A new web-based kids program is taking parents out of the kitchen and teaching young kids how to cook healthy meals for themselves. The show is hosted by children, and was created by JAG Entertainment in Universal City, CA.

"Jr. Chefs of America plans to educate and present an innovative substitute to the fast food nation that is largely responsible for the rising [obesity] epidemic... Each episode promises to teach kids how to properly and safely prepare quick and delicious recipes..."

The show was inspired by Michael Green, whose son has been helping him in the kitchen since he was five years old. Source: JAG Entertainment

Labels: cooking, healthy_eating, TV

Teaching children how to cook at an early age has many benefits, not the least of which is the ability of nutrition education to assist in the battle against obesity. The Kitchen Kapers studio in Moorestown, Pennsylvania has begun putting this theory into practice.

"Though nutrition can be stealthily baked into chocolate cake in the form of a beet puree, as Jessica Seinfeld has demonstrated with her Deceptively Delicious recipes, these instructors reason that children stand a better chance of developing healthier habits when they can recognize a beet, and, better yet, learn how to roast and peel it."

Cooking classes can also teach portion control, as well as introduce young eaters to new foods. As an added benefit, instructors believe that families that cook together are more likely to develop a habit of eating together - and, in addition to reinforcing positive nutrition concepts, shared meals have also been shown to promote emotional well-being. Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Labels: cooking, healthy_eating, nutrition

As part of its continuing efforts to battle childhood obesity, London district schools will add classes aimed at teaching students how to cook healthy meals.

"From 2011, every 11 to 14-year-old will be given hands-on cooking lesson in how to make cheap, healthy dishes from simple, fresh ingredients... Under the plans, around 800 new food technology teachers and teaching assistants will be trained over the next three years."

The government plans to set aside nearly $5 million to cover the program. Read more at ThisIsLocalLondon.com.

Looking for a fitness Summer Camp to help your overweight child shed some pounds this summer? Visit WellspringCamps.com to find a program near you.

Labels: cooking, healthy_eating, recipes

On average, Americans prepare home-cooked meals just two to three times per week. The rest of the time it's drive-thrus and take-outs. We have our reasons; "it doesn't cost that much more," "it saves me time," etc. But the truth is that eating out not only costs money, but can cost us - to some degree - our health.

"So if you don't gain time or save money by grabbing takeout, what benefits do you get from cooking at home? 'You'll eat better, cheaper and fresher at home,' [Meredith] Deeds said. 'You control portion sizes, and the content and quality you're providing your family,' said [Niquenya] Fulbright. She said these issues can be especially important in an era of rising childhood obesity."

Cooking at home also teaches children how to prepare and enjoy healthier meals, and gives the family some important quality time together.

Read more at JournalStar.com.

Labels: cooking, fast_food, healthy_eating

Where can your child get a history lesson, information on healthy eating, and recipes simple enough for him or her to make with minimal supervision—all in one location? Log on to www.eu.mini-chefs.eu to see. Eu Mini-chefs is a new website for European kids (but your kids will enjoy it, too), recently launched as part of an effort to combat childhood obesity in Europe.

Your child can take a trip around Europe and discover recipes for regional cuisine—such as Strawberries with Orange Granita—and learn about the history of each ingredient as well as the health benefits gained by eating them.

Future plans for EU Mini Chefs includes email newsletters and an interactive cooking game so that children can learn by playing.

Labels: cooking, healthy_eating, recipes