When I saw these portabella mushrooms at a local grocery store, I swooned and my head filled with images of meaty roasted portabellas on a salad. Everything else I had imagined cooking vanished (I had really planned to stuff mushrooms with St. Patrick’s Day leftovers). I just wanted my warm portabellas and cool salad.

We’re mushroom fans here. Through and through.

On a recent evening, I browned cremini mushrooms in a skillet with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper and then swirled in a little red wine to finish them off. They were meaty, rich and tender. Then I spooned them over medium-rare sirloin steak served alongside some cheesy tortellini. Guess what the kids dug into first?

We eat mushrooms fairly often since the kids and I really love them. They are perfect for roasting alongside bell peppers, Brussels sprouts and other vegetable favorites to be spooned over rice or mixed into pasta with cheese and a little olive oil. They are sliced on salads and stuffed for appetizers. Sometimes, I will saute them and just eat them like that. And no matter how I cook them, they are always greeted with “Oooh! Mushrooms!” by my kids.

Selfishly, I wish they didn’t love them this much — there would be more for me!

I was recently asked to partake in the National Nutrition Month blog tour sponsored by The Mushroom Channel (aka the Mushroom Council, an organization of fresh-market mushroom producers and importers whose mission is to encourage the eating of mushrooms in a variety of meals), sharing how my family add mushrooms to our menu in a way that suits our family’s tastes and health goals. March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day.” For us — well, the kids and I, at least — mushrooms aren’t just a great meat alternative, but they are also a versatile addition to a variety of dinners … and lunches too. And from a health standpoint, mushrooms also have a lot to offer — they are rich in antioxidants and have a healthy dose of vitamins B and D.

Now, let’s talk about this bodacious meal.

I don’t think I have ever used the word ‘bodacious’ before, but I think it’s fitting here. Because it totally is. Bodacious, I mean. Anyway …

This salad is perfect for a light lunch. Meaty portabella mushrooms are roasted until tender and then topped with breadcrumbs and cheese and roasted a little more. Then, they are served on a cool, creamy Caesar salad. It takes a good 40 minutes to make — but most of it is hands off as the portabellas roast. It’s a little longer than I like to spend making lunch on a weekday, but it’s so worth it.

Just don’t tell the kids that I’ve been indulging in this without them.

One More Thing …

If you love talking mushrooms, be sure to tweet away with the Mushroom Council at their Twitter Party on Wednesday, March 20^th 8-9 PM EST.  The hashtag for the party will be #MushroomDish. The party will serve as a discussion for everything mushrooms, from their versatile nature to their flavorful umami qualities.

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Mushroom Channel/Mushroom Council. Connect with them on Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter. All opinions and recipes within this post are my own.

The post Warm Cheesy Roasted Portabella Caesar Salad appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Early in 2012, I swore off dieting. I vowed to follow the idea of mindful eating and see where my body ended up. I truly believed that if I ate mindfully, the weight would just melt away. It didn’t. But, for a good while, it remained completely steady. Then, my weight started to climb a little at a time. By summertime, it was clear that the mindful eating alone wasn’t working. So I joined a gym and committed to going. I loved it, especially as my body began to feel stronger and a little slimmer.

But the big weight slide didn’t happen still.

Then stress happened. The kind of stress that leaves you grappling with what to do while you completely forget about yourself. That stress started in October and was compounded by Superstorm Sandy and a freak pre-winter snowstorm. Then December 14 happened — and all that mattered was that my kids were okay. Exercise and healthy eating didn’t even rate.

To say I let myself go is the biggest understatement, well, ever. I did. And then suddenly, my weight was out of control. The pounds piled on with fierce intensity and I ended the year more than 10 pounds heavier than when I started it. Worse, I just didn’t care. How could I?

This weekend, I caught sight of myself in a mirror and was shocked. Never a good thing. But, in a way it is — because I came face to face with what’s happened to me. And it’s not pretty.

While I have been working out more and making better choices, my eating habits remain … questionable. As a person, I crave structure and organization — and in dieting that means that I need a solid plan. So I’m figuring out what kind of a diet will really work for me and finding my way back to healthy. This week, I am working on some common sense changes: less snacking (and smarter snacking when I snack), increasing the exercise, drinking even more water and saying no to truly unhealthy snacks. None of this is easy. Especially not when I couple it with also trying to push my diet into a less carb-heavy place.

