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Pretend Food Toys from OutoftheToyBox

Antioxidants are all the rage right now in the medical news, but what exactly are they, and why do we need them?  An antioxidant is a substance or nutrient (think vitamin C for one) that can prevent or slow down cell damage done by free radicals.  Free radicals are formed from the oxidation of molecules.  In a nutshell, antioxidants help prevent our bodies from free radical damage.

Pretend Fruit Box from OutoftheToyBox.com

One of my favorite summer fruits is blueberries, which just happen to be full of antioxidants.  Fortunately for me, I live in an area with an abundance of blueberry farms, so I have a plentiful supply of fresh berries when they are in season. I freeze them in the summer months so I can use them all year long in my baked goods, smoothies, and even straight out of the bag.

I also want to make sure my grandson gets his share of antioxidants, so I created these frozen blueberry pops that also incorporate the juice of another fruit rich in antioxidants-the pomegranate.  This recipe is quick and easy, and is a super healthy alternative to the sugar-laden frozen treats found in the grocery store.  Kids love them because they are purple, but they have no idea how healthy they’re eating.

Purple Power Smoothie Pops

Purple Power Smoothie Pops

1/2 cup 100% pure pomegranate juice

1/4 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt

1 medium banana, chopped

1/2 cup fresh or frozen whole blueberries (no need to thaw if frozen)

Place the ingredients in a blender in the order listed; process until smooth.  Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until firm, usually overnight.  This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups smoothie liquid, before freezing.  Popsicle molds will vary in size.  Mine held 1/4 cup of liquid each.

Smoothie Pops

My son-in-law is doing a research paper on childhood obesity, and I have been quite intrigued to read his research findings.  This subject is in the headlines quite often, and there is no disputing that Americans have a weight problem and have handed it down to their children.  Too much television, video games, and social websites like My Space and Face Book, definitely keep children indoors and in stationary positions for long periods of time.  While none of these things are inherently wrong, moderation is the key to keeping kids from being sedentary.

We all know that exercise is good for our bodies, but let me go a step further.  When we exercise and our heart rate goes up, our body releases endorphins, or chemicals in the brain.  These chemicals can moderate our appetite, among other things.   I’m not suggesting that we make our children run five miles a day, but incorporating physical activity into our daily lives is one way to establish a healthy way of life from early on.

We parents need to offer some alternatives to endless television viewing and computer use.  Out of the Toy Box has a fantastic selection of fun toys and games that will draw families outside and get them moving.

Check out these cool, colorful jump ropes by Just Jump It.  They’re reasonably priced so everyone can have their own, and there is also a 16-foot group jump rope that the whole family can play with together.  Imagine how your children will feel with mom and dad jumping alongside them!  This skipper ball and rope is also a variation of a jump rope and helps to develop coordination, as well as getting the heart pumping.

Now that the days are warmer and longer, everyone can go outside and play a game of Yackle Ball.  Yackle Ball is fun for every member of the family because it is specially designed for easy catching, so that even little ones or special needs kids can play along.

My personal favorite is this adorable croquet set by Melissa and Doug. What child won’t want to go outside and play a round of croquet with this colorful equipment?

Happy Giddy Croquet by Melissa & Doug

Sometimes we adults forget that the most mundane chores such as cooking dinner, can, in fact, be quite exciting to a young child.  Cooking together is a fantastic way to spend quality time with children while teaching them a valuable life skill and even a little math and science to boot.  I recently bought my niece Zoe this adorable little chef’s outfit by Melissa & Doug for her fourth birthday, and we had our own pretend cooking show right in the kitchen.  I took the time to help her measure and count, and I even explained technical things, like why baking powder goes into cookie dough.  She might not remember everything we talked about, but I know that she had the time of her life, and the best part for her was getting to eat what she had made and then serving it to others with a big proud grin.

I have found that children love the hands-on part of cooking.  They love putting their little fingers in dough, rolling it into little balls and then patting it out.  I have also found that if they have a part in creating it, they will be more likely to eat it, which is a great trick to getting them to eat healthier foods.   They might not eat raisins or celery alone, but show them how to create “Ants on a Log” and you might be surprised to see them gobble it down.

Cut up a bunch of vegetables and tell your child to arrange them on a big platter any way they want.  This helps them use their imagination and even develop an eye for art by creating a way for them to learn how to combine colors and arrange shapes.

Don’t feel you have to follow a recipe exactly.  Who says that the only thing that goes on a peanut butter sandwich is jelly?  Let them decide what they think would taste good.  If you’re the type that stresses over a dirty kitchen, take a deep breath and just let them do their own thing for a bit.  You’ll be glad you did.