Healthier Frozen Pop Maker

From KidCrave.com: Summer just isn't summer without ice pops! But that doesn't mean your kids have to spend their days on a constant sugar high. With a Zoku Quick Pop Character Tool Kit on hand, kids can make funny faces and characters using bits of fresh fruit as popsicle additions. The kit includes 14 stencils to create a limitless range of designs. Fun and healthy summer treats are a win win for everyone!

Available on Amazon.

'MyPlate' Replaces Food Guide Pyramid

Does anyone else think the plate looks too full? And that there's too much protein and grains? It's so much better than a pyramid for helping kids visualize what foods, and how much of them, belong in a meal, though. Even so, many children are conditioned to eat only processed foods, washed down with cola at every meal. Add years of little to no exercise and we're looking at generations of adults with poor health. (Make the fork bigger at least.) This is a fine initiative overall in my opinion and helps point the way toward better food choices. 

Recommendations from the USDA Website:
- Enjoy your food, but eat less.
- Avoid oversize portions.
Foods to increase: Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Make at least half your grains whole grains. Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk.
Foods to reduce: Compare sodium in packaged foods and choose products with lower numbers. Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Since the big food companies drive so much government policy, it is not surprising that little to no mention is made of changing beef, poultry and egg consumption, which has such a profound effect on our environment and consumer health. It will be interesting to see how this policy evolves over time. For more information on the new food recommendations, see the USDA Website.

Yahoo! and Kraft Launch Snacktastic! on Shine

Yahoo! recently launched a new site, “Make it Snacktastic!” on Shine, that’s all about snacking, crafts, and games for kids. One of the largest custom programs that Yahoo! has taken on with Kraft, the site offers moms a one-stop shop for fun and entertaining activities.
Snacktastic’s diverse and imaginative content includes:

• Tips for moms, featuring custom content from Shine and the Yahoo! Contributor Network
• Original videos of moms making fun and healthful snacks with their kids, plus user-generated videos from moms making snacks with Kraft Singles
• A module featuring Kraft snack recipes
• Polls to engage visitors with questions about snacking
• Videos of easy, fanciful crafts and activities
• Feeds from the Kraft Singles Facebook page, and a link to follow Kraft Singles on Twitter
• A sweepstakes that will run from August to September

Easy After-School Snacks

Getting kids to skip the junk is a snap with these healthy, simple alternatives.

Cheese and Veggie Quesadillas

Preparation Time: 12 minutes

Not only is this a fast and easy snack, kids quickly learn how to make them themselves. They also serve as a light "staple" meal that everyone in the family can turn to once they get the basic recipe - which is versatile, and addictive!

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Peanut Butter Dip

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Apples, pretzels, celery, peanut butter, maple syrup

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Yogurt, Granola and Berry Parfaits

Preparation Time: 12 minutes

Low fat vanilla yogurt, fresh blackberries and strawberries, granola

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Red Ants on a Log

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Celery, dried cherries, whipped cream cheese, fruit jelly

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Fun Animal Recipes

Caterpillar Cake

Kids love bugs, and they'll love helping decorate this cupcake creation. They'll come up with their own ways to use gum drops, licorice strings, fruit roll ups - any small edibles you have around - for eyes, antennae and legs!

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