatery, along with fancy, yet easy-to-make recipes including quesadillas, peach crisp, risotto and gingersnaps.

2. Emeril's There's a Chef in My Soup! by Emeril Lagasse: Subtitled, "Recipes for the Kid in Everyone," these dishes are tasty for parents and children alike. From French toast to pasta salad to spaghetti pie, it's a great way to involve the kids in the cooking process.

3. Williams-Sonoma The Kid's Cookbook by Abigail Johnson Dogde: Written for kids ages 9 and up, this beautifully illustrated book includes more than 40 recipes, cooking techniques, instructional photographs and a glossary of terms to help introduce kids to food preparation.

4. Betty Crocker Kids Cook!: More than 60 easy-to-prepare recipes are included in this cookbook that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus snacks, sides and desserts. Indoor S'mores, French Toast Stix and Totally Terrific Tacos from the Betty Crocker editors will have your children begging to don their aprons.

5. The Everything Kids' Cookbook by Sandra K. Nissenberg: The subtitle says it all: "From Mac ' N Cheese to Double Chocolate Chip Cookies -- All You Need to Have Some Finger Lickin' Fun." Find recipes, puzzles, cooking tips and more in this practical guide. Kids will be happy to whip up Bananaberry Smoothies, Nutty Caramel Corn or Cinnamon Breakfast Cake.

6. Kitchen for Kids by Jennifer Low: Boasting "100 Amazing Recipes Your Children Can Really Make," future bakers and chefs will impress with such dishes as Oatmeal Cookie Granola, Wee Shepherd's Pies and Triple-Tier Fudge Cake. Low wants the kids to be in charge while making these recipes that require no sharp knives, stove-top cooking or small electric appliances. Adult tasting, however, is definitely permitted.

7. Cooking Rocks! 30-minute Meals For Kids by Rachael Ray: Divided into age-specific categories, this cookbook from the Food Network and talk show star features snacks, make-your-own-takeout meals, sandwiches, sweets and more. Yum-o!

8. The Toddler Cookbook by Annabel Karmel: This is fun food -- pita pizzas with faces on them, cutout cookies and peanut butter bear treats. Photos help illustrate the simple directions.

9. Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes by Mollie Katzen and Ann L. Henderson: You don't need to know how to read to make recipes from this book: Each recipe is displayed in pictures, as well as words. Cute kid quotes, safety advice and an emphasis on having a good time in the kitchen make this a modern classic.

10. New Junior Cookbook Better Homes & Gardens: Kid-tested and tasted, these 65 recipes each feature an illustration, photo and step-by-step instructions. Created for 8- to 12-year-olds, your kids will soon be whipping up breakfast pizza, fajitas, turnovers and more. You'll also find a special celebration section, as well as diabetic exchanges.

11. Mom and Me Cookbook by Annabel Karmel: Kids ages 3 and up can get started in the kitchen by helping make these tasty recipes. From scrambled eggs and crepes to pizza and pasta to cookies and smoothies, these are dishes kids -- and grown-ups -- never outgrow.

12. The Cheerios Cookbook: Tasty Treats and Clever Crafts for Kids: Who knew the classic breakfast cereal could be used in so many kid-friendly recipes? Learn to make parfaits, muffins, pancakes, caramel corn and other treats, as well as craft projects such as picture frames, string-and-eat necklaces and crayon holders, all with Cheerios, of course.

13. Red Robin's Kids Cook-Off Cookbook: With 50 gourmet burger recipes created by kids nationwide, the burger chain's cookbook is free to download. Try the winning Holy-Peno Burger (with jalepenos and Cajun spices), the Oh So Gouda Burger (with Gouda and apples) or the Cheesy Pizza Paradise Burger (with pizza sauce and pepperoni). Did we mention it's free?

14. To Every Season: A Family Holiday Cookbook by Jane Breskin Zalben: Baking with your family is a holiday tradition in many households, and this book offers fresh recipe ideas for special dates throughout the year. Think corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day, Cupid Cupcakes for Valentine's Day or potato latkes for Hanukkah. Pretty watercolor illustrations and a little holiday history add flavor to this must-have title.

15. Southern Living Kids Cookbook: Featuring "124 Recipes Kids Will Love to Make and Love to Eat," this cookbook, from the editors of the popular magazine, offers dishes kids actually like with simple ingredient lists and easy-to-follow numbered steps. Nutritional info is also provided, so you can start to teach your children about making good food choices early on.

