First 5 California is pleased to partner with respected certified nutritionist, mother and TV personality, Chef LaLa in addressing a leading health problem in our state−childhood obesity. Together with Chef LaLa, First 5 created Yummy For Your Tummy, a fun and easy recipe booklet to help families make better food choices for their children.

Download your free copy today from www.first5kids.org/parents/cheflala (available in English and Spanish).

To help you get started in making healthier food choices, the following tips were taken from the Yummy For Your Tummy recipe booklet:

Breakfast is a great way for kids to fuel up for the day and get the nutrients they need to grow and learn better, whether they’re at home, school or in day care. Breakfast not only gives kids the energy they need, it also helps prevent overeating throughout the day, helping them maintain a healthy body weight. Keep in mind that young children also benefit from eating a mid-morning snack.

A lunch with beans is healthy because beans are high in protein, iron, vitamins and carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy for kids−and adults too! Other healthy sources of protein include lean meat, poultry, fish, cheese, eggs, yogurt, nuts and milk. Children should eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Soups are a great way to include a variety of vegetables such as frozen or canned carrots, squash, green beans, potatoes and tomatoