A healthy child makes a happy child

Welcome to Eat Play Love- a blog designed to benefit not only the life of your young ones, but your own life as well!

The little smiling girl pictured above is my baby sister, Sophia. As the big sister of a 3 year old, I try to set the best example I can when it comes to dietary and exercise patterns. But it's not always the easiest. Sometimes we are guilty of making food choices that aren't the best. These habits are often passed down to our children, whether we are aware of it or not. If we teach ourselves about proper nutrition and regular exercise, our children will follow in our footsteps- and grow up into healthy, happy adults!

This blog offers ideas, tips, and recipes aimed at enhancing the lives of those closest to our heart. By making nutrition and exercise fun, your child will stay interested and want to learn more! Try out some of these ideas before your next family dinner :)

Teach your child about variety!

As you can see, little Sophia has got quite the root vegetable in her hands! This is a beet from my Mother's garden. Many children, and even parents, aren't aware that such a vegetable exists. By teaching your child about the many varieties of fruits and vegetables, you'll expand their world and their interest in food immensely. Food acceptability can often be an issue with children, so start with something simple! Once they begin to realize how delicious fresh foods are, they will beg for more! 

Take your little one on an outdoor adventure!

The weather is starting to warm up and fresh fruits are in season! For a fun activity, take your child to a local farm. There are many, often close by, that offer access to the public for picking your own fruits and vegetables. Sophia and I went to this farm in Loganville to pick strawberries and blueberries, and she had the absolute best time! I think she may have eaten more than she picked!

This is a really good experience that both you and your child will enjoy. Not only are you getting outdoors and incorporating some exercise, you are also teaching your child that healthy foods can be fun!

Easy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's a well-known fact that children love cookies. Eating healthy doesn't mean that you have to eliminate all of your favorite foods from your diet and your child's diet. Eating in moderation is key in the balance between happiness and healthiness. We can also make substitutions to turn guilty pleasures into healthy, delicious treats. Here's an easy recipe to get you and your little baking helper started: these cookies are made with applesauce instead of the full amount of butter, and are loaded with whole grains, oats, and nuts. Yet they are so tasty that your child won't even be able to tell the difference!

What you'll need:

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

What to do:

1. In bowl beat butter till creamy. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir until combined. Mix in applesauce and egg. Add flour, a little at a time. Stir in oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
2. Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned

Serve these as an occasional treat to your little one with a glass of low fat milk :)