WHY KIDS SHOULD EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

“I don’t want to!” How many times as a parent have you heard this when trying to get a child to eat their veggies?

One of the most challenging issues that parents face today is getting their children to eat more fruits and vegetables. Most children will not lean towards eating their vegetables, which results in many children not getting the get vital nutrients that they need. It’s recommended that kids get five or more servings of veggies and fruits a day. Less than half of America’s kids are getting the correct amount. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 10 children get the correct amount of fruits and vegetables into their daily diets.

Why would we focus on getting more fruits and vegetables into their diets than? There are more than a million reasons why it’s important. Children grow quickly and their bodies need good nutrition. Junk food that children prefer do not offer any, and only increase their risk for disease. The variety of vegetables and fruits that a child eats will help their growing bodies.

For example, spinach is a good source of iron. Iron helps red blood cells deliver oxygen around the body, and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. A lack of iron can lead to several problems, including anemia. Oranges have Vitamin C which boosts the immune system, carrots are rich with Vitamin A which helps eyes, and kale is calcium rich. Eating more fruits and veggies will also help control a child’s weight.

Childhood obesity has quadrupled in the past thirty years and shows no sign of slowing down. Early obesity has lead kids to have an increased risk of high cholesterol, depression, and Type 2 diabetes. Fruits and veggies are low in calories, fat, and sugar, but are rich in fiber. This means kids will feel fuller for longer and be less likely to pick up food that is high in fat, sugar and calories.

There are many ways to get children to eat more fruits and vegetables. It’s important to be a good role model for your children, so set the example. Here are a few tips on how to do that: Fill your plate with more fruits and vegetables to show how delicious they can be. Pair them with an entree that they are less likely to eat as well. What does this mean? Don’t serve chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, hamburgers with broccoli or kale. Get your kids involved with the process. Take them to the store to let them pick the produce themselves, then let them help make it. When kids take an active role in the food they make, they are more likely to eat it.

The important thing is that they are getting their recommended amount. In the end, find something that works for your child.

The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

With Halloween and Thanksgiving approaching, we’re in the middle of apple season. Most of us wait all year to be able to sip on freshly pressed apple cider. But what can apple cider vinegar do for you? If you keep up with health blogs, you’ll notice apple cider vinegar does just about everything. Called ACV by many, it is commonly touted as a safe, natural, and effective panacea.

Skeptics of a tart liquid made from fermented apples that can cure diabetes, banish acne, soothe a sore throat, whiten teeth, banish dandruff, and can enhance one’s life. There’s been such a fuss about apple cider vinegar that we had look into what science actually says. Heres a few things that scientists have found ACV can do for you.

It Promotes Stable Blood Sugar

If you find your blood sugar spiking and crashing (from too many refined carbs), theacetic acid found in ACV contains anti-glycemic properties. Studies have found that consuming apple cider vinegar before a meal can help keep these spikes at bay. This could be why people who take ACV claim that it boosts their mood and energy.

Fight Bacteria

Used to combat infections like ulcers and sores since the times of ancient Greeks. Theres plenty of studies on documenting vinegar’s antimicrobial effects, but just because it is capable of fighting bacterial infections does not mean using it do so is a good idea. Because it is so acidic, you won’t want to pour it into your ears for an ear infection, or using it on an open cut or sore. It can actually do more harm than good.

Soothe Jellyfish Stings

In the event you are stung by a jellyfish, dousing the affected area in ACV can help. It deactivates nematocysts, the sharp barbs that jellyfish use to inject the venom. Warm water is said to save the same effect.

The Safe Way To Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid contains some great benefits, but being high in acetic acid, and consumed in large portions it can be poisonous. So you gotta be careful.

Researchers say the best way to take ACV is in tiny doses. If you want to drink it, swig a tablespoon diluted in water no more than twice a day. Chasing it food is another important element which will help clear the acid out of your throat faster and prevent irritation.

If you are going to use it on your skin, make sure you dilute it hot water and dunk a face towel or a rag in the mixture. Studies show you can steam your face with the rag for 12 minutes.

The Bottom Line

The research on ACV has been looked into for its effects on blood sugar, and those studies pan out. Experts also accept that ACV has antibacterial properties too. Because it is a vinegar using it on sore throats and open wounds might not be the best choice. For other areas, there’s no data to 100% back up what ACV is capable of, but proceeding to use it with caution.

The Healthiest Cities in the United States

Living in a city where health is the norm can be that extra motivation you need to get off the couch and go run in the park. Surrounding yourself with healthy, positive people with fit bodies creates a virtuous cycle and pushes everyone to work out more often and eat better.

These are the best cities in the United States to make it easy to make healthier decisions and build healthier habits.

Greg Peter’s Healthiest Cities

 

Washington D.C.

The capital city is filled with beautiful parks, and those parks are always filled people working out. The smoking rate is very low and the availability of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables contribute to the health of D.C’s citizens. Even with the highly stressful work environment, heart disease rates are low.

Portland, Oregon

Portland is one of the cities where outdoor recreation is just part of the culture. People just assume you rock climb, bike or run. There is also as more healthy food options than fast food options.

Hartford, Connecticut

High quality hospitals and high incomes contribute to the health of this city. Surveys reveal residents of Hartford rank health as a priority, which is likely why the city has low rates of heart disease and diabetes.

San Diego, California

San Diego earns its title of America’s Finest City because of its weather. It’s a little to spread out to bike to work, but San Diegans can be active outdoors year round. Having a beach body isn’t just for the summer in this city.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

As one of the first cities to add bike trails, you will often see people outside biking to work during summer months. It is also a beautiful city with plenty of recreation possibilities. However, Minneapolis makes the list primarily because of the consistent low rates of heart disease and diabetes.

Denver, Colorado

If you’ve ever been to Denver, Colorado you know how many options they have for outdoor activities. Denver’s population doesn’t let these opportunities go to waste either. Low rates of disease and high rates of people very physically fit.