School district info fair, fitness classes for moms

By Lara Alexander

Edmonds School District has a new “F.A.C.E.”

The Edmonds School District welcomes you to their Families and Communities Engaged (F.A.C.E.) together event, formally known as the District Information Fair. This hands-on fair will give you the opportunity to learn about Edmonds school programs and community groups supporting student learning. Included at the event:

  • Meet staff and pick up registration materials for entrance into kindergarten in Fall 2011.
  • Explore options for current sixth-graders and eighth-graders who will enter middle and high school in fall 2011.
  • A bus ride for soon-to-be kindergartners.
  • A chance to review the FLASH/KNOW curricula used in the district’s HIV/reproductive health lessons.

F.A.C.E. will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 22 at Lynnwood High School, 18218 North Road, Bothell.

A jump start on 2011 fitness resolutions

Will improving your health be on your list of New Year resolutions? Plan ahead and get started as soon as 2011 arrives, by signing up for one of many local class offerings.

Edmonds Parks & Rec has a few classes planned for moms looking to get back into shape. Click here to read the full schedule of classes and to register.

Fit Mamas is a workout geared for moms with babies, strollers welcome! Interval training combining cardio, strength and flexibility. Cost is $11 per class, begins Jan. 25, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10-11 a.m.

Prenatal Yoga emphasizes flexibility, strength, relaxation, breathing techniques and pelvic exercises to help with delivery and recovery. This class is safe for all trimesters, but bring a doctor’s note along with your yoga mat and two pillows. Mondays, begininng Jan. 24.

Women’s Weights and Yoga offers interval training using bands, weights and yoga stretching.
This class is for the more advanced, bring a yoga mat. Drop-in cost is $11, classes run on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., beginning on Jan. 26.

Twist Vinyasa Yoga is rolling out a new family yoga program with teacher and mother of three, Heather Falkin. Parents are invited to bring their kids to class with them to learn basic yoga poses. Heather loves to see the looks on children’s faces when they first learn how to do Downward dog and then are asked to bark loudly! She says yoga is a great way to strengthen the parent-child bond. No experience is required. Five classes meets the first and third Saturdays of the month from Jan 15-march 19 at 1:30 p.m. Tuition is $72 per family, for five classes (class passes do not apply). 122 5th Ave. S. 425- 778-YOGA.

<h3>“Yes, but will they eat it?” Low sugar cereals and children’s preferences</h3>

In a study of children’s cereal preferences, researchers assigned kids attending a summer camp to high-sugar or low-sugar groups and allowed them to choose one of three cereals in their group, as well as low-fat milk, orange juice, bananas, strawberries, and sugar packets.

The kids were allowed to serve themselves and then completed a questionnaire after eating. No matter which cereal the children were given, all groups reported “liking” or “loving” the cereal they chose, and all children consumed about the same number of calories.

The real difference was in the type of calories each child consumed. Children in the low-sugar group were much more likely to put fruit on their cereal, and children in the high-sugar group consumed twice the amount of refined sugars. Researchers concluded that children will consume low-sugar cereals when offered, and they provide a breakfast option with superior nutritional benefits. Results were published in the January 2011 issue of Pediatrics.

If you are looking for some healthy eating inspiration for your family table, you could sign up for a, “Walk, Talk & Taste” at PCC Natural Markets. Although the Janurary session is already full, there is still room in Feburary and April sessions. Not only is this walking lesson on sustainable foods free of charge, but you will take home a $10 coupon for store merchandise. If you love a good deal, you can also buy a Chinook Book of local coupons at PCC for $5 off the normal price. To register for the Walk, Talk & Taste, register by calling 206-545-7112 or at PccCooks.com

Edmonds mom Lara Alexander keeps busy chasing after a toddler, growing and cooking good food, and writing about it all. You can find more of her writing on her blog at www.food-soil-thread.com. If you have Edmonds-specific family activities for possible inclusion in Lara’s column, email them to family@myedmondsnews.com.

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