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Have you got yoru play on?
Topics: healthy eating, recipe, play
Posted by admin Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 749 times
0 responses 0 comments Jumping rope, hunting for bears, riding a pony, building a castle.

What do all of these activities have in common? They are playtime activities for kids.

The term "play" is referred to as a kind of unstructured activity that encourages your child to use his or her imagination and does not include the use of electronic toys. Electronic toys are becoming the norm for many kids today due to time schedules, both parents working, and living in a technology-based world.

Playtime has become limited and negative effects have become prominent. On average, a child watches four hours of television a day, taking away from their playtime and getting active time, and that has been one case for many overweight children.

By allowing kids to play, they will reap the benefits of developing their imagination, dexterity, build confidence, practice decision making skills, and most importantly they will get active.

Playtime should not just be for kids but for parents as well. Get down on the ground with your child and pretend you are the horse they are riding on, or take a walk with them into the Amazon jungle. By doing this you will improve bonds with your children, you will act as a role model in showing them that being active is important and you will get exercise to promote a healthy you!

Since play is so important, it must then be important to play with our food.

Imagine little trees which you can eat. What vegetable might that be? I'll give you a hint: it is dark green with a flowery, crunch top. Any guesses? I hope you said broccoli.

Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family and is closely related to cauliflower. Its cultivation originated in Italy and was called broccolo, which means "cabbage sprout." Broccoli is a vegetable harvested in Kern County, and its peak season is February. Broccoli is versatile in that you can it it boiled, steamed, or raw. It can be used for pasta, salads, or as a side dish.

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C. One cup of broccoli will provide almost double the amount of one orange. It's also rich in vitamins K and A, and calcium. Being packed full of vitamins and minerals, broccoli can aide in the prevention of some cancers and promote healthiness in your heart, bones, and eyes.

Here is a recipe that you and your child can play with:

Broccoli carrot stir fry
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup chicken or vegatable broth
• 1 tablesppon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablesppon canola oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped.

In a small bowl, stir together chicken broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Pour oil into a wok, or large skillet. Preheat pan over medium-high heat. Stir-fry garlic and ginger in hot oil for 15 seconds.

Add carrots and stir-fry for one minute. Add broccoli, stir-frying for three to four minutes or until crips and tender.

Add sauce to the pan. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Stir all ingredients together to coat with sauce. Cook and stir about one minute or until heated through.

This can be served atop whole grain noodles, or brown rice. Makes four servings.

Nutrition information per 3/4 cup serving:
Caloris: 81; total fat: 4 grams; saturated fat: 1 gram; fiber: 4 grams.

— Brittany Lorimer is a Registered Dietitian for Clinica Sierra Vista. The articles feature locally grown crops. This article was brought to you by Get Moving Kern, a community coalition that was developed to promote the wellness of children and adults in Kern County by promoting healthy eating and active living. For more information, visit: www.getmovingkern.org

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