Eat

Let’s face it, kids get bored with sandwiches fast. We have some awesome tips to make school lunches a little more exciting. Here are four must-have building blocks for making the perfect sandwich and eight simple ideas to make things interesting.

How to Build a Healthy Sandwich

GRAINS

Select whole grain bread, sliced, pita, English muffin or tortilla. The fiber in whole grain bread will keep you full longer. The first ingredient on the bread label must say "whole grain."

While there are many healthy foods out there, some of them are, well, super because they’re loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that help prolong life. These "ingredients" even fight and prevent chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes—all-important to consider even as you focus on your waistline.

Here are the top five superfoods I recommend adding to your grocery list this summer—these items are available the rest of the year as well:

A visit to rural Ireland is filled with spectacular views of lush, green hillsides and fields. Ireland's green countryside is perfect for raising cattle and sheep, and dairy farming. The country's mild climate provides a long growing season for a variety of vegetables and fruits. Irish cooks take advantage of the local harvest by choosing to cook with high quality, local and fresh ingredients.

Irish cooks keep it simple in the kitchen. Dishes are prepared using basic ingredients and easy to follow recipes.

Old World Russian meals traditionally consisted of three dishes; a soup, a hearty protein with a grain or potato and a drink.  And of course, bread—lots and lots of bread. Though this may sound delicious, this type of diet has contributed to an obesity problem in Russia.  Like in many cold weather countries, meals were meant to keep you warm.  But like the United States, many Russians are eating more and moving less.  Modern Russian cuisine is changing to include more fresh fruits and vegetables and less salt and fats.

With all the fun of this holiday come a parent's worst fear—too many sugary treats in your kid's possession and the arguments that ensue over this treasured trove. If you don't feel like contributing to the neighborhood children's tooth decay or weight gain, consider giving treats that are healthier.

Healthier Halloween Treats

* Cheese and cracker packages

* Sugar-free gum

Packing a healthy lunchbox is simple when you include each MyPlate food group, including vegetables, fruits, proteins, whole grains and dairy. This approach will offer your child plenty of healthy choices at lunchtime and one that you can be confident with as a healthy alternative to normal school-serve lunches.

Researchers, during the 2006-2007 school year, studied 4,870 eighth-graders in 40 states and found schools that did not exceed the standard nutritional standards were two times more likely to be obese compared to those in schools where a healthy alternative was served. It was concluded that stricter national standards were effective in controlling weight gain in young children.

Dads love a good healthy meal—especially when it's coming from the barbecue. Here is a great 3-course menu that can be easily prepared for your dad’s (or husband's) special day!

Father’s Day Menu
* Hoisin-glazed Turkey Burgers
* Mango Salsa
* Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing

Hoisin-glazed Turkey Burgers
Ingredients:
1 lb. Ground turkey