The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is taking the arrival of St. Patrick's Day on March 17 of this year as an opportunity to get parents to encourage their kids to eat more green—although not green frosting and other sweet treats, but naturally green foods.
According to Alice Bender, MS, RD, AICR's Registered Dietitian, "Green veggies like broccoli, kale, cabbage and dark lettuce pack a lot of health-promoting phytochemicals (plant substances) and fiber - but not a lot of calories," she says. "So, by including these and other veggies in kids' diets you can help them get on a path to stay a healthy weight for life - which helps lower risk for many cancers as they grow older."
Bender suggests:
Including the Wee Lads and Lasses. Get kids involved in the planning, preparation, and selection of foods to be eaten at mealtime and as snacks. This can encourage them to try new foods and become more familiar with green fruits and vegetables at the grocery store.
Going Green Early. Breakfast can feature greens, such as a luscious omelet made with cooked chopped broccoli or basil leaves. Add a green fruit salad on the side - sliced kiwi, chopped green apple with peel and green grapes.
For other suggestions, as well as an easy recipe for green meatballs (and many other easy recipes), check out the American Institute for Cancer Research.
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