Wednesday May 2, 2012
How do you find the energy to get through a busy day with your preschooler? For mom to three and soccer star Mia Hamm, it's balancing a healthy diet along with incorporating plenty of activity. As spokesperson for the Grain Foods Foundation, she's been working to help busy families make good food choices to help them stay active and healthy.
Read my interview with her here, and find out how she finds time for herself, her favorite foods and how she and her family have fun together.
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Tuesday May 1, 2012
Every Saturday in our house, it's the same thing -- we get up early, pack up our cooler and head to the baseball field for my elder boy's baseball game. It's a tradition we've been doing for years and one I suspect that will continue when my little guy reaches the right age.
And while my preschooler would love to get on the field now (he's got a few years before he turns six unfortunately), I keep his enthusiasm for the sport alive with baseball books. Our new favorite title is Randy Riley's Really Big Hit (compare prices) by Chris Van Dusen. It's the story of Randy, a smart kid who loves baseball. Unfortunately, he isn't too terrific at the sport, but one day when he spies a fireball headed towards earth, he gets his brains and his bat to work together to come up with a solution.
This book offers up an entertaining tale, but also teaches kids an important lesson about being themselves and having confidence in their abilities. Great text and visually interesting illustrations add to the whole package.
What is your preschooler's favorite sport?
Related: Should My Preschooler Play a Sport?
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Book cover image: Candlewick Press
Monday April 30, 2012
Around this time two years ago, I got an iPhone (it was a Mother's Day gift). While I quickly fell in love with the thing, so did my three kids, something I wasn't expecting to happen. And while I use my iPhone quite often, so do they, thanks to the host of apps (educational and entertaining) geared at kids of all ages. (From what I understand from my friends with kids the same age, my situation is far from unique!)
And while I have a story on the site that reviews some apps for preschoolers, there are thousands of them -- there is no way I could get to every one of them! So that's where you come in. Do you have a favorite app for your little one to play with on your smartphone? Does your preschooler? Share about them here, so we can all take a look. Then check out what apps other parents like, and consider trying them for your own phone.
Did you think you would be handing your smartphone over to your preschooler as much as you do?
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Saturday April 28, 2012
I have a very bad habit and I know I'm not the only one. Instead of making my own meals (or, even worse, despite eating my own meals), I finish whatever my kids leave on their plates. Doesn't matter if I'm hungry or not, I just swoop in and clear it off. Part of it is that I hate to see food wasted, but part of it is just subconscious. I don't even realize I'm doing it half the time.
Lately I've been doing my best to eat better. And while I'm trying to cut down on snacking, I'm learning that smart snacks can be an everyday part of healthy living. To that end, enter Kellogg's Special K Granola Bars (compare prices). I had the opportunity to try some and from the first bite, I knew I found my snack solution. The 110 calorie bars come in two flavors to please the sweet tooth in me -- Dark Chocolate and Chocolatey Peanut Butter -- and feature 4g of fiber and 4g of protein.
Even more, the folks at Special K and Kellogg's have offered up these tips for ongoing weight management.
- Divide your plate. At mealtime, manage your portions by dividing your plate. Fill half of your plate with veggies or salad, but steer clear of fatty dressings. One-quarter should be lean protein -- fish, chicken or beef -- grilled, baked or poached. And the last quarter should be starch -- but watch the butter or oil. It's easy to remember at home or in a restaurant.
- Plan ahead. Curb the afternoon munchies by planning ahead. Tempted to hit that vending machine? Have some string cheese, a Special K Granola Bar or a handful of nuts ready to help keep you satisfied. Keep them in your car, desk drawer and purse for a quick snack.
- Start journaling. Keep a food journal noting what you eat, how much, when and where. Journaling can help hold you accountable for what you eat and makes you think twice before overindulging. Plus, you can track and feel good about your progress.
What is your favorite snack?
Related: Recipes Made with Kellogg's Cereals
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Disclosure: Review product was provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.
