SKN Blog

A new study to be published in Appetite magazine showed that children are willing to eat twice as much fruit when it is prepared in a visually appealing way. These results give parents and the food service industry new ideas about how to increase a child’s overall fruit intake. They already have one advantage to making fruits and vegetables good looking –they are naturally colorful! Study Specifics: Included children aged between 4 an...

The AVERAGE kid takes in way too much sugar! For kids ages 2 to 3 years of age it's about 14 teaspoons per day. For kids ages 4 to 5, it's about 17 teaspoons per day.  That’s just the average kid.  The highest level of added sugar is a whooping 23 teaspoons per day for the youngest preschool kids and more than 26 teaspoons per day for older preschool kids. (The Journal of pediatrics. January 2005; vol 146: pp 105-111) No suprise here, I'v...

With summer days getting hotter, cold foods are a welcomed taste.  Here are some great whole foods to try frozen. The best part is frozen fruits and vegetable are often less expensive.  Your child may like a food frozen, he doesn't prefer at room temperature or heated.  Check out your frozen fruit section of the grocery store. Just don’t savor the moment too long when eating, or they’ll lose their cool. frozen pistachios –the...

What is a whole grain? All grains come from nature as whole grain Whole grains are made up of three layers: Bran: Contains vitamins, antioxidants, fiber Endosperm: Contains carbohydrates and protein. It is the part used to make flour. Germ: Contains vitamins, minerals, protein & healthy fats. Why eat whole grains? Provides long lasting energy Fiber lowers your risk of heart disease, diabetes & stroke. It...

Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, washed and thoroughly dried* 2 T. canola, safflower, or grapeseed oil** Sprinkle of salt Optional seasonings (use just one): Chipotle chili powder, rosemary, cumin, cinnamon, garlic powder Preheat oven to 450°F.  Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise, then into 1/2 inch strips—this will create wedges; if you want your fries matchstick shaped, cut strips in half.  Parcook the fries in the micr...

Children love learning new things, especially when it involves hands-on activities and food! By combining foods with hands-on activities, children can engage in learning basic skills in an interesting way. Here are a few suggestions to try with your children:  Choose kid-friendly recipes to help teach different lessons. If you are working on letters, you can choose an apple dipping sauce for A, or F for fruit salad. Each week choose�...

Probiotics are living bacteria that can promote health when we include them in our diet through foods. Here’s an excerpt on why families should include probiotics in their diet.  Enhanced immunity — the gut is your immune command center, overseeing regulation of immune responses including inflammation. Probiotics have been shown to boost immune function. Reduction of disease-causing bacteria — when beneficial probiotics populate your...

Side Dishes That Will Energize Your Memorial Day BBQ: Corn on the Cob –go light on the butter or try a healthy butter substitute Baked Navy Beans Whole Wheat Pasta Salad with tomatoes, olives and roasted glass jar peppers, made using light salad dressing –add balsamic vinegar for some extra pizzazz Bean Salad made with black beans, garbanzo beans, and kidney beans, mixed with cider vinegar & OJ. People who include beans several ...

Start incorporating these healthy eating habits today that will last a lifetime: Model It – Walk the walk and talk the talk.  Give your kids the best example of health by living it. Slow Down When You Eat – Eat slowly to give your brain time to get the message that your stomach is full.  Play Every Day - Get your family moving together: walk, hike, bike and play. Make Meal Time Memories – Cook and eat together. Brake for Fruit...

I saw this posting on free celiac and gluten-free teleseminars. 1 in a 110 Americans have Celiac Disease and it's repsonsible for many ailments. Next Tuesday June 22 at 830 EST  you can tune into expert Shelley Case, RD. On July 13, Dr. Daniel Leffler from the celiac center in Boston will be speaking. These  free teleseminars are for consumers and dietitians. For more information and to sign up check out: http://www.glutenfreesnacksforme.com/2...