MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - July 12, 2010) - (Family Features) While students are enjoying summer break, parents should make certain their children are not taking a vacation from the structured meal schedule and guaranteed physical activity that many benefit from during the school year. Nutrition and education experts warn that for too many kids, summer is a time when bad eating habits can prevail.
Child nutrition expert and mother Jodie Shield, RD, says, "It can be a struggle to ensure kids are not only having fun, but also getting the nutrients they need, during the summer months, but there are things you can do to make learning about and eating vegetables fun."
To help parents meet their children's recommended two to five cups of fruits and vegetables each day, Shield offers these inventive activities and delicious recipe ideas - all guaranteed to help kids love their veggies.
Vegetable Garden "Dirt" Cups with Ranch Dip
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Serves 8 - 10
You'll Need:
2-4 | cups pumpernickel pretzel or dark corn chip crumbs |
2 | cups Hidden Valley Original Ranch Light Dressing |
Variety of vegetables for dipping: mini carrots with tops, pea pods, mini sunburst squash, celery sticks, green beans or whatever your child likes to dip |
Visit LoveYourVeggies.com for more fun recipes, tips and activities to help your kids eat right and beat the heat this summer.