And stick to foods that fall into the nutritious category — like yogurt.

Now, this brings me to Yopa! Yogurt, the sponsor of this post. Have you heard of Yopa!? (The exclamation point is part of the name — though, it sure adds a certain excitement to each time you mention it, right?) Yopa! is a new Greek yogurt from YoCrunch that comes with fun, healthy toppings (much like YoCrunch!) — chopped toasted almonds, granola, etc. I am truly a sucker for the mix-ins (as are my kids!) so I was really excited to discover this. There’s even a Vanilla with Dark Chocolate variety (though I haven’t located it yet).

But it’s more than just toppings. Yopa! has all the goodness of being a Greek yogurt too — It’s rich in protein, a good source of calcium and has no cholesterol or trans fat. And there’s no preservatives or artificial colors either — a definite good thing too.

This is something I can definitely see digging into for breakfast on the go — or when I just can’t imagine making breakfast. And I bet my kids would love to see it in their lunchboxes too. Score.

And one more thing from my sponsor:

Speaking of balance, gold medalist Gabby Douglas is an expert, and she’s challenging you to take the Yopa! Taste Challenge where you can win a variety of prizes, including $10,000! Just “like” Yopa! on Facebook for a chance to win and to grab a coupon for $.50 (or more!) off one cup of Yopa! Authentic Greek Yogurt.

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Disclosure: I was selected for participation in this campaign as a member of Clever Girls Collective.

The post Getting Healthy, One Little Step at a Time appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Is it summer yet? I can’t wait until the weather turns warm, and big beauties like this heirloom tomato are ripe on the vine again. I’m already fantasizing about Tuesdays at our local farmer’s market and (hopefully — fingers crossed!) a successful backyard garden.

But in the meantime, we need to get through a little more winter and a bit of springtime. Today we even had flurries, which seemed to just reinforce that winter isn’t over yet.

Speaking of winter, did you know it’s still flu season?!? It is, and I hope you will join me on Tuesday for a flu Twitter party with the CDC. I am co-hosting with a number of other fabulous bloggers, and it’s sure to be a good discussion.

#CDCFlu Twitter party details

What: How long is flu season? When is the best time to receive the flu vaccine? What are healthy flu-fighting habits to teach children? We’ll be answering these questions and more during this informative Twitter party! The Motherhood is joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their mission to create the expertise, information, and tools that people and communities need to protect their health. Join us to share and listen to helpful health tips for your family!

When: Tuesday, March 5, 1 p.m. ET (the party will last one hour)

Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #CDCFlu hashtag to track the conversation. You can see the details and RSVP via this Twtvite: http://bit.ly/XYyMp9

Hashtag: #CDCFlu

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann, @CDCFlu

TweetGrid for the party: http://bit.ly/13fnEfp

For more information: Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website

Hope to tweet with you then!

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Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign via The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.

The post Join Me for the #CDCFlu Twitter Party on Tuesday! appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

On Halloween that year, just after he had surgery, I had no idea what I would dress up as — something that had never happened before, and frankly something that just didn’t seem to matter as much that year. I ended up borrowing scrub-like PJs from a family member and wearing a stethoscope that a doctor gave me at the hospital. I am not sure that there could have been a better costume for such a difficult time.

That was the first time that heart disease touched my life. Is there anyone who hasn’t been impacted by heart disease? Anyone at all?

When I was asked to share information about Quaker’s February Heart Health Month, I couldn’t refuse. This is too important. Once thought to be something that mostly impacted men, more and more women deal with heart disease each year. Quaker Oats supports the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® movement, which aims to educate women on their heart disease risk and on steps they can take to live heart-healthy lives.

This year, Quaker has also teamed up with chef Fabio Viviani to inspire women to take care of their hearts through simple changes like eating well.

Also, Quaker is sponsoring the Epic Hot Breakfast sweepstakes. Entering is simple — just watch the video (above) and share it on Twitter with the hashtag #QuakerLove between Feb. 14 and Feb. 28, 2013. One lucky winner will receive a special getaway package for themselves and a guest that includes a spa treatment and dinner at Siena Tavern in Chicago. And 15 other winners will be chosen at random to receive an “Ultimate Hot Breakfast” prize pack with Quaker Oats and other goodies (including signed items from Fabio Viviani!) to help you start your day right.