16. Kids' Fun and Healthy Cookbook by Nicola Graimes: Bright and colorful, this cookbook features more than 100 recipes, along with food facts and healthy tips. We think even the pickiest of eaters will still enjoy Yogurt Swirl with Dippers, Mini Pizzas or Fruit Sundaes.

17. Pillsbury Kids Cookbook: Food Fun for Boys and Girls: The Pillsbury editors have put together a guide to kids' cooking, featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack categories, plus fun recipes for Halloween, tea parties and slumber parties. Oh, and of course, dessert.

18. The International Cookbook for Kids by Matthew Locricchio: Not only will your children learn cooking basics, but they'll learn about cultural cuisine, as well, with recipes from Greece, Brazil, Thailand and India.

19. Mermaid Cookbook by Barbara Beery: Is it birthday time? This cookbook offers fab recipes for mermaid, pirate, treasure island or other water-themed parties. Kids can help make Pineapple Fruit Dip, Goldfish Gorp, Treasure Island Trail Mix and more. Also look for Beery books themed around fairies and princesses.

20. Sesame Street C is for Cooking: Recipes from the Street by Susan McQuillan: When Cookie Monster, Ernie and Elmo introduce your children to making meals, you know you're in for a good time. Each recipe (there are more than 50), includes at least one "kid" step to get young ones involved. Hot Cocoa Float, Dutch Baby Pancake or Bagel Pizzas, anyone?

Related: A chef on cooking with kids


Check out P'Dishes with Debbie cooking show!

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]]>alice-waterscookbookscookbooks kidscookingcooking-with-kidsemeril-lagasseevergreensesame-streetLesley KennedyThu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 ESTIna Garten Offers 5 Tips to Make Cooking Easierhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/18/ina-garten/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/18/ina-garten/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/18/ina-garten/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ina Garten shares five ways to make cooking easier from her latest cookbook. Credit: Ina Garten

"Barefoot Contessa" host Ina Garten shares five ways to make cooking easier from her latest cookbook, "Barefoot Contessa: How Easy is That?"

1. Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry
Even with all the great recipes in the world, cooking will never truly be easy if you don't have a well-stocked pantry, refrigerator and freezer. Nothing is more annoying than having to run out to the store -- maybe more than once -- in the middle of cooking because you forgot to check whether you had olive oil in the house.

My spice drawer is organized so I can always see what I have and what I need to buy -- and I can put my hands on each spice without turning the drawer upside down! My freezer is stocked with a few important ingredients that I use all the time. Since I use the same ingredients over and over again, I know I won't have to shop for everything I need every time I cook. When it's time to make dinner, all I have to do is stop at the store and pick up a few perishables, like fresh salmon, fresh herbs and a vegetable. Maintaining a well-stocked pantry is a habit I got into early in my cooking career and it makes my life so much easier.

2. Have Good Equipment
Some people think that having every kind of pot and pan and kitchen gadget under the sun makes cooking easier, but I'm not one of them. I hate specialized equipment, like pasta machines and garlic presses, that does only one job. I stick to just good-quality essentials and I keep them within easy reach.

I love opening my pot drawer and seeing each pot sitting with its own lid on top. I don't have to excavate for the one I want from a pile of mismatched pans that I got for my wedding forty years ago. Even though I have the luxury of a good-size kitchen, the cookware I own is a perfect set of All-Clad pots, sauté pans and roasting pans, plus one huge stockpot for making soup, which sits right on the stove.

3. Set the Table Well
When I set a table, I always choose a one-color theme that's appropriate for the season -- maybe raspberry in spring or pumpkin in autumn. With my theme in mind, I'll look at what's available in the grocery store in the produce and flower sections while I'm shopping for dinner. And here's my trick: I always have Post-it notes in the kitchen drawer to make a seating arrangement; one color for the girls, one for boys. I put a name on each note and then I can move them around easily until I find the perfect seating arrangement for a great party.

4. Serve the Smart Way
A big part of keeping a meal easy is serving it in an easy way. Before I was in the food business, I would serve dinner the old-fashioned way. Everything was put into bowls and either arranged on a buffet or brought to the table and passed around for people to help themselves. ... Now, instead of passing all those bowls, I arrange Greek lamb with yogurt mint sauce down the middle of the platter, tomatoes roasted with pesto down one side, and couscous with toasted pine nuts down the other. If it's just a few people, I'll serve everyone at the table; if it's a big party, I'll serve it from a buffet in the kitchen or the sideboard in the dining room. It's easier to assemble, easier to serve and when everyone goes home, there's only one platter to clean up!

