Parenting

5 Cookbooks to Get the Whole Family Cooking

Whether you’re in the kitchen or at the grill, there’s a recipe that needs to be followed. But those recipes sure do get old fast. Before long, your family has grown tired of the same old, same old.

As we head toward the new year, what better time is there to recommend five new cookbooks that can get the whole family excited about the age-old question: what’s for dinner?

 

Healthy Foundation: Children’s Dairy Recommendations by Age

The early years of life are extremely important in a child’s overall growth and development – and adequate nutrition can help decrease the risk of nutritional deficiencies, illnesses and diseases now and for years to come. Additionally, good nutrition in the initial years can help kiddos develop healthy eating habits for a lifetime – which is why, as a mom of three and a registered dietitian nutritionist, I have always placed high value on the importance of child nutrition and getting my kids involved in the kitchen.

Summertime Activities: Creative #DairyAmazing Crafts

Growing up, my favorite part of summer was going to camp. Every year I would look forward to playing in the river, sleeping outside, cooking over a fire and spending time at one of my favorite places, the craft cabin. For many kids, this summer is unlike any other – with summer camps canceled and regular activities – like going to the pool – much harder (or impossible) to do. And many parents, like myself, are looking for things for my kiddo to do.

Homemade Ice Cream (No Churn Needed)

Old-school homemade ice cream is always a crowd favorite and takes me back to summers spent with my family. But sometimes we don’t have time for the full process, and some of us might not own an ice cream maker or ice cream freezer. Most no-churn recipes you see online just involve sticking something in the freezer that ends up too dense and difficult to scoop. Good news – you can use a couple of zip-close bags to get light, creamy ice cream without the churn. It’s super simple, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. 

Teaching Kids Math in the Kitchen: Cost Per Serving

Whether you’re looking to succeed in school, the real world or a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), math is an invaluable subject to master. Some people naturally excel in math and love it. And some, like me, need a little extra help to grasp the concepts. No matter which camp you or your kiddos fall into, using food and recipes is a great way to have fun and help your children understand several basic mathematical concepts.

Here are some great ways to work mathematical concepts into your kitchen and cook up some yummy homework.

Sports Nutrition for Teen Athletes

It’s important that teenage athletes ensure they’re eating a well-rounded and balanced diet. After all, nutrition is not only key for athletic performance, but proper nutrition promotes optimal growth – specifically in the peak years of adolescence. The nutrients in food provide the needed carbohydrates for working muscles; protein for growth, development and repair of muscles; and fats for energy, insulation and protection of organs.

Nutrition’s Role in Injury Prevention for Athletes

Every season we see athletes spending more time in the gym or on the field pushing to improve their skills. But we hear less about their efforts to fuel up their bodies before and after those tough workouts – even though diet makes a difference in athletic performance and muscle health. Perhaps, the most overlooked hinderance to success and contributor to injuries is a lack of proper nutrition.

Why Kids Should Be Active on Summer Break

Summer is coming, and long days without school can leave parents wondering how to keep their kids active and healthy. During the school year, recess, athletics and school sports provide the recommended daily 60 minutes of physical activity, but during summer it can be easy for kids to get off track. Instead of spending their summer break in front of the television or playing video games, here are some ideas to help you keep them moving: