Teach kids to love their vegetables

Greens Of GoodnessWhen veggies are forced to compete with fast food and sugary sweets, it’s no wonder that kids turn up their noses when you feed them the green stuff. It doesn’t have to be that way though. Teach your kids to love their vegetables with these simple tips.

Start young.

The sooner you start promoting veggies to your kids, the more likely they will learn to love these nutrient-rich foods. Start by exposing your children to veggies as soon as they begin eating solid fare. Even if your children seem to dislike a new veggie at first, keep on trying. It can take between five and 10 exposures for your children to warm up to a new food.

Get creative.

Kids love crafts and creativity, so use that to your advantage when serving your kids veggies. Consider trying the following veggie crafts:

Cucumber cookies: Purchase cucumbers with a wide diameter and slice them into round pieces about 1/8-inch thick. Help your kids use small cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes such as stars, hearts and butterflies. "Ice" the cookies with a thin layer of low-fat ranch dressing or plain Greek yogurt.Salad faces: Set out a plate of lettuce, sliced carrots, sliced peppers, radishes, cucumbers and grape tomatoes. Give your child a paper plate and a little bit of ranch dressing as "glue." Have him arrange a variety of veggies into a funny face on the plate before "gluing" them in place. Once the face has been assembled, she can eat the masterpiece.Veggie tic-tac-toe: Draw a tic-tac-toe board on a paper towel or paper plate. Slice up at least five pieces of four different kinds of colorful veggies. Popular veggies include carrots, cucumbers, broccoli or grape tomatoes. Let your child choose which vegetable to use as his or her game pieces and proceed to play a game of tic-tac-toe. Whoever wins gets to eat five veggie pieces of his or her choice and gets to assign five veggie pieces to the loser. Continue playing until all the veggies are gone.Teach & engage.

When your children understand all the benefits of eating veggies, they may be more inclined to eat them. Explain that the vitamins and minerals found in veggies can help improve their eyes, skin, hair and nails while also helping their bodies grow and develop the way they're supposed to. After teaching them about the benefits of veggies, take them to the grocery store and let them choose any two veggies that they want to try. Once you get home, help them research recipes that use these veggies and work together to make the dish. You'll quickly discover that kids are more inclined to eat exotic dishes if they feel invested in the food on hand.

How children like their veggies cooked

Kids and veggies: It's often a love/hate relationship -- you love them, they hate them. Maybe the key is in the preparation. A new Dutch study finds that crunchiness counts.

More eating tips for healthy kids

Pick eater help: 12 tips for parents
5 Simple rules for raising healthy kids
Best exercise games for healthy kids

5 Easy ways to fit in a workout

No time to work out? No excuse! Sure, you might be too busy to spend an hour (or even 30 minutes) at the gym, but there are easy ways to be a little more active each and every day, even if you’re stuck in the office.

Little moves that deliver big results

FitOrbit.com trainer Amanda Ebner shares 5 “sneaky ways” to fit exercise into your super busy day.

Use the rule of three

If you don't have time for a steady 30-minute cardio session, break your workout into three 10-minute segments instead.

“Set your alarm 10 minutes earlier and kick out the first one before work, spend 10 minutes of your lunch hour sweating out the second segment and cool down your day with a final 10 minutes when you get home,” Ebner says. “The key with shorter workouts is to keep the intensity high (think running, circuit training, or plyometrics) and stay focused on your effort — this is not the time to read a magazine or take a leisurely stroll.”

The triple threat workout >>Don't fight the fidgets

Stuck in meetings and dying to get up and get moving? Tap your toes, play with your pencil, and swivel your chair. Sound crazy? “It might, but fidgeters (those who engage in spontaneous and constant minor activity) can burn around 108 extra calories daily just from refusing to sit still. If you're not a natural busybody, try bouncing your knees up and down from your chair, shifting your weight from side to side while standing in line or tapping your fingers on your desk while you brainstorm. Those daily calories can add up to nearly one pound burned per month,” Ebner says.

Treat it like a meeting

We all live and die by our calendars these days, so why not make an appointment you absolutely can't miss—with the gym.

“Trying to squeeze in a workout on an already-packed day can seem like a chore, but planning your workout ahead of time (for example, penciling in that Tuesday yoga class with your favorite instructor or blocking out 45 minutes to try that new P90X video) can actually relieve stress by making your workout seem like just another part of your busy day,” Ebner says.

Get on the ball

Swapping out your regular chair for a stability ball is a very sneaky way to strengthen your core and lower back muscles, improve your posture and even burn a few extra calories during your workday.

Got more time (and an office with a door)? “Add stability ball crunches, push-ups, and roll-ins to your repertoire and complete 10 of each exercise every hour on the hour. You'll be feeling the burn by lunchtime!”

7 Items for your fitness bucket list >>Find an app for that

Training apps for the iPhone or Android have become seriously sophisticated over the past few years, and many of the best apps are under less than $5 or even free (think Nike Training Club, MyTrainer or MapMyFitness).

“You can have a full workout at the touch of a button without spending a ton of time trying to think up programs or download training plans. Need more personalization? Check out FitOrbit.com, an online personal training site that connects you with real-life personal trainers and nutrition plans for less than $2 a day,” Ebner suggests.

Click here for more easy ways to sneak in a workout! >> More on SHAPE

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How to Simple playground workouts

Play Your Way To FitnessIt's tempting to use playground time as an opportunity to catch up on the latest celebrity gossip zines, but you should really get up off that park bench and get your butt in shape. As your kids tear around the jungle gym like wild monkeys, use the equipment as your own personal (and free!) fitness center.

Slides, swings and monkey bars may look like child's play, but with a little imagination, they can be used to create an incredible full-body workout. Every playground is a little bit different, so you may need to scope out the situation to come up with a game plan, but here are just a few ideas for turning your playtime into gym time.

Box jumps

Who needs a plyometric box? Just find an elevated step or park bench and get to hopping! Just remember to keep your feet hip-width apart and to land each jump with "soft knees" to help prevent injuries. Targets your entire lower body: glutes, hamstrings, quads, hips and calves.

Workout suggestion: Perform two sets of 10 to 12 jumps.

Calf raises

Use a step, ladder or curb to perform calf raises. The elevation allows you to increase the range of motion, enhancing the exercise. Just be sure not to use your upper body to help pull you up as you raise your body up onto your toes. Use your hands for balance only. Targets your calves.

Workout suggestion: Perform three sets of 15 calf raises.

Suspension lunge

Skip TRX class and opt for a swing, instead! Swings are like the original suspension trainer, forcing you to concentrate on balance and stability while performing traditional movements. To perform a suspension lunge, start by balancing on one foot, placing the top of your opposite foot on the seat of a swing. Extend your back leg behind you as you lower yourself toward the ground into a lunge. When your front knee forms a 90-degree angle, return to start. Targets your entire lower body and core.

Workout suggestion: Perform two sets of 10 to 12 lunges on each side.

Triceps dip

Playgrounds are full of bars and handles! Locate a bar that you can rest both hands on, at a height that allows you to start with your hips forming a 90-degree angle, as though you were seated in a chair. Keeping your lower body steady, bend your elbows and begin lowering your hips toward the ground. When your elbows form a 90-degree angle, reverse the movement and return to start. Targets your triceps.

Workout suggestion: Perform two sets of 10 to 12 dips.

Suspension plank

If you think a traditional plank is hard, try a suspension plank! By balancing your upper body on a swing, you'll have to fully engage your shoulders, chest, hips and core as you work to keep your body tight and straight. As an alternative, rest your hands on the ground, with your feet on the swing's seat. Targets your chest, shoulders and core.

Workout suggestion: Perform two 30-second planks.

Lateral traveling plank

If your playground has steps or pods of varying heights, use them to perform a lateral traveling plank. Like a standard plank, the traveling plank will challenge your core, but it will also force you to engage your upper and lower body more fully. Just be careful and make sure you're planting your hands firmly on each pod before working your way across the steps — you don't want to slip! Targets your chest, shoulders, hips and core.

Workout suggestion: Work your way up and down the pods five times without resting.

Assisted pull-up

All those bars and handles can be used to work your back muscles, too. Just find a bar that allows you to rest your heels on the ground with your body at an angle. Start with your arms fully extended, then pull yourself up to the bar. Lower yourself back to start and continue the exercise. Targets your back and biceps.

Workout suggestion: Perform two sets of 10 to 12 pull-ups.

More great workouts for moms

Mom swap: Ways to change up your gym routine
Slim without the gym: The 10-move home workout
Workout moves with baby in tow

Tonight's Dinner Chicken and biscuits recipe

Nothing Beats Biscuits Swimming In GravyBiscuits are usually reserved for fancy dinners or fast food breakfasts. But they're just as delicious soaked in gravy for a weeknight dinner.

Sometimes you just need a slice of bread or a roll to eat with your chicken dinner. It just makes the meal complete. And the best type of bread is a biscuit that's soaked in the gravy the chicken was cooked in. I always considered chicken and biscuits a winter meal, but this comfort food is yummy all year-round. And with so many delicious fresh vegetables, especially rainbow carrots, available at the farmers market now, it's actually a perfect choice for a summer family meal.

Chicken and biscuits

Serves 4

Ingredients:1 package biscuit mix2 strips bacon, chopped1 tablespoon olive oil4 chicken legs4 chicken breastsSalt and pepper to taste2 carrots, chopped2 celery stalks, chopped1 onion, chopped2 tablespoons flour3 cups chicken stock, dividedDirections:

Make the biscuits according to package directions and set aside.While the biscuits are cooking, heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel, reserving the oil and bacon grease in the pot.Remove the skin from the chicken legs and breasts and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the pot and brown on all sides over medium-high heat. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.Reduce the heat to medium and cook the carrots, celery and onion until tender, about four minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Add the chicken stock and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up all the browned bits from the pan and cook for another two minutes.Add the chicken and bacon back into the pot. Pour in the remaining chicken stock, cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes. Uncover the pot and cook for another 15 to 30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked. Ladle the chicken and sauce over the biscuits and serve.

More Tonight's Dinner recipes >>Other biscuit recipes

7UP biscuits
Blackberry & lemon breakfast biscuits
Pull apart cinnamon biscuits

Huge Halloween candy recall

Halloween Candy Contains Nuts, LeadSeveral candy manufacturers issued recalls on their Halloween candies for everything from peanuts to high levels of lead. Find out if your candy is affected and what you can do with the dangerous candies.

Some kids who thought they received treats last night really received some dangerous tricks.

Several candymakers are recalling Halloween candy -- some candy contains peanuts, some contain metal and others tested positive for high levels of lead.

Yikes. Absolutely scary (and not the fun Halloween kind.)

Here's a full list of the recalled candy and what you should do with affected candy.

Nestle Raisinets

Nestle has issued a recall on their Fun Size bags (10 oz.) after a few consumers complained they found peanuts in their bags. If you think you have affected candy, Nestle advises you to check your bag for the production code 02015748 and UPC number 2800010255. If you have these, throw the remaining packages away and contact Nestlé Consumer Service's phone at 1-800-478-5670 to receive a full refund.

Hersey's York pieces

Hersey's has issued a recall on their 5 oz. bags of bite-sized York pieces after pieces of metal were found in several packages. Check your packages for the UPC 34000-11435-000 and a production code starting with 27 or 28. If you have these, contact Hersey's customer relations hotline at 1-800-468-1714 for further instructions.

Columbina USA Mega Pop Lollipops (Imported from Columbia)

Columbina USA has issued a voluntary recall on their Mega Pop Lollipops because metal and other foreign materials were found in some lollipops. Affected candy comes in 14 and 28 oz. packages containing multiple flavors. If you have this candy, check the packages for UPC codes 0 14272 10873 9 or 0 14272 10862 3 and Lot numbers #1240695, #1209708, or #1209796. The company advises consumers to return the Mega Pop Lollipops to their point of purchase for a full refund or credit. You can also contact Columbina's 24-hour customer service hotline at 1-888-317-3686.

Anhing Corp. DaiJyoBu Ginger Candy (Imported from China)

Anhing Corp has recalled their DaiJyoBu Ginger Candy after California's Department of Public Health found illegally high levels of lead in the candies. Anhing Corp. advises consumers to return the candy to the point of purchase for a full refund.

Chula Vista Candy Company Candy El Pecas Saladitos & Candy El Pecas Saladitos con Limon (Imported from China)

The Chula Vista Candy Company issued a recall on both of these candies because the California Department of Public Health found lead in the candies at seven times the legal limit. If you have these either flavors of salted plums, or find them for sale, contact the CDPH at 1-800-495-3232.

More recent recalls

Hyland's teething tablets recalled
Tylenol 8-hour caplets recalled
Wal-Mart and Kroger frozen vegetables recalled

Easy peasy fruit and yogurt popsicles recipe

An Easy Healthy
Treat For Little OnesSometimes getting your children to eat a healthy snack is a complete fail especially if your child is a picky eater. Here we share this great idea for fruit and yogurt popsicles which focuses on using fresh or frozen fruits and yogurt. Simply blend the ingredients and freeze for a fantastic snack that makes kids happy and keeps moms smiling.

