:
The Little Forks
NEK-NAK PRODUCTIONS
Angela
Dawson, the visionary and President of Nek-Nak Productions decided that the
best way to keep kids interested in exercise was to disguise it in the form of
“having fun” and “playing around”.
Routine exercise, such as calisthenics, walking around a track and
crunches just did not interest her own children, especially her daughter,
Nadia, who had been diagnosed as being overweight by the family
pediatrician. Angela and her husband,
Alvin, were determined to find a form of exercise that their entire family
could enjoy together.
The
family had memberships at a local YCMA, which offered an adult hip-hop
class. Fortunately, the instructor did
not mine mom’s bringing their kids, and he allowed the children to participate
too. Nadia and Nile fell in love with
the class, and Angela realized that hip-hop dance just might be the answer to
get kids off the sofa and away from the computer in order to burn some
calories. Thus, the inception of Nek-Nak
Productions.
Master choreographer, Anthony Frances, a
certified fitness instructor, choreographed each video. The musical scores are original and
instrumental, so they can be enjoyed in all settings. The routines include the latest dance steps
and are taught by Anthony and the Nek-Nak Dance Crew. Check out the fun and the fitness at
www.neknak.com!
7 steps to a healthy fork lunch for kids
Pack your child's lunch at home The best way to ensure that your child's lunch is as wholesome and nutritious as possible is to PIY – Pack It Yourself.
• Choose certified organic foods Choose
certified organic foods wherever possible to protect your child from
pesticides, antibiotics and other chemicals. Buying milk and milk
products that are certified organic ensures that your child is not
exposed to artificial growth hormones.
• Include a healthy beverage
One of the quickest ways to reduce your child's intake of refined sugar
is to declare their school lunch a ‘soft drink free' zone! Offer your
child reduced fat organic milk, water or 100% fruit juice as thirst
quenching beverages.
• Remember fruits and vegetables
Children need a wholesome diet that includes an abundance of fruit and
vegetables, at least five servings per day. Vary the selection
seasonally, choosing locally grown produce whenever possible.
• Restrict processed foods
Limit foods that contain harmful nitrates, lollies and chocolates that
are packed with an excess of refined sugar, and processed baked goods –
cookies, cakes and the like – which are high in saturated fats.
• Avoid food additives
Stabilisers, preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial colours and
flavourings are frequently present in processed foods and may pose a
threat to your child's health. Go organic instead.
• Be fat-savvy
Children need some fat in their diets, but it's important to choose the
right fats. Restrict saturated fats, avoid “fat-free” foods which are
often loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners and, whenever
possible, opt for the unsaturated Omega-3 rich fats found in fish,
nuts, seeds and Omega-3 eggs. Got some thoughts or comments you'd like to share. I'd love to hear from you.
