Healthy Kid Tips with Chef Nikki Shaw

Healthy eating tips for kids … & adults too!

Check out more recipes at the website of Chef Nikki Shaw.

Chef Nikki Shaw, featured on the popular television series the next Food Network star, knows that it’s not always easy for busy parents and kids to eat healthy meals. She is currently hosting a radio food segment, working on a celebrity cookbook, presenting cooking demonstrations and speaking engagements to help parents and kids prevent childhood obesity. As the owner of flavor caterer, wife of Lakers Assistant Coach Brian Shaw, and mom of three kids, Nikki knows life can be crazy. Work and homework take up most of the day, not always leaving time for homemade meals or exercise. As the childhood obesity rate soars out of control, making time for healthy meals is crucial. There are some easy steps parents and kids can take that don’t require much time. Nikki shares some of the homegrown strategies that she uses with her own busy family:

-Can the soda. With 12-14 teaspoons of sugar per can, soda packs on pounds and causes cavities. Make drinking water fun with straws and sports bottles. Use decorative ice cube trays that make ice in fun shapes.

-Cook for an army. Decrease the demand for fast food. Make a little extra when preparing meals, so that there is always fresh food available in the fridge. Teens can pack homemade leftovers for a healthier lunch the next day.

-Easy access fruits & veggies. Little people like little bite-size pieces. Prepare fruits & veggies as soon as they come home from the store. Wash, cut & pack them in clear containers so kids can see that they are ready to be enjoyed.

-Stick it. Kids love anything served on a stick. Skewer fresh fruits & veggies then watch them quickly disappear.

-Dip it. Serve low fat yogurts and salad dressings on the side of fresh fruits & vegetables. This will make it more fun, delicious & nutritious.

-Fun shaped sandwiches. Use cookie cutters to create fun sandwich designs that kids will love. Choose oven-roasted turkey, chicken and tuna instead of processed lunchmeats. Don’t forget the healthy whole wheat bread.

-Fast food trade-offs. Teach teens to choose wisely when it comes to fast food. If you have to eat fast food, make smarter menu selections. Instead of a burger, fries & shake, order a grilled chicken sandwich, side salad & bottled water. Don’t over-do-it, beware of the “super-size,” this can often be 2 or more regular servings crammed into 1!

-Keep it movin’. Kids learn by your example. If you exercise and participate in outside activities, they will too. Find out which activities they enjoy most. Sign them up on a sports, dance, martial arts or swimming team for healthy extra-curricular fun.

-Time-out for meal time. Eating in front of the screen, whether it’s the tv or the computer is not a good idea. People tend to overeat when they’re distracted. Plus, this is a good time for talking & family bonding.

Enjoy a healthy life!