Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Healthy Bodies

Today we continued talking about the letter "H" in our Health & Hygiene Unit.
We talked about exercises we can do with our body to help us stay healthy & STRONG!

We made Banana Muffins as a class today & everyone was able to help put in ingredients or mix the batter...

Then we talked about some HEALTHY things we can eat & I searched my fridge for some fruits & vegetables and found broccoli, carrots & an apple...
Then I ground up the broccoli, apples & carrots into THIN little pieces, so we wouldn't even notice them in the muffins...
and we mixed them in the batter to make HEALTHIER banana muffins...

We went outside and EXERCISED while they baked & came inside when they were done...

And gobbled them up!!!

Here is the recipe, if any of you would like to try these "Healthier Banana Muffins" at home:

3 ripe bananas (2 large or 3 small)
1 egg
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups of flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder

***for the HEALTHIER version...substitute the 1/3 cup of veg oil for 1/3 cup of APPLESAUCE
& then throw in a 1/2-1 CUP of MIXED VEGGIES/FRUITS-ground up very fine

Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes, until edges are brown
&
ENJOY!


This is a fun way to get your kids to eat a serving of fruits or veggies!
You can "hide" vegetables in many recipes, without changing the flavor...just the nutrition factor.
Try grinding up spinach & adding to your favorite fruit smoothie.
Or add ground broccoli to your morning omelets.
Next time you make cupcakes for an afternoon snack, grind up vegetables or fruit in the batter & they will gobble them right up, without knowing the difference:)

Try adding a serving of vegetables to a regularly planned meal this week!
See if your kids notice the HEALTHIER version you have put on their plates...good luck!
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HERE. are a few things that exercising can do for our bodies!!!

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What does physical activity do for my body?

Physical activity gets lots of oxygen to your brain, so you can think clearly and do your best.

Running, walking, and biking keep your heart strong. A happy, healthy heart pumps blood and oxygen from your head to your toes

Being active also gives your skin a healthy glow.

Being active outside and breathing all that fresh air, keeps your lungs in perfect shape.

Physical activity builds strong muscles and bones. It keeps you in shape and at a healthy weight.

Fun Fitness Activities
  • Play outside every day
  • Walking every day with your family and friends is an easy way to be fit!
  • Running and playing games like tag are great ways to get your body moving!
  • It's so fun to hike with your friends and family.
  • There are a bunch of ways to jump rope.
  • Zip around your neighborhood on your bike.
  • Rollerblading is a blast!
  • Ice skating in the winter is fun to do.
  • Martial Arts are really fun. Try Karate!
  • Use your skateboard to get around.
  • Gymnastics helps your balance, strengthens your muscles, and keeps your body flexible.
  • Team sports like softball and baseball are fun to play.
  • The goal of soccer is to get outside and have fun!
  • Playing basketball really keeps you moving!
  • Ask a friend to hit a few tennis balls with you.

Remember, it doesn't matter what you choose as long as you're active every day!