Although it does not start for almost one more month , according to most , summer has begun . It is important for children and adults to keep up healthy nutrition and physical activity habits during the summer months when schedules may not be structured .
Here are a few tips to help you and your child to keep up good nutrition and fitness habits while enjoying the break from school :
1 . Sign your child up for an organized sport or physical activity class such as soccer or swimming .
For young children , puick something that you and your child can do together . For older children , find something that encourages socialization .
2. Set your family activity time . Going to a park , riding a bike or even takiking a short walk in your neighborhood can easily be done once the temperature cools a little .
3 . Spice up your family's menus . This is the prefect time to let your children experiment with new recipes and to help them learn cooking skills . Choose age appropriate tasks to let them practice during the day , if home alone . Tasks such as planning the week's menu , making a grocery list or starting dinner can easily be done by older children.
This weekend many of us will be celebrating the holiday with an outdoor cookout . While most people picture hamburgers , hot dogs or creamy potato salad , cookouts do not have to take you off track with your nutrition plans .
Cooking can be healthy , especially when you have a menu that features lean cuts of meat , foods with light and favorful sauceds and veggies ans salads that give you a nutritional boost .
Here are a few tips to help you have a healthy and flavorful cookout this weekend and all summer long :
1 . Marinate meats in low or no-fat dressing and sauces . Opt for rubs and dry seasoning instead .
2 . Limit processed meats like hot dogs , deli meats and bacon . Look for lean meats , like 93 precent lean ground beef for burgers or skinless poutry . Trim visible fats from meats before putting them on the grill .
3 . Grilled vegetables are good as rntrees and sides . Options such as mushrooms , squash , onions and peppers are great hearty flavors that grill well .
4 . Try lower-fat options for salads . Add flavor with pickle or lemon juice and herbs . For pasta salads , try whole-wheat pastas . Try a new flavor such as pesto or Dijon mustard for a hearty twist .
5 . Remember to hydrate well . Water with slices of lemon , orange or other fruits is your best bet to avoid unwanted calories and dehydration .
Cajun Spicy Hot Wings
Louisiana Hot Sauce
The standard method for preparing Buffalo-style wings is to deep-fry them . Then dip in a mixture of melted butter and liquid hot sauce . The specific red pepper sauce is used is an issue that is hotly debated by wings fans . Some prefer Durkee ( formerly Frank's Louisiana Hot Sauce) , yet other swear by Crystal . Both of these hot sauces are readily available in most grocery stores . To be authentic , you'll need to accompany your wings with fresh , crisp celery and blue cheese dressing , both of which are said to help ease the heat of the hot wings .
Homecooking.about.com
