Sesame Street Teaches Better Eating Habits

   The Sesame Street project is coming to the US! A three year test in South America proves that these adorable Muppets can influence enough to improve kids’ health. Yes, Bert & Ernie are jumping rope & munching on veggies. Cookie Monster is no longer eating cookies at will. He is eating his namesake treats occasionally. Yes, a way to teach kids you can still have your favorite treats in moderation and still be healthy. The surprising part to me was the spillover of what these children are learning into their homes. Yes, the kids are asking for there to be more fruits and veggies in the house and they are asking the parents to join in. The healthy messages are slowing being introduced into the show and I say it’s about time! I can only imagine what a difference there would be in my child’s generation if this was introduced sooner when they were the 3-5 year old target audience! There is a test run happening now in NYC and more to come.

     Now it’s time for us to start seeing foods as a five year old again. Be open to all the healthy choices. Begin with a clean slate in your cabinets and fridge. Clean out the bad. Go shopping for the fresh, nutritious and delicious and restock those shelves! There is a plethora of healthy, yummy choices out there. Explore the perimeter of the grocery store for the freshest, healthiest choices at first. Avoiding the aisles initially will help keep you away from the processed foods. (until you become a dedicated label reader!). Enjoy eating something nutritious that Elmo would and have a chuckle in the process. When you do have that Girl Scout cookie treat, imagine your younger self eating a cookie with Cookie Monster for the first time and smile.