The AHA is grateful to volunteers, like Devin Alexander – head of NBC’s Biggest Loser and author, for lending his voice to topics like this. Devin shares his personal perspective as a chef in this blog post.
It’s almost Father’s Day, and with a 50% divorce rate these days, there are a lot of single dads out there. Having dated a few single dads in the past, I know that many single dads feel the pressure to do everything right – from feeding their kids a heart-healthy diet to making sure their Video games are interrupted instead of actively having fun.
When you’re overwhelmed with stress, it can be so easy to drop the kids off in front of the TV or just stop at the drive-thru. But with a few quick recipes and a few activities to do, you can easily feel like SuperDad when it comes to the health of your little ones AND yourself!
Some of my favorite adult activities are incredibly fun, like Hoopnotica (hula hoop) and Kangoo (training in kangaroo boots!). Or be totally friendly with the kids (and dad!) and take them to a bounce house! Trampoline parks have been popping up all over the United States, allowing everyone to jump for hours (and could you ask for an easier or better way to expend a 4-year-old’s energy?) .
I also like to be active outside. Last weekend, I went for a bike ride with a friend of mine and his kids and everyone had a great time! Then we came home and made homemade ravioli that I colored with all-natural food coloring – such a fun day for everyone. And the children still talk about their pink and blue ravioli. Now, I’m not suggesting everyone make colorful homemade ravioli, but simple recipe ideas will get your kids helping in the kitchen and everyone eating healthy foods that don’t seem healthy!
Here are some recipes to get you started:
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BearyMelon “Cookies”
Let’s be real, kids (big and small) love cookies. By calling these adorable watermelon slices “cookies” and decorating them a little, your kids and their friends are much more likely to accept them as an after-school snack. Best part? You can turn them into anything your kids like: dinosaurs, puppies…all you need are cookie cutters! Heck, word might get around that you’re the cool mom, dad, aunt or uncle on the block, and you’ll have kids flocking to your house for these delicious and fun treats! If you don’t want to go to the trouble of making my “Cut the Crap” whipped topping, stop by your local health food store and grab the healthiest frosting you can find (after all, you don’t don’t add much!) -
Lemon and Thyme Chicken Skewers
Now a lot of dads are good with grilling. Take this awesome chicken recipe and make it fun with your kids by making it the base for Stuff-Your-Own-Pita-Pockets. Have them add lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and a good hummus or tzatziki sauce that’s low in sodium and saturated fat (another good one to look for at your health food store). -
PB&J Spirals
Are you looking for active adventures? Don’t be tempted by the greasy food stands and pack a picnic with my PB&J spirals instead. This equally simple version of the original will make your children want to open the lunch basket. Opt for low-sodium tortillas and natural, unsalted peanut butter.
