Spread one inner surface of a split hot dog bun (preferably whole wheat) with 1 TB peanut butter or cream cheese.  Spread the other side with 1 TB jam or honey.  Place a small banana in the middle, and sprinkle the top with raisins, shredded coconut.  Yummy.

Another really fun book for the younger set (I put these in goody bags for my daughter’s 7th birthday when we had the Gymnastic Fun Bus come to the house) is part of the Five Kids & A Monkey Series of books called, Solve The Great Cupcake Caper.   It follows the eating habits of a young boy who because he eats too many sweets turns into a cupcake.  It’s very funny.  This book was first printed in 1997, so you might have to order it through your local bookstore.  It is published by a private company, The Creative Attic, located in New Hampshire (603.783.9103).

You can order online directly from the publisher at www.starboundbooks.com or through your local bookstore.

Two GREAT books to help overweight kids get on a healthy track, as well as motivate those within a healthy weight range to not only continue making wise lifestyle choices, but also to better understand and empathize with peers currently struggling with a weight problem.  Each book, one for a boy and the other a girl, depicts the life of an average overweight American kid as he or she encounters the emotional and physical challenges associated with an overweight condition.  These are wonderful, sensitive and uplifting books of hope that shows that overweight boys and girls, by better understanding  society’s many pressures and influences as well as the importance of living healthfully, can achieve a goal of living a happier, more fulfilling life.  The pages are great for coloring!!

A fun way to get a kid to eat some veggies is to cut up some carrots (or use the mini carrots) then put peanut butter (or cream cheese) and Goldfish crackers in separate bowls.  Dip the carrots in the peanut butter and then ‘fish’ for the crackers.  Another kid-friendly veggie snack is called Ants on a Log: Fill celery stalks with peanut butter (or cream cheese) and top with raisins.