Monthly Archives: July 2019

Are you packing a nutritious lunch that your child won’t eat? If you are focusing on healthy eating as a family, you might be packing a nutritious lunch for kids to bring to school or summer camp. That is a very important step of a healthy lifestyle, but what happens when kids won’t eat it? Here are 3 solutions.

3 Solutions when packing a nutritious lunch that your child won’t eat.

1. Your Child Does Not Enjoy Their Lunch.
   Kids are not going to eat foods that are mushy, discolored, soggy or just unappetizing. When packing lunch, get your child’s input and find out why they do not like certain items. It might not be that your child does not like fruit, they just do not like brown apple slices. Instead, pack fruit that does not discolor easily.
2. Be A Detective.
   Does your child enjoy their lunch on the weekends? Pay close attention to how your child eats when they are home. They might have more time to eat at home. If your child feels rushed at school, pack items that are easy to eat. A sandwich takes less time than soup, grape tomatoes are faster than an apple, and string cheese can be eaten quickly on the playground.
3. Look at Packaging.
   Lunch boxes, thermoses and other packaging is not always made for small hands. When buying new lunch gear, test it out at home with your child to make sure they can open it easily. Kids often only have 20 minutes for lunch, and if they are struggling to open their lunch, it does not leave a lot of time to eat.

Through trial and error and a bit of detective work, hopefully you and your child can settle on a healthy lunch. Remember that if meals and snacks at home are nutritious, having a small lunch will not negatively affect your child. For more personalized advice, set up a free consultation with Dr. Karen at KareBoost Health.

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health

Wondering what Yoga Props to Invest In for a Home Practice? Perhaps you have been attending yoga classes regularly and would like to deepen your practice by developing an at-home practice. Or maybe studio classes do not work for your schedule or resources. An at-home yoga practice is a wonderful way to access the benefits of yoga and has many advantages. If you are starting to practice at home, here are 3 Yoga Props to Invest In (and their at-home alternatives) to consider.

3 Yoga Props to Invest In

1. A Mat. If you have been borrowing a mat from the studio you practice at, now is the time to invest in your own mat. Look for a mat that is grippy, supportive without being too soft, and easy to clean. It is best to practice on hard wood floors with a yoga mat. If you have carpet at home, consider practicing in your kitchen or anywhere with a tile or wood floor.
2. Blocks. Foam blocks are a necessity in any yoga studio because they make poses more accessible for everyone. Not everyone’s limbs are the same length, so blocks help to work around this issue. Using blocks will help you work smarter, but not easier. If you cannot purchase block, thick books can work well.
3. A Blanket. A yoga blanket has many uses. It can be a supportive pillow underneath your head or folded up as a prop in restorative poses. Blankets are also a wonderful way to create strength and resistance work against a slippery floor. Yoga blankets work best for yoga, but you might be able to use a towel or rolled up sweatshirt for some poses.

Yoga props are instrumental to creating a home practice. Having a few props might also entice you to set up a nice yoga area at home, and to use it frequently! Some people also prefer having their own props and bringing them to class. If you’re still curious about using props, we offer yoga classes for all levels.

Come to class and find out what to do with those blocks! We can also do private lessons to work around your schedule.

Kara Unal JD, RYT
KareBoost Health

If you and your family are trying to eat better, you probably know that health is a life-long habit. How we eat every day is a huge factor in our health, and having the foundation of a healthy diet will set you up for success. Here are 5 daily tips to help your family eat better and establish a healthy routine.

Daily Tips to Help Your Family Eat Better

1. Try Something New. Make eating produce fun for kids. Let them pick out a new fruit or vegetable every week at the store. Figure out together how to cook or prepare it.
2. Choose Whole Grains. You do not have to cut out carbs. Choose whole-wheat or rye bread, popcorn, oatmeal and whole-grain cereal to increase fiber and nutrients.
3. Be a Role Model. Kids pick up on many cues from parents. Make healthy eating fun, not a chore, and kids will follow. Getting kids involved from a young age will empower them to make healthy choices.
4. Read Food Nutrition Labels. Get used to reading labels. Look for foods that provide nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber, but limit sodium, added sugars and saturated and trans fats.
5. Cook At Home. When you cook at home, you have more control over the ingredients in your food and portion sizes. Search for recipes and ingredients together as a family.

At KareBoost Health, we believe that healthy eating can be fun and simple. We want to help you feel better and more empowered in your choices. Contact us to set up a free consultation with Dr. Karen, or to learn more about what we do.

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health

Do your cook with your kids? Raising a child that enjoys broccoli as much as pizza can be difficult, but teaching your child to appreciate many different foods is an important life skill. Helping your child be an adventurous eater requires exposure to many positive food experiences. Cooking with your kids is a great way to start.

3 Reasons to Cook With Your Kids

1. Teach. Cooking involves many skills. Involving kids in the kitchen is a great opportunity to practice counting, measurement and fractions. Following a recipe teaches patience and planning. Explore new recipes and ingredients to build new vocabulary.
2. Be Together. Cooking together is a great way to bring the family together. Food is cultural, and the kitchen is the perfect way to celebrate your family culture. Explore recipes from your heritage together, and create your own favorite family foods and recipes.
3. Ask for Input. Kids are more likely to enjoy foods when they have been asked to be a part of the meal. Let your kids suggest meal ideas, and shop for groceries together. Teach them that they have input and control over what they eat, and you will raise healthy eaters for life.

While it may seem easier to exert control over all of your family’s meals and food choices, remember that having a healthy relationship with food takes work and time. Cook with your kids, it will set them up for healthy eating habits for life, even when they are making their own decisions about food.

Karen L. Leibowitz, MD
Health and Medical Coach
KareBoost Health