Quaker Heart Health Twitter Party

On Tuesday, February 19, from 8-9 pm EST, there will be a Quaker Heart Health Twitter party hosted by @ResourcefulMom and special guest @FabioViviani.Be sure to join in to chat about heart health. Follow (and tweet with) hashtag #QuakerHearts to join in. For more information and to RSVP, check out the Twitter Party announcement on Resourceful Mommy’s website.

Connect with Quaker

• Web
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Google+

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Quaker via The Global Influence Network. All opinions and experiences are my own.

The post Your Heart Health Matters appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

There is so much good all around us, if we only take the time to see it. Goodness is bright and beautiful. It fills us up and reminds us that we aren’t alone. That’s such an important thing.

Good was in the Christmas cards that arrived, sharing the kindest of well wishes in the aftermath of December 14, and still wishing us a happy holiday season. The sentiments were so perfect — because while we were digging deeply through very difficult emotions, the holidays still deserved to be celebrated. And we did.

There is so much good in the dear friend who picked up many copies of a newspaper that ran a column I wrote about the returning to school for the families of Sandy Hook. I hadn’t even thought about it, but thanks to her I have that paper so that when the kids are older and want to read what I wrote, they can see for themselves. And there was good and kindness in the care package from another dear friend who subtly encouraged me to get out of my own head and back into the kitchen. She’s right about that. And there was so much goodness in other moms who collected coats and gave out gift cards to make our days and healing a little easier.

Seeing the goodness and kindness has been uplifting. I can’t say thank  you enough times or express my gratitude enough. But thank you all.

We live in a world where the customs of polite society aren’t as heeded as they once were. Some people feel like they can say (or type on social media) whatever comes into their head — no matter how it impacts others. It’s easy to lose sight of the goodness when you are blindsided by those who question your experiences and try to shed doubt on fact. The voices of bullies can begin to sound louder than the ones of friends, loved ones and supporters. But we don’t have to let this be. We can choose love and light and goodness. We can ignore the voices of hate and focus in on those of compassion and love. I know I do, especially now.

It’s thanks to all the goodness sounding us here that I feel like we’re turning a corner. Through beautiful new experiences, we are breathing in life and finding our way. Every day, it gets a little easier to hug and kiss the kids goodbye and send them off to school. Every day, passing Dickinson Drive — the road that used to lead to our school — feels less significant. Every day, moving forward gathers more momentum. We really are okay, even though we must carry with us the heavy knowledge of what happened forever. Life can go on, without forgetting — and it is.

Part of this corner turning has led me (finally!) back to the kitchen. For awhile there, I lost all interest in cooking. I went through the motions, making meals because I had to — when I had to. The joy of creation was missing. Food became just a means to an end — a necessity. But then, I wanted that special joy that comes with making and creating good food back. Of course, it’s not that simple. No amount of willing could restore the creativity. Fortunately, work beckoned. Assignments that were pitched long ago became due and I had to give in to the powerful pull of the kitchen. That intersection of need and want was right where I needed to be to get back to what I love. And now, I feel like I am reclaiming that bit of myself — and this bright and vibrant dish is part of that.

Making Cucumber, Carrot and Edamame Salad

Cucumber, Carrot and Edamame Salad is based on one of my very favorite salads, which I usually have over rice noodles. This one is a little heartier with the addition of edamame and a little more cucumber, and doesn’t necessarily need rice noodles to be loved. It marries so many wonderful things — cool cucumbers, sweet carrots, meaty edamame and a simple dressing of rice vinegar and oil.

And making it? It’s so easy. Yet Cucumber, Carrot and Edamame Salad feels special — it’s happiness, captured in a bowl.

Try this as a side dish with a flavorful chicken. Or use it in a pita sandwich with tender, warm, thinly sliced steak.

Or just eat Cucumber, Carrot and Edamame Salad straight from the bowl and enjoy every second. It’s perfect just like that too.

The post Cucumber, Carrot and Edamame Salad appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Paige’s blondish-brownish hair swung below her knitted cap as she climbed the stairs to her school bus today, heading off to kindergarten. She sunk onto the first seat, sliding to the window and looking out at me with her big brown eyes. Immediately, her little hand rose  and started waving. I did the same, wearing a big smile.

