HEALTHY SWAPS FOR CHILDREN

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Sometimes, despite our best intentions, bad habits creep in when bringing up children. Life gets busy with toddlers around and to add to that we are all creatures of habit so it takes a conscious effort and some careful thought to make just a few everyday changes that will add to your child's overall health. Developing a general love for playing outdoors, eating fruit and vegetables and reading can make all the difference to the development of your child. Here are just a few swaps that are so easily made to help you along the path to health.

SWAP JUICE FOR WATER

The American Association of Pediatrics states that children don't need juice, it fills their tummies with extra calories and may cut their appetites for more nutrient-rich foods. Dilute the juice slowly until you reach 100% water and they will be all the better for it.

SWAP COOKIES FOR FRUIT

Cut up small chunks of pineapple, plums, apples or oranges and offer them to your child instead of reaching for the cookie jar. A cookie treat can be reserved for once a day after a meal or mid-afternoon, but only one.

SWAP SCREEN TIME FOR PLAYTIME

There is overwhelming evidence that too much screen time does not do any good for young children. Let them listen to audiobooks, play a game, paint, color, marble towers are a win and a great challenge to build.

SWAP INDOOR PLAY FOR OUTDOOR PLAY

There is no doubt that playing outside gets rid of the pent-up energy, bad moods and wining as well as a little exercise never hurt. Let them run, jump, get a trampoline, skip rope, get a basketball net, ride a bike or scooter, or walk the dog.

SWAP ICECREAM FOR FROZEN FRUIT

For a chilly treat that offers a bit more nutrition than ice cream, try my naturally sweet PB-Banana Freeze. Split a banana lengthwise and spread one half with all-natural peanut or almond butter. Sandwich the two banana halves together, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until solid. For an added bonus, sprinkle mini dark chocolate chips on the nut Serve a morning milkshake

SWAP CEREAL FOR BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE

The only thing you'll hear is slurping when you dish up this healthy breakfast milkshake, which is actually a fruit smoothie in disguise. And with plenty of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, you'll be happy knowing they're starting off the day on the right foot. To make, combine 3/4 cup milk, almond milk or rice milk, ½ banana, 1 cup frozen mixed berries and 3 to 5 ice cubes in a blender until smooth and frothy. Pour the Fruity Breakfast Milkshake into a glass and sip away.

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