ChildcareAlive! E-News

January 2015

In This Issue
Using Frozen Fruits and Veggies
Trending Now: ChildcareAlive! is now on PInterest
Seasonal Eating: Leeks
Upcoming Trainings
What is ChildcareAlive?
ChildcareAlive! is an exciting program for child care programs and preschools in Cass County (ND) and Clay, Becker, Wilkin, and Otter Tail Counties (MN) that uses engaging on-site activities to reach parents, children, and providers/teachers with positive and consistent messages about healthy foods and active play. 
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Important Dates for ChildcareAlive! Programs (Becker, Wilkin, and Otter Tail Co):
End of Fall Fall/Winter Program (Cass/Clay Co).......................February 27th, 2015
Healthy Menu Makeover Cooking Class Training.......................February 10th, 2015
Start of Winter/Spring ChildcareAlive!  (Becker, Wilkin, Otter Tail)......February 1st, 2015
Start of Spring ChildcareAlive! (Cass/Clay Co)............................March 1st, 2015
Using Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Ways to use frozen and canned produce and still offer a healthy menu
We can all feel that Spring is coming soon, and with spring comes warmer temperatures, longer days, and the promise that fresh fruits and vegetables will be back and tasting delicious again very soon! But until then, using frozen (and sometimes canned) fruits and vegetables can be a comparable substitution when fresh produce is out of season. 

Fresh produce is often heralded as the best, most nutritious choice for fruits and vegetables over canned or frozen produce. However, in some cases, frozen or canned produce may actually be very close or nearly equal to fresh when it comes to nutrients. The main drawback for frozen and canned produce is not what is missing, but rather what is added to these foods during processing. For example, canned vegetables are packaged in a salty liquid which adds lots of sodium, and canned fruits may be packaged in syrup, which adds lots of sugar. 
By following these simple steps, you can use frozen and canned produce and still offer healthy foods for your children!

Canned and Frozen Fruits:
- Only choose fruits canned in 100% juice, "natural juices," or water. 
- Choose frozen fruits that are not packed in sugar.
- Defrost frozen berries and use as a topping on yogurt for a delicious yogurt parfait or pancake topping. 
Canned and Frozen Vegetables and Beans:
- Drain and rinse to reduce sodium by about 40%.
- Choose frozen veggies without added sauces or cheese more often than canned. Frozen veggies have much less sodium, and are therefore better for heart health than canned vegetables.
What's Trending Now...
ChildcareAlive's on Pinterest
ChildcareAlive! is now on Pinterest! Now you can find active play ideas, gross motor activities, and healthy recipes right at your fingertips!  

Find us on Pinterest

Check out the CassClayAlive Pinterest Page and scroll down to find boards titled: "ChildcareAlive! Recipe Ideas" and "ChildcareAlive! Active Play Ideas". Check back often to find more ideas, like these Winter Time Large Motor Activity ideas.
Eating for the Season: Leeks

If you ever use onions when cooking, or even to top a hamburger or pizza, then you can use leeks there, too!

A leek is a large, beautiful aromatic vegetable that could be fun for children to explore and taste. Leeks are also very nutritious, providing  Vitamin A, C, and folate.There are a few tips and tricks to know when selecting and purchasing leeks. 
 

Selecting and Using Leeks (video)

Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Leeks

Professional Development Opportunities 
The Spring 2015 Professional Development Course Guide will be landing in your mailbox soon. Can't wait? View an online version now.

Easy Reach Online Courses (North Dakota) 
Available 24/7. Some topics include "Supporting Breastfeeding in Child Care," "Music and Movement," and "Reducing Sodium and Trans-Fat in Child Care Settings." Explore ND Training Website for more information.

Cass County (North Dakota):
Healthy Menu Makeovers (Cooking Class/Training)
Date/Time: February 10th; 6:30-8:30 pm
Location: Dakota Medical Foundation; 4141 28th Ave S, Fargo, ND
Hours: 2.0 clock hours 
For more information and to register, visit ND Training Website

Minnesota Eager-to-Learn Online Training

Tipping the Scales (Parent Aware Accepted)

Start Date: January 27th, 2015

Chat Sessions: Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 8:00 - 8:45 pm

Register and attend chat sessions at eagertolearn.org

 

Farm to Child Care

Start Date: February 23, 2015

Chat Sessions: Mondays, February 23, March 2, 9, & 16 from 8:00-8:45 pm

Register and attend chat sessions at eagertolearn.org

 

More Minnesota Training information: www.mnstreams.org