By: Yara Diab

“Being healthy is never easy, but it can be simple.” Dr. Oz

Have you ever read such quotes and thought that celebrities who say them can get whatever they want at almost no cost, or have people that would do their stuff for them; therefore have all the time in the world to exercise and eat right? Well, in this article, you will find the benefits of eating healthy for children and easy ways to have a healthy beginning for your day.

Staying healthy should not be related to how much time you have to fix food or exercise. It should be a way of life. Therefore, children must learn at an early age how to take good care of their health. Children meals could be healthy, simple, affordable and even fun! The basic rule for kids every-day-meals is having three balanced meals everyday: a breakfast, lunch and dinner. A trick to get them excited about their meals is colors! You can make a colorful breakfast by fixing them a fruit salad. For lunch, pack them a lunchbox that will get them curious to see what is in it. For example, a ham or turkey sandwich with juice and a veggie. Having baby carrots, baby corn or any of those fun size veggies will be more attractive to eat for kids than big bulky ones. As for dinner, let them learn that this is the family time, where all members come together to enjoy one last meal of the day. Having a variety would also make it more fun. Kids’ dinners could contain pasta with cheese, more veggies, even rice and soups!

We all know how much kids love their sweets. Therefore, we should teach them how to balance eating sweets. Give them a chocolate bar as a little snack between lunch and dinner, or as a treat for doing their bed that morning or doing something nice to someone. Saying too many no’s for kids would attract them into doing the forbidden thing. Here are some easy and fast recipes for healthy and fun smoothies to start off your day, even if you do not have much time! Get your child to help you fixing it. Studies have shown that kids have more appetite for foods they helped fixing.

Let’s get started with The Pink Smoothie! Makes two servings:
One chopped bananas
Six medium sized strawberries
1 cup of milk or vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon of honey
Stir them all together in the blender for about 2 minutes then enjoy the yummy smoothie!
If you like it chilled, add some crushed ice.
Another cool smoothie is The Hulk Smoothie! For two servings as well:
One peeled and sliced avocado
One chopped banana
2 tablespoons of honey
1cup of milk

Stir them all together in the blender for about 2 minutes then enjoy the yummy smoothie! If you like it chilled, add some crushed ice.

Remember, make staying healthy a cool thing!