As the school bus doors closed, I read her lips. “Bye, Mommy. I love you,” she said, and I wondered if she’d said it out loud — though I couldn’t hear it outside.

“I love you,” I responded, tears welling in my eyes despite my smile. As the bus drove out of sight, we continued waving until we could no longer see each other.

Then the tears fell. I wish they wouldn’t, but I’ve found it hard to control these emotions lately. It’s all so much. As I climbed into my SUV, my heart whispered the same silent prayer I’ve held every day since my kids returned to school last week — just let them be safe.

Everything has changed for us.

Our lives now have a big divider between the time before December 14, and the time after. This is more than just a change of schedules and school locations, though both have have big impacts on us. It’s a change of perception, security and how we behave. Before December 14, when the kids would head off to school, they would never glance back. And when I would wave to the bus, it would be to the bus driver because the kids would never look for me. Now, they both do every day. While I am grateful for these precious moments, I wish they didn’t have to come at such a steep and awful price.

Each day brings a new opportunity to move ahead and find our new normal. And each day we try our best to be successful at it. Some days, like today, are just harder than the others. But, we’ll be okay. I am sure of that.

On Health

In the days following that horrible, awful day, many in my town faced the same sleepless nights and disinterest in food. Then, slowly, we got a little better. Perhaps one night we’d sleep all the way through. And then the next day we’d feel hunger again. It all came slowly back, restoring our selves in the process.

As 2012 became 2013, many made resolutions or declared goals. It’s part of the forward motion, after all — and a New Year’s tradition. But for me at least, making progress on those resolutions and goals has been challenging.

We’re just over a week in and I have yet to make good on any of my health goals. I haven’t been to the gym. I haven’t found a food tracking program that works. And honestly, I couldn’t tell you if I weigh less now than last week because I haven’t checked. The last week has been a whole lot of nothing in terms of healthy improvements. But I committed to Eat. Live. Be. because I want to do these things — and I believe I can, even if I might be off to a slower start.

Be patient with me. It’s going to be a slow and long road ahead, but I will make progress — even if it’s just a little at a time. So this week, I will find the right food tracker for me and start using it. That I can commit to. And the rest? It will come. I am sure of that too.

On a Simple, Delicious Romaine Hearts Salad

One of our Eat. Live. Be. commitments is to share a recipe each week. This week, I’ve had salad on the brain, so this simple and delicious romaine hearts salad seemed a natural fit to share.

This Garlicky Romaine Hearts Salad with Bacon, Walnuts and Blue Cheese sounds fancy but is really pretty simple. Romaine hearts. Bacon. Lightly browned walnuts and edamame. Diced red pepper. Blue cheese. And it’s dressed with the simplest of mixes — a little garlic-infused olive oil and balsamic vinegar, along with salt and pepper.  But together, it becomes a heavenly creation that is both tasty and filling.

For it, I used Colavita Roasted Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which was sent to me a little over a month ago. This very flavorful oil is a great addition to salads but is also delicious drizzled on pasta or mixed into mashed potatoes. Just be warned — a little goes a long way. And if it’s too strong, cutting it with your favorite extra virgin olive oil can help (though I like it just the way it is).

Salads like this romaine hearts salad are comforting to me — they remind me of summer days, happiness and brightness. All good things. And couldn’t we all use some more good things in our lives?

For more Eat. Live. Be., be sure to check in with Patsy, Cate and Joanne too.

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Disclosure: Just so you know, I was provided with a sample of Colavita Roasted Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil to try. I wasn’t required to post about these or compensate for this post. All opinions are my own.

The post Garlicky Romaine Hearts Salad with Bacon, Walnuts and Blue Cheese appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Back in September, I received an email from Fair Trade USA asking if I might write a little about them in October — Fair Trade Month. I said yes, and they were kind enough to send me a box of Fair Trade goodies to enjoy and maybe mention.

But I said yes for a bigger reason: Fair Trade matters. Products that bear the Fair Trade Certified label were produced in an ethical manner — meaning that the people who grew and created them were treated fairly and paid properly. I first learned of Fair Trade in terms of coffee, but the designation is now carried on teas, chocolates, grains and so much more — even lip gloss. And Fair Trade USA? It’s a nonprofit that I can totally get behind. They are doing good work.

