Janet Davis Cleaners January 2018

GET YOUR KIDS

To Eat Healthier Than Ever

Do your kids get enough nutrients in their diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but that’s easier said than done. Getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli is a chore. Food manufacturers have built an entire industry around our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of processed foods can lead to a host of problems, including hindered brain development and even behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens.

When you close your eyes and picture your dream bed, chances are you don’t imagine an ugly, crinkled label sticking out from the spread. The manufacturers of comforters and bedspreads know this, but they are required by the FTC to place a care label in all bedding sold in the United States. Many folks cut the labels off immediately after making the bed; however, these potentially annoying tabs of paper contain valuable information on how to properly clean your bedding. Whether they’re attached or included in the packaging, these labels are good to hold on to for personal reference. By all means, remove the tabs from your bedding, but hold on to them to use when laundry day comes around. These will help you keep track of which washing techniques the manufacturers recommend and will increase the longevity of your bedspreads and comforters. Nobody’s perfect, those little scraps of paper can be difficult to keep track of. Don’t feel bad if you’ve thrown away or lost the label for that new comforter. A professional dry cleaner has experience with bedding of all shapes and sizes and can answer any questions you might have about safely and effectively cleaning your label-free product. The best way to give them a hand with this is to at least know the composition of the items you want cleaned. This will ensure your bedding comes out looking great, without any unnecessary wear and tear. When cleaning time rolls around, it’s best to do the entire set at once — spread, pillowcases, comforter, the works. This goes double for the first time you wash a bed set. This is because it is not uncommon for slight color changes in the fabric to occur during the cleaning process. The widest variation typically occurs the first time these items are cleaned. By keeping your items together, you ensure this change is uniform. The last thing you want is a miss-matched bed of slightly-off colors. If you have questions or concerns about how to clean your bedspread or comforter, please reach out to us. We have years of experience — no label, no problem! KNOW HOW TO CLEAN YOUR BEDSPREADS AND COMFORTERS PUT THE LABELS TO BED

So, how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier foods? One way is through presentation. A mound of plain old veggies is unappealing, whether you’re 10 years old or 40. The solution is to think of vegetables as an ingredient rather than as a stand-alone dish. Take lasagna, for instance. You can easily modify this beloved Italian dish. Instead of using lasagna noodles, slice zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips and layer them as you would typical pasta. The same can be done for other pasta dishes. Zucchini

noodles made with a spiralizer — also known as “zoodles” — make a mean substitute for spaghetti. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce or toss them in a slightly less decadent, but still delicious, alfredo. Vegetables can also be incorporated into other foods your children already know and love. Did you know you can make brownies with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients here and there can deliver the nutrients your kids need to power through a busy school week. If you want to foster long-lasting healthy eating habits, the best thing you can do is offer your child some agency. For example, saying to your child, “You can have the cauliflower or the broccoli. It’s up to you!” empowers them to make their own decision based on their preferences. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace the ability to choose, even if it’s between two kinds of vegetables. Ultimately, as a parent, you are in control of your child’s diet. Help them explore new foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time!

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