The snow is falling outside and the kids are raring to go. Dressed from head to toe in bundles of clothing they can’t wait to get out side and build that snowman. They are warm now but in a short time the cold will settle in. Be prepared to warm them up by heading to kitchen to prepare foods that will warm not only their bodies but their minds.

Everyone knows that good nutrition if an important part of keeping our children warm and healthy. It is also a way to keep their minds warm and healthy. Playing naturally gives a child that famished feeling but the cold can triple that feeling. Warm and nutritious snacks can help revitalize their bodies as well as their minds.

The body can “shut down” when it’s overly cold. This chill can also shut down the thinking process. This makes it even more important when it comes to filling them with soothing warm drinks and foods.

Warm beverages are a wonderful way to warm up a child. Tea, warm cider and hot chocolate are drinks that children will relish when they are cold outside. Add a few marshmallows to that hot chocolate and the kids will be in warmth heaven.

Chicken broth is a way to include warmth into a health snack. There is something to be said about having a cup of chicken broth when you are sick. It gives us that warm, cozy feeling. It works just as well when fending off that winter chill.

Children of all ages love a good grilled cheese sandwich. Add a cup of soup to make a simple but warming meal.

Another way to warm up the kids is by keeping the kitchen toasty warm. Start by preheating the oven just before it’s time for them to come in out of the cold. Once they are in and have that cup of hot chocolate let them help with fixing lunch, a warm snack or baking those delicious cookies. There’s nothing like a toasty warm kitchen to fend off the worst winter chill.

Warming both the body and mind is important to keep our children healthy, happy and wise. Giving them foods and beverages they enjoy after a frolic in the cold is one way to ensure they maintain good health. Spending some time with them in a warm kitchen is one way for you to be sure they stay happy and maintain good health – both physically and mentally!