Now that the mad holiday and easter sugar rush is over, it’s time to get healthy, again.

Fortunately, we have the likes of Heidi du Preez, a Nutritional Expert, whose online advice makes lunch box planning all the easier. In her article “Healthy Snacks for Kids”, featured in the Winter version of the Survival Guide for Families, she explains: “[A child’s] overall diet should be balanced with 30% complex carbohydrates, 40% fruits and vegetables, 20% protein and 10% fats and oils. Good examples of complex carbohydrates would be butternut, sweet potato, potato with its skin, brown rice and whole grains like whole wheat, stone-ground flours, oats, barley and sorghum. Protein food will include free-range eggs, organic dairy products, free-range chicken and beef, lamb, venison and fish. Good fats and oils will be avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, seed and nuts. The bulk of their healthy balanced diet should comprise of fruits and vegetables, with the emphasis on the veggies!” To read more about what foods to avoid and for some yummy recipes for kids, click here for the full article.

Being healthy is not just about the body, stimulating the creative sense is just as important for any growing individual. Give your child the gift of performing in a KTO show this winter. No previous experience is necessary. Some of the brightest KTO stars were once the students who couldn’t lift their eyes from the floor. Kidz Take Over Drama School provides courses that are upbeat, full of laughter and filled with edutainment. Kids learn while having fun. The next KTO course starts Friday 13 April 2012 @ Lotus Studio, Thesen House. Times: 3-3.45pm is for 6 to 9 year olds and 4-4.45pm is for 9 to 12 year olds. Cost is R250 per month. Certificates will be awarded to all students on show night, held at the end of the course. For more info and to enrol your child, contact Helen on 083 3684 307 or helen@kto.co.za or visit www.kto.co.za.

On another creative note, the Belle Music Academy in Knysna offers professional musical tuition for both young and the mature musicians, in a wide variety of instruments from guitar, drum kit, saxophone, clarinet, piano, vocal training, recorder, bass guitar, violin and cello. Tuition is offered for music theory, practical, orchestra, choir and concerts. Contact Gavin Bezuidenhoudt for more info: gavbez@gmail.com or 044 3822612.

To assist your child with relaxation, awareness and remaining focused, remember Tuesday afternoons at the Lotus Studio when Yoga for kids is offered. Booking essential – contact Jane: 083 623 7266.

If you would like to promote an activity or product for children in this monthly newsletter, email: newsletter@kto.co.za.

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“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” ~Kay Redfield Jamison.