What’s more is that these products are well made. The food stuffs are just plain good. I’ve been using Near East products for years, and love that they carry the Fair Trade certification. The SunSpire Organic Chocolate Chips were perfect in my Easy Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. The TCHO chocolate was a lovely treat too. And my kids totally swiped all the Kopali Chocolate Banana. And the Badger lipgloss? Love. I even wore it on a recent business trip in New York.

October and Fair Trade Month may be over now, but every time you make a purchase you have the opportunity to choose something that’s Fair Trade giving farmers and workers around the world a hand in getting fair wages and access to basic things like education.

Just so you know, I wasn’t compensated for this post. And heck, I would have said yes even if they didn’t send me a box of goodies. This is something I believe strongly in.

The post October is Fair Trade Month appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

Why the beach? It’s my happy place … and happiness is important to good health.

Being a healthy woman — and mother — is important. So, every so often I try to incorporate some health related stuff into Sarah’s Cucina Bella. When the opportunity to learn about what a healthcare company is doing to make healthy living a little easier, I was on board to hear more.

When I think of health insurance, I immediately think of it as the company that pays my medical bills. But health care companies are more than that. When I was pregnant with my daughter in 2007, I received a phone call from a nurse at my insurance company. She was assigned to me and touched base with me throughout my pregnancy to ensure that things were going ok. To be very honest, this type of attention was unexpected. An insurance company not just dealing with the bills, but investing themselves in my care? Kind of radical, no?

Well, it turns out it’s not as radical as it felt at the time. In fact, on a recent informatory conference call, I learned that WellPoint, one of the largest health benefits companies in the nation, is working toward providing a personalized membership experience for many of their clients on health plans in 14 states including Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield, Anthem BlueCross in California, Empire BlueCross BlueShield in New York and BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia.

The reasoning? WellPoint thinks that health insurance isn’t just about reacting to illness but being proactive about health as well.

So, how does WellPoint accomplish this? Here are a few of their offerings for members on certain plans:

• 24/7 Nurseline – You know those moments when the doctor’s office is closed but you need an important health question answered? The NurseLine provides a way to get that answer easily. Staffed with experienced registered nurses, you can get guidance, advice and answers — including if you should treat your child at home or head to an urgent care center or ER.
• Future Moms – Much like the personalized care I received while pregnant, the Future Moms program offers risk screening, educational support and post-partum follow up to help you have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
• Health and Wellness Portal – Another way that WellPoint allows members to personalize their healthcare is through a health and wellness portal that can be used to create a personal health plan, schedule doctors appointments and also even schedule workouts. There is also a live chat feature to help develop health plans, get advice and access health-related features like recipes.

Now, I feel like I need to find out which of these are available to me!

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Disclosure: I was compensated for my time attending the online meeting to learn about WellPoint by the company via The Motherhood. However I agreed because I believe that as parents health is extremely important. All opinions are my own.

The post What One Insurance Company is Doing to Support Healthy Living appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

You know what I love about fall? It’s a mix of so many great things — warm sunlight, crisp temperatures and breezes, sweet apples and carving big pumpkins, to name a few. And it has Halloween — one of my very favorite days of the year. Yes, it’s a pretty awesome time.

And although we are kind of active all year, fall is a time when we are pretty busy running around between responsibilities and our special traditions (like apple picking!). Staying active is so important to being a healthy family. By being active together, it really sends the message to the kids that an active lifestyle matters.

How do we stay active in the fall?

Playing Soccer

Kicking a soccer ball around the yard — or around the field — on a crisp fall day is one of those perfect moments. The cool air fills your lungs and cools your skin. Both my kids love soccer. This is Paige’s first year in soccer, but she’s totally in love with the sport already. It’s really amazing to watch her play and see how much she already knows — just from watching Will play over the years. As for Will, he’s in his fourth year of soccer. This year, the practices and drills get a little more focused and the games get a little more intense. He’s taking it in stride.

Apple Picking

It’s not fall unless the kids and head to the orchard for a day of picking too many apples. It always involves a lot of walking and plenty of apple eating among the trees. I swear, we always pick so many that my arms hurt carrying the overflowing bag. And then when we get home, I wonder how I could possibly use them all. Before I know it, they’ve gone into pies, turnovers, sauces and more.

