Between school, homework, sports, your after-school job, and hanging out with friends, it may feel like there's no time for healthy eating. And when you do stop to eat, it's probably tempting to go the quick and easy route by grabbing a burger and fries, potato chips, or candy. But it is possible to treat yourself to a healthy snack. In fact, if you have a hectic schedule, it's even more important to eat healthy foods that give you the fuel you need to keep going. Even if you take...

What's Behind First-Year Weight Gain? Everyone's heard warnings about the "freshman 15." But is it true that many college students pack on 15 pounds during their first year at school? Recent studies find that some first-year students are indeed likely to gain weight — but it might not be the full freshman 15 and it may not all happen during freshman year. That might sound like good news, but it's not. Doctors are concerned that students who gradually put on pounds are establishing a pattern of weight gain that could...

Healthy Snack Ideas - Mango Smoothie Mango can add a bit of exotic flavor to your everyday summer drinks or smoothies. Look for plump fruits without soft spots, shriveled skin or blemishes. The color will vary depending on the type, but many will be green. INGREDIENTS 1 mango, peeled, pitted and sliced 1 cup coconut milk 2 cups ice 1/2 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks (or one 12-oz can pineapple chunks) 1 tablespoon honey INSTRUCTIONS Place all ingredients, except honey, into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into chilled...

Trail Mix Granola Makes 5 cups Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes INGREDIENTS 3 cups old-fashioned oats 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut, optional 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups add-ins* *Tip: For the add-ins, combine your favorite snacks. We love to use nuts, chocolate chips and dried fruit. Experiment with different combinations, like pistachios and cranberries or walnuts and figs. INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet...

Drinks that boost energy with a high-dosage jolt of caffeine have serious health implications for children and teens and shouldn't be sold to them, a top medical journal is arguing. The Canadian Medical Association Journal published a scathing op-ed bashing the safety of the beverages for kids, says the Toronto Globe and Mail. It's the latest push to get them out of the hands of minors through tighter government regulations. "It is time for the federal minister of health to be awakened and alerted to concerns about energy drinks sold...

Tips on Buying Healthy Kids Snacks By Amy Paturel Snacking helps increase variety in a child's diet, allowing children to get the recommended number of servings of fruit or dairy and reduce overeating at meals. How many times your child snacks depends on the size of your meals. Some kids do well with a snack between breakfast and lunch, a second snack between lunch and dinner and a third snack before bedtime. You want your child to be hungry at mealtime. And kids shouldn't eat a snack when they're not...

ALL PST FAMILIES Please join us for a Back to School Beach Bash- Saturday, September 11th at 10AM. The PST Booster Club is sponsoring a FAMILY PICNIC at John U Lloyd Beach State Park, in Dania, at The SEAGRAPE PAVILION. Burgers, hot dogs and drinks will be supplied by the Booster Club. Families are asked to bring a favorite picnic food. A-K bring a dessert, L-U bring a side dish, V-Z bring a fruit dish. RSVP to Colleen at [email protected]

5 Reasons Why Kids Should Participate in Organized Sports Confidence and Self-Esteem - Tiata Rogers Organized sports are a highly debatable subject. Poor sportsmanship, injuries, and impossible parental expectations are a few reasons why some kids do not want to play sports. Organized sports that are played in a positive environment can be helpful to kids. On average, kids who play sports do better in school. Kids are less likely to get themselves into trouble. Here are five reasons why kids should be encouraged to participate in organized sports. Get...

Healthy Snack Ideas-Strawberry-Banana Smoothie Strawberry-Banana Smoothie Makes 2 (1-1/4 cup) smoothies INGREDIENTS 2 cups frozen strawberries 2 bananas 1/2 cup natural yogurt 2 teaspoons honey INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on medium speed until frozen strawberries are ground and all ingredients are combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for maximum thickness and coldness. Tip: Feel free to cover your smoothie and store in the refrigerator overnight. The strawberries will no longer be icy and the smoothie itself will be a bit...

Top Ten Nutrition Tips For Kids Playing Sports By Suzanne Nelson, Sc.D., RD 1. Make sure your child drinks enough fluids Children have special fluid needs. Compared to adults, kids are more likely to suffer a heat illness when exercising in the heat. Give your kids a sports drink to prevent fatigue and dehydration. Studies show that lightly sweetened, flavored, non-carbonated beverages such as sports drinks do a better job than water of preventing dehydration. Have your kids drink according to a schedule. Give kids a squeeze bottle and have...