Food and Fitness Fab Fives
Who knew that DVDs, books and websites could make kids so strong and healthy?
These days, most kids watch three hours or more a day of television, spend multiple hours on the Internet and have some sort of gaming system at home complete with a library of games that would rival our fine United States Government.
Well, if you can't beat the trend, join it. There are lots of fun books, DVDs, websites and even games to get the kids interested in their bodies, proper nutrition and exercise. Below, we have compiled a list of five books, five DVDs, and five websites and games that might actually make kids think (gasp!) while they are engaging with them.
Books
Have you noticed how kids are always fascinated when you read a book? Take advantage of the fact that this might be an alien activity. Younger children are immediately drawn to anything read aloud, while older children are content to read on their own. The following books are funny, but also educational at the same time.
The Race Against Junk Food (Adventures in Good Nutrition) by Anthony Buono, Roy Nemerson, Brian Silberman (Editor)
This book is perfect for kids of all ages. Specifically targeted for kids nine to 12 years old, it's not too young to appeal to kids in the preteen years and still not too advanced for children under nine. With "cool" stories, and fun and colorful characters, the kids will take an interest in putting the books lessons to task in their daily lives.
Gregory the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat and Jose Aruego
This little book is perfect for younger children, presenting Gregory the goat, who is a very picky eater and refuses the usual goat diet staples of shoes and tin cans in favor of fruits, vegetables, eggs and orange juice. This upside down, turned-around world will give kids a fun way to look at the nutritious foods they should be eating while enjoying the antics of Gregory, who constantly worries his parents (something many kids can relate to).
Showdown at the Food Pyramid by Rex Barron
In this dynamic and fun book for kids, personified good fruits and vegetables fight to save the food pyramid which has been taken over by junk food. When the pyramid collapses under the weight of the bad foods, the fruits and vegetables are there to save the day and rebuild it again. The book's message is clear, but the humor and illustrations keep it light and interesting for kids.
Yoga Games for Children: Fun and Fitness With Postures, Movements, and Breath by Danielle Bersma, Marjoke Visscher, Alex Kooistra (Illustrator), Amina Marix Evans (Translator)
Kids love role-playing, and this introduction to yoga provides variations on traditional yoga postures. With numerous illustrations and lessons to help children develop strength, flexibility and self-expression, kids will have fun with postures that mimic their favorite plants and animals. They'll never know that the games they are playing involve relaxation, trust and cooperation.
The Busy Body Book: A Kid's Guide to Fitness by Lizzy Rockwell
This amazing book is designed to help children understand that their bodies are built to move. With fun, easy explanations of how the body works - from bones and muscles to the heart and lungs to nerves and brains - kids will come away with a desire to get up and go and be inspired to make exercise a life-long habit!
DVDS
When you turn on the TV, the kids are bound to come running. So hit them with the unexpected and turn on one of these educational shows. They'll be hooked before they know it.
Elmo's World: Food, Water, Exercise by Sesame Street
This video is geared toward younger children and will give them the basics on what nutritious food, water and exercise will do for their bodies. And who doesn't love Elmo as their teacher?
Get Fit Kids Vol. 1 - Hustle-Bustle Move Your Muscles!
Starring Kristi Dear, a Certified Personal Trainer and mother of two, this DVD is designed to energize children to exercise through fun sing-a-long songs. Added benefits include improving their major muscle groups and cardiovascular system. Kids will also love Kristi's sidekick, JoJo the Bear.
Hip Hop Animal Rock Workout
Hosted by wonderful animated characters, the kids are sure to get a kick start out of this DVD. Teaching kids to move, this DVD ensure that they will have a great time learning the songs and movements. They may not even know they are exercising, so, shhhhh! Don't clue them in!
The Visual Guide: How To Make A Healthy Lunch For Kids!
Geared toward those who are health-conscious with a busy schedule, this DVD is packed with valuable information about lunch box-friendly food presentation, something that can be elusive even to the most creative caretakers. Presenting healthy lunch ideas and meal options, and incorporating tips on adding fruits as well as vegetables, the DVD presents lunches that are designed to store and present well in a child's lunch box.
KidsSport Super Circuit Video
This DVD is geared toward the entire family. Everyone will love the action-packed cardio/strength circuit class. It's designed for children of all ages and has a few surprises to keep the workouts fresh and fun!
WEBSITES
For kids who love to play around on the family computer, we've included a few kid-friendly websites. These great sites have activities, articles and information geared toward children and adults, and are a wonderful resource. Best of all, they have various hooks that will keep the kids just interested enough not to click out of each site.
While it may seem sad that you have to "trick" kids into watching or reading something healthy, kids that are exposed to sites, books and films like these end up craving them after a while, instead of yet another Pokemon episode. So give it a try!
