Worried Your Kids are going to be Inactive over Break?

Worried Your Kids are going to be Inactive over Break?

Wellspring Camps, the leading weight loss organization for young adults and families across the U.S. , knows how common it is for kids to run back to their televisions and junk food during their spring and summer vacation time from school.  But these unhealthy and inactive habits can cause health problems among kids, so how can you help prevent them from becoming couch potatoes during their breaks?

Wellspring has developed some helpful, fun tips to help keep your kids staying active, and eating right while they are home for break! 

• Plan a fun activity: With the beautiful warm weather, the spring and summer seasons are the perfect time to engage in outdoor activities.  Whether it’s participating in a game of soccer, or going for an exciting hike in your local park, these activities will keep your kids from lounging around the house.

• Keep junk food out of the house:  It is always important to limit your children’s junk food intake, but while they are home from school, their access to it becomes greater.  Try to resist purchasing any unhealthy snacks that may sit in your cabinets during their time off.  By not purchasing these items, your kids will have limited access to junk food!

• Prepare a healthy snack or meal: Everyone knows it’s hard to feed children a healthy meal they will actually enjoy, but Wellspring has developed a plethora of delicious, healthy meals that every kid will enjoy!  Teriyaki chicken kabobs, chicken nuggets, and even French toast, can all be enjoyed with their improved recipes!  (Recipes below)  Visit http://www.wellspringcamps.com/delicious-lowfat-recipes.html for more recipes!

A healthy kid is a happy kid, and by following these simple tips, you can help keep your kids active and healthy during their spring and summer breaks!  For more information on staying healthy, or on Wellspring Camps, please visit www.Wellspringcamps.com.  

French Toast

Ingredients:

4 pieces of whole grain bread
4 Tbs. egg whites
2 tsp. skim milk
Dash of vanilla
Dash of nutmeg

Mix wet ingredients in a shallow bowl.  Lightly spray skillet and heat on stovetop at medium heat.  When skillet is ready, lay bread slices in bowl one at a time so that each side is coated with mixture and place on skillet.  Turn bread over after a few minutes (as soon as toast is browned) and heat second side until it is browned.  Serve with maple syrup and fat free vanilla yogurt.

Only 7 cal and 0g fat per slice, (add calories and fat for the bread you choose to use.)  

Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients:½ cup Teriyaki Marinade
1 lb Chicken, boneless, skinless
1 each Green Bell Pepper
1 each Red Bell Pepper
8 each Mushrooms
1 each Red Onion
8 each Cherry Tomatoes

Method:

1.        Soak 8 inch skewers in water

2.        Pour marinade into large bowl

3.        Cut chicken breasts into one ounce portions

4.        Cut bell peppers and onions into one square in pieces

5.        Place chicken and vegetables in the marinade. Marinate for 45 minutes

6.        Build kabobs by stringing chicken and vegetables onto the skewer

7.        Each skewer should contain 4 pieces of chicken

8.        Heat oven to 350 degrees

9.        Place kabobs on a cooking sheet, spray with PAM

10.     Bake for 20 minutes or until chicken is done

Yield: 4 kabobs, 1 each

Nutritional Information:

236 Kcalories
33 grams Protein
4.3 grams Fat

Chicken Nuggets

Ingredients

12 ounces Chicken Breast, Boneless, Skinless
1 cup Cornflakes
1 tsp Paprika
½ tsp Italian herb seasoning
¼ tsp Garlic powder
¼ tsp Onion powder
½ tsp Salt

Method:

1.       Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces

2.      Place cornflakes in plastic bag and crush by using a rolling pin

3.      Add remaining ingredients to crushed cornflakes. Close bag and shake until blended

4.      Add a few chicken pieces at a time to crumb mixture. Shake to coat evenly

5.      Lightly spray a cooking sheet

6.      Heat oven to 400 degrees

7.      Place chicken pieces on cooking sheet so they are not touching

8.      Bake until golden brown, about 12-14 minutes

Yield: 4 servings (3.25 ounces)

Nutritional Information:

168 Kcalories
27 grams Protein
3.13 grams Fat

-Courtesy of Wellspring