LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
Christie King is spending her summer vacation
getting kids in the kitchen and making healthy food fun.
"They're getting to learn health
and nutrition, good eating habits, their creating a lot of healthy snacks,"
said Christie King, Angelina County Family Consumer Sciences.
The professional mom and consumer
science expert says this week's Gourmet Kids camp is helping kids steer clear
of foods that create unhealthy eating habits.
"Its so important for them right
now because of the fast food restaurants and the convenience foods, we need to
bring it back," said King.
Health officials say knowledge is
power. When children learn about different types of food, they are more likely
to make better choices.
"Maybe but one new fruit a week
or one new vegetable and try out a new recipe and if children get to
participate in that process they're much more likely to eat it," said Amy
McLeod, RD,LD Brookshire Brothers.
Foods like yogurt,
fresh fruit and string cheese are ideal for snacks. Nutrition consultant Amy
McLeod says getting children involved with preparing meal will turn healthy
eating into an enjoyable activity.
"In our family we like to make
homemade pizza and the kids love doing that, decorating it with vegetables,"
said McLeod.
"They can cook healthy at home
for cheaper and it just gives them more of an opportunity to have a long
healthy lifestyle," said King.
And that's good news for any mom, hoping
to teach their kids healthy habits they'll keep for life.
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