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Taking the Kids: The first lady's tips on eating healthier on summer vacation

By Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Media Services on

For example, in 2006, Disney pioneered new, well-balanced kids' meals served at its parks and resorts, which automatically include nutritious sides and beverages like carrots and low-fat milk, unless parents opt out. Of the more than 12 million kids' meals served last year at Disney parks and resorts in the United States, parents stuck with the healthier options six out of 10 times. Last month, I joined the Walt Disney Company to announce that, among other things, Disney will enhance its efforts to encourage healthy eating by further reducing sodium in kids' meals and introducing new well-balanced kids' breakfast meals.

And last fall I also joined Darden Restaurants, which owns the Olive Garden, Red Lobster and others, to announce changes to their menus, which include healthier options for kids.

As parents, we can choose to frequent places like these that give us healthier options and call on other businesses to make similar changes.

Q. How can parents encourage kids to try new foods, especially veggies?

A. In any setting, parents set a powerful example for their kids. If as a mom, I'm excited about trying a new fruit or vegetable, I'm showing my kids that it can be fun to venture out of your comfort zone when it comes to eating. I can't expect my girls to be trying the spinach or broccoli dishes at a restaurant if I'm not setting that example. And most of the time, it takes more than one try, so I can't get discouraged if they don't like new foods right away. It can take a dozen tries before children accept new tastes. And children's taste buds actually change over time, so it's also important to try reintroducing healthy foods they may have refused to eat previously.

You can also get your kids involved in cooking the food you serve them -- you'd be amazed at how much more willing kids are to try foods which they've helped prepare themselves. You can even get them involved in buying the food your family eats -- at the grocery store or a farmer's market you can let them pick out any three vegetables they want, and then plan dinner around those.

Q. How can parents use the opportunity of being away from home to expand a kids' palate?

A. I think parents can use these opportunities to talk about local food cultures and traditions, and specifically about local fruits and vegetables that kids may not have access to in their own homes or communities. We can get our kids thinking about vacation as an adventure for their taste buds as much as a chance to explore new places.

 

Q. How can families get more active on vacation?

A. Summer is an ideal time for families to enjoy the outdoors. Our national parks are some of the best places to get active and learn about our country's great landscapes and historical sites. From Yellowstone and the Great Smoky Mountains to Gettysburg National Military Park and Mesa Verde, our country is full of spectacular places to explore. All of these places offer free, family-friendly activities such as hiking, biking, paddling, and even horseback riding. One great option for young kids is the Junior Ranger program, which provides fun, ranger-led activities in dozens of parks across the country.

Just remember, wherever you go on vacation, Mrs. Obama said, "Vacation is a time for fun -- and as I always say, if you're eating healthy most of the time, it's OK to enjoy a special treat once in a while.

Pass the ice cream, please.

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It's not too late to plan a last-minute summer getaway. Check out the special TakingtheKids 51 Summer Vacations (http://www.takingthekids.com/travel-topics/summer-guide-to-fun) section and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.


(c) 2012 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

 

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