Fall Walks

Fall is my absolute favorite times to take the kids to nearby parks for long trail walks. With the leaves changing colors, it becomes an explosion of senses — seeing the bright leaves, hearing the babbling stream, smelling the crisp finality of the season. It’s such a pleasure. And even when we don’t get to the park, there are so many picturesque places to walk and check out the leaves at this time of year.

What are your favorite fall activities?

I was asked to talk a little about how my family stays active in the fall by Together Counts, a nationwide program whose goal is to inspire active and healthy living.  It’s a  first-of-its-kind coalition that brings together more than 200 retailers, food and beverage manufacturers, restaurants, sporting goods and insurance companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations, and professional sports organizations in this common purpose (to inspire families to eat well and live well).

To learn more about Together Counts and being an active family, join Together Counts at a Twitter party on 10/17 (click to RSVP)  from 8-9 PM EST. Use the hashtag #TogetherCounts to follow along and chat! And be sure to check them out on Facebook and Pinterest while you are at it!

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Disclosure: I am being compensated through the Global Influence Together Counts campaign. All opinions are my own.

The post Staying Active in the Fall, and Together Counts appeared first on Sarah's Cucina Bella.

We’re into the swing of things now. School started in late August, and we’ve acclimated to the waking up thing. We’ve also found a new flow with the new (later) bus pick up times. Well, mostly.

Packing lunches? Got it! I have a flow to things. Will gets a main item — a sandwich or leftovers, usually — and three other items (one for snack time, two to be eaten with lunch). Typically two of those are fresh fruits or veggies. We really, really love our fresh fruits and veggies. Since it’s fall, we’ve been doing a lot of apples and peppers (my kids adore red bell peppers), along with bananas. But with winter coming, I’ll need some new options to keep things interesting.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try Libby’s Single-Serve Fruit Cups, which are available in Mixed Fruit, Diced Pears, Diced Peaches and Cherry Mixed Fruit. Each cup contains a serving of fruit. Honestly, the scent of these fruits as my kids opened them took me back to my childhood. I loved when I would find diced peaches or pears in my lunchbox, so it was fun to try these. I haven’t bought fruit cups like this in years, but they can be a good option for tossing into lunchboxes or bringing along for a quickie snack.

The kids were so excited, since this is totally out of the norm for us. What they really enjoyed was that the cups had firm, sweet fruit that was all ready to eat with a spoon — no need to cut into anything or do anymore than open them. For me, I appreciate how sturdy the cups are (which really is a big deal — kids can be so rough with lunchboxes). But I do wish these cups were available packed in pineapple juice instead of light syrup — hopefully Libby’s will release juice-packed cups in the future.

Still, these are a good option for an quick grab snack or even a treat for the kids. And they can totally change up the lunchbox monotony.

Also, Libby’s has teamed up with soccer star Brandi Chastain this fall. She provided a few tips for raising healthy kids.

Brandi’s Kid Friendly Tips for Healthy Living:

• Hydrate to perform great. Kids should drink water before, during AND after exercise. While exercise generates heat and increases the body’s core temperature, water works to bring body temperature back to the normal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Let your child pick out a colorful water bottle to make drinking water fun!
• Always make time for healthy meals. The USDA says that half our plates should be filled with colorful fruits and veggies, but when your children are constantly running from school to practice and back, it can be tough to get them to eat that perfect meal. Add Libby’s® Single Fruit Cups, which contain one complete serving of fruit, to your children’s bags for an easy and nutritious snack.
• Sleep is important! Children should receive an average of eight hours of sleep each night. Without enough sleep children get cranky and lazy, and will not perform to their full potential during school, practice or games. Help your children stick to a regular sleep schedule by making bedtime fun – read them a story or sing a song while they fall asleep.
• Turn exercise into a family affair. When exercising is a solo act, it can sometimes feel like a chore. Bring the whole family on-board and make exercising fun, family time! Join your kids in a game of soccer, Double Dutch or kickball.
• Lead by example. When you set a good example, your kids are more likely to follow. Although it’s easy to stop at the drive-thru on the way home from practice, make an effort to eat well and live a healthy lifestyle. Become a role model by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods, like Libby’s Canned Fruits and Vegetables, with your children. It’s easier when you make it a team effort!

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Disclosure: I am working with The Motherhood on a project with Libby’s and am being compensated. All opinions are my own.

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