Gardening, Good Health Go Hand in Hand

Teach a kid to grow a carrot, and she will probably eat more of them, that according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

We all know how important it is to prepare healthy foods for our children. Have you ever considered how important it is to teach them how to grow and prepare nutritious foods themselves?

Teaching kids how to garden and cook wholesome foods is a great way to combat obesity and unhealthy habits. If kids get involved in preparing meals, they'll be more interested in eating what they've created.

In the free Kids Garden Club at the Fowler YMCA, kids learn every aspect of gardening: they spread compost on the soil, plant the vegetables, and water the garden. Finally, they harvest the fruits of their labor and learn how to turn them into delicious snacks. Younger kids wash fruits and vegetables, pour and mix ingredients together. Older kids take on cutting fruits and veggies.

Planting a healthy "snack garden" with your kids is a great way to expose them to more vegetables. Natural snacks abound and gardening is a great outdoor activity for both kids and parents. Limited space is also not an issue, you can grow a garden in a few pots if you don't have a plot. It can be as simple as one plant in a single pot or a raised garden bed. Either way, kids will enjoy seeing and tasting the "fruits" of their labor.

Stop by the YMCA to learn more about the organic garden. The Kids Garden Club meets Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in the garden.