5. Have What It Takes to Bake
A few key pieces of equipment make all the difference when you're baking. First, I prefer a French rolling pin because I can really feel the dough while I'm rolling it out. Second, I have three timers on the stove so I can have several things baking at once -- and I won't forget about them! Next is a digital scale; if a package of chocolate chips is 12 ounces and I need only 6, a scale ensures that my quantities are accurate. Finally, I have lots of thermometers -- oven thermometers, candy thermometers and instant-read thermometers -- so I know when something is exactly the right temperature.

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]]>cookingfoodina gartenInaGartenthe editors at MarloThomas.comFri, 18 Mar 2011 17:00:00 ESTTry This: What Are Your Best Tips for Dealing With Picky Eaters?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/21/try-this-what-are-your-best-tips-for-dealing-with-picky-eaters/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/21/try-this-what-are-your-best-tips-for-dealing-with-picky-eaters/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/21/try-this-what-are-your-best-tips-for-dealing-with-picky-eaters/#commentsFiled under: , , ,





It is important to feed your kids healthy foods, but when it comes to meal time, that's not an easy task. Trying to get them to eat veggies when they know there's ice cream in the fridge can be quite the struggle.

And, if your kid is a really picky eater, it might even seem impossible.

These moms share their secrets on dealing with their picky eaters. Sneaking it in some way or another is at the top of the list; "I distract her by putting on one of her favorite shows and kind of sneak in spoonfuls at the corner of her mouth," one mom says.

Another suggests a reward system: If her kids eat all of their veggies three nights of the week, they can pick the menu on the other nights.

Our resident AdviceMama takes a creative spin on tackling the picky eater problem. Presentation is everything," she says, "and kids are masters of creativity, so let them have fun helping you lay out the snacks in an interesting way. They might decorate a dish of yogurt by making a funny face with raisins, or arrange the chips in a special way around the guacamole. It doesn't take much time to make food look appealing, and it makes children much more interested in eating something when they've been responsible for serving it up in a 'fancy' way!"

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]]>AdvertiserMon, 21 Feb 2011 00:01:00 ESTShocking: Kids Really Don't Care About Nutrition Labelshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/16/shocking-kids-really-dont-care-about-nutrition-labels/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/16/shocking-kids-really-dont-care-about-nutrition-labels/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/16/shocking-kids-really-dont-care-about-nutrition-labels/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Study shows labeling laws didn't change how kids eat.

Study shows labeling laws didn't change how kids eat. Credit: Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty Images

"Merciful heavens, mother! Did you read this label? These french fries are 540 calories -- and 212 of those calories are from fat! What were you thinking, bringing me to this fast-food restaurant?!

"Take me home and administer broccoli! Stat!"

Sound familiar?

Of course not. That's because practically no one -- child or adult -- goes to a fast-food restaurant expecting anything but shockingly unhealthy, artery-clogging yummy goodness.

Now there is an actual scientific study to confirm this.

Researchers looked at people's fast-food choices in New York City before and after a mandatory labeling law took effect.

Guess what. No difference.

In other words, would you like apple slices or fries with your Happy Meal? Duh! What do you think?

"We didn't notice a change in calories purchased before and after labeling," study leader Dr. Brian Elbel, of New York University's School of Medicine and Wagner School of Public Service, tells US News & World Report.

"Labeling is not going to be a silver bullet," he says.

Elbel tells the magazine something more is needed. Maybe restaurants could school parents and kids about the ideal range of calories for each meal, he says. Maybe that would make kids clammor for salad.

Then again ...

"Once a decision is made to go to a fast-food restaurant, nutrition information appears to not change choices," Connie Diekman, the director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis, tells US News & World Report.

Well, something needs to be done, Elbel tells the magazine. There's a direct link between fast food and (gasp) obesity.

The law in New York City requires restaurants with 20 or more locations to post calorie information on their menu items. The law took effect in the summer of 2008.

Elbel and his team spent two weeks studying the food choices of 349 kids ages 1 to 17 in low-income New York neighborhoods. They also studied kids' choices in Newark, N.J., where there is no labeling law.

They specifically looked at McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and Kentucky Fried Chicken. About 90 percent of the customers were ethnic or racial minorities.

Some 57 percent of the teenagers in New York said they noticed the labels. Only 9 percent said they cared.

Teens scarfed down an average of 730 calories before the labels were introduced and 755 calories after. However, the calorie count for young children went down. Slightly. The average calories parents ordered for their kids went from 610 to 595 -- not enough to be statistically significant.

What does all this mean?

"It means we're going to have to rethink what other sorts of interventions might be more effective," Elbel tells Reuters news service.

Meanwhile, it's late. Mommy and Daddy are wiped out. The last thing they want to do is cook a meal and clean the kitchen.

Who wants chicken nuggets?

Click here for more information from our partner site on how to eat healthy at a fast-food joint.

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]]>Fast Food Calories New York Labeling Law NYU StudyFastFoodCaloriesNewYorkLabelingLawNyuStudyTom HendersonWed, 16 Feb 2011 16:00:00 ESTMy Kids Won't Eat Healthy Snacks!http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/09/healthy-snacks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/09/healthy-snacks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/09/healthy-snacks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dear AdviceMama,

I have a very difficult time getting my 5-year-old and 9-year-old to eat healthy snacks. All they want are things like potato chips and sugary cereals, which their former babysitter gave them whenever they asked. Any advice?

Signed,
Smart Snacker

Dear Snacker,

As with everything else, the more needy you come across to your children when you want them to do something, the more you run the risk of activating their instinct to do the opposite, especially when they are feeling out of sorts or less connected to you (and therefore less eager to please.)

When you offer your children good food to snack on, try not to come across as though you care so much about whether they eat it. Put the food out in a friendly way, and then busy yourself doing something else. If you hover, or try to sell them on how wonderful the snacks are, they may resist simply because of what I call "MOM TV," which is when our dramatic reactions to our children's behavior is so interesting that it fuels them to further misbehave! Here's my advice:


o. Don't feel obligated to ask your children what they want for their after-school snack if you know it will trigger whining for unhealthy options. Instead, put out things like apples with nut butter, yogurt, or guacamole and chips, rotating what you set out for them to munch on. While some children are what I call "mono-eaters," wanting the same foods every day, most kids enjoy a little variety, and will be more likely to eat if you mix up the foods you set out for them to snack on.

o. Let them see you eating and enjoying the snacks you offer! Sitting down with your children to savor a few minutes of down time and reconnect while refueling is a great way to model healthy snacking. If you're grabbing a bite while you scurry around the kitchen, you'll make it less appealing to your kids to enjoy the yummy food you've prepared!

o. Presentation is everything, and kids are masters of creativity, so let them have fun helping you lay out the snacks in an interesting way. They might decorate a dish of yogurt by making a funny face with raisins, or arrange the chips in a special way around the guacamole. It doesn't take much time to make food look appealing, and it makes children much more interested in eating something when they've been responsible for serving it up in a "fancy" way!

Add relaxed connection and fun to the recipe when you serve up your healthy snacks, and your children will naturally choose to eat the wonderful foods you offer! Bon appetit!

Yours in parenting support,
AdviceMama

AdviceMama, Susan Stiffelman, is a licensed and practicing psychotherapist and marriage and family therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in developmental psychology and a Master of Arts in clinical psychology. Her book, Parenting Without Power Struggles, is available on Amazon. Sign up to get Susan's free parenting newsletter.

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]]>Susan Stiffelman, MFTWed, 09 Feb 2011 11:00:00 ESTSippy Cups: Is Your Child Ready?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/09/sippy-cups/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/09/sippy-cups/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/09/sippy-cups/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


sippy cups

There are lots of options when it comes to sippy cups. Credit: Getty Images

Sippy cups can be a sanity-saving bridge between the bottle and a cup, and they can give your child a bit of independence at a tender age.

Sometime before their first birthday, typically when they are around 9 months old, children may be able to hold a sippy cup and drink from it, says Ying Tarantino, marketing manager for Chandler Ariz.-based Boon Inc.

"Sippy cups are a great transition from bottle to cup," Tarantino tells Parentdish. "It's a great item until they are ready to take on a cup."

When babies can hold a cup up to their lips and drink from it, they are ready to use a sippy cup. Some things to think about include whether the cup is made using bisphenol A, or BPA, a chemical used to harden plastics and prevent bacterial growth that some sippy cup makers have moved away from. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents look for ways to avoid the chemical with infants and young children.

Most manufacturers recommend washing the cups in the top rack of the dishwasher and discarding them at any sign of wear. Based on your child's preferences, you can choose from models with handles, no handles, thermal, stainless, soft lip, firm lip and, of course, a variety of colors and designs.

Once children are around 3 or 4 years old, they may be ready for a traditional cup and a new transition starts. But, until then, you don't have to worry about wiping up any spilled milk.

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]]>bpaevergreensippy cupsippy-cups-bpatoddler-cupstoddlersEllen Rooney MartinWed, 09 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST