Happy Healthy Kids ( She: Karenin)

Hi! My name is Karenin. I am a mother of two amazing kids. A three and a half year old and an 18 month old that keep me busy and smiling. Also a wife to the most amazing man for almost 5 years. Who also keeps me busy and happy.

I love crafts, and hunting for fun things to make over or refinish at thrift stores and online. I also love to plan parties. My kids birthdays are in the spring and parties are already planned. A little crazy?? I know!

I also have a passion for photography, you can check me out at www.kareninphotography.com

Anyway, back to why I’m writing this post.  I have two kids like I said, one really picky eater and one that will even eat dirt if I put it in a plate with ketchup.  So, we have gotten creative around here to getting the kids to eat healthy and still love the last drop or crumb that is in their plate.

How much should your kid be eating?

It’s a tricky question. It depends on age, whether you its a girl or a boy, and how active they are.

Grains. What the heck are they?

bread, cooked cereal, like oatmeal, rice or pasta, cold cereal.

Try make at least half of your grain servings whole grains, like 100% whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, whole grain spaghetti.

Vegetable servings are measured in cups.

* 4- to 8-year-olds need 1½ cups of veggies each day.

Fruits

* 4- to 8-year-olds need 1–1½ cups of fruit each day.

Milk and Other Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium builds strong bones to last a lifetime, so you need these foods in your diet.

* 4- to 8-year-olds need 2 cups of milk (or another calcium-rich food) each day.

You can also use yogurt, cheese, or calcium-fortified orange juice.

Meats, Beans, Fish, and Nuts

* 4- to 8-year-olds need 3–4 ounce equivalents each day.

Enough with the portions and servings.

Here are some fun ways to motivate your kids to actually eat what is in their plate.
If you have babies, you can really put this Vitamix to use. You can even find it at Costco.

I hope this helps making eating healthy and fun!

~ Karenin