As a mom, nothing is more difficult than trying to incorporate healthier snack options into your children's diet. Here we share this great recipe that uses any type of fresh or frozen fruit you have on hand and yogurt (we used Stonyfield YoKids brand) sweetened up with honey or agave nectar. Simply blend, freeze and enjoy. These are great for kids of any age especially in the warmer months.

Easy peasy fruit and yogurt popsicles recipe

Yield 6-8 popsicles depending on the size of molds or cups used

Ingredients:1 cup yogurt such as Stonyfield YoKids1 cup either fresh or frozen fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, bananas or peaches2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar1 set of 6 popsicle molds (if you do not have a popsicle mold you can also use small paper cups, wooden sticks and aluminum foil) Directions:

In a blender or a food processor add the fresh or frozen fruit, the honey and the yogurt blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy.Fill each of the popsicle molds 3/4 of the way full, then add the top. Place the mold in the freezer and freeze several hours or until the popsicles are frozen solid. Remove the tops from the mold and enjoy.If using paper cups follow the same process making sure not to overfill the cups. Place the paper cups on a dinner plate and cover with the aluminum foil. Make one small slit in the top of the foil over each cup and add a wooden stick (the foil will help support the stick until the popsicle freezes). Once frozen simply peel the paper cup away from the popsicle and enjoy.

More healthy recipe ideas for kids

Kid friendly recipes from A - Z
Healthy lunches for toddlers
5 Fun ways to get kids to eat healthy

Party-size snack recipes

Mega MunchiesSnacks. Appetizers. Tapas. Call them what you like. Just make sure they look fantastic, taste delicious, and that you have plenty of them! After all, good munchies make the party! Here are three recipes to try at your next football bash, holiday cocktail party or family get-together.

Pizza bitesIngredients:Pre-made pizza doughShredded mozzarella cheesePizza sauceFresh basilGrated Parmesan cheeseGarlic powderButterDirections:

Let dough sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly grease two pie plates.Slice mozzarella log into 24 pieces. Set aside.Dust work surface with flour. Roll pizza dough into a 9×12- inch rectangle. Cut the pizza dough into 12 squarish shapes with a pizza cutter. Cut the shorter side into three strips and the longer side into four.Place cheese and whatever fillings you're using onto each square. Fold dough corners into middle, like an envelope. The bottom of the pizza bite will be where the corners meet. Turn over and pinch together any open ends.Place 12 bites in each prepared pie plate. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan and garlic.

Bite size comfort foods >>Baked buffalo chicken poppersIngredients:3 cups cooked shredded chicken1/4 to 1/2 cup hot sauce3-1/2 ounces softened cream cheese1-3/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese1 cup all-purpose flour4 lightly beaten eggs3 to 4 cups panko bread crumbsDirections:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce and cheddar cheese.Roll a heaping tablespoon of mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls and place onto a plate.Place flour in a shallow dish.Place eggs in a second shallow dish.Place corn flakes in a third shallow dish.Dip each chicken ball first into the flour, then the egg and then the bread crumbs. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Bite sized party food >>Soft pretzel sticksIngredients:1 packet active dry yeast3 teaspoons dark brown sugar1-1/2 cups warm water1 tablespoon salt4 cups all-purpose flourCornmeal and extra flourKosher saltDirections:

In a large bowl, combine yeast with 1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar and water, and let stand for five minutes. Add remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar and salt, and stir well. Add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing by hand until well incorporated. Knead dough about seven minutes, until it is smooth and shiny. Transfer to a bowl, cover with a clean towel and let it stand for 40 minutes in a warm place.Dust your work surface with flour and cornmeal. Divide dough into approximately 12 pieces, and roll out to desired length and thickness. Cut rolled dough into sticks, and transfer to a cornmeal dusted baking sheet. Let pretzels rise for 30 minutes, uncovered.Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.Carefully transfer risen pretzels to boiling water with a spatula, and boil on one side for two minutes. Then flip and boil other side for one and a half minutes. Transfer boiled pretzels to a rack to drain for one minute. Arrange pretzel sticks on a cornmeal dusted baking sheet, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Make your appetizer look gourmet >>Watch: How to make grilled quesadillas

Rachael Ray shows us how to make another great party snack: easy grilled quesadillas. Yum-o!

More entertaining ideas

How to make a great appetizer menu
Party-size snack recipes
Best party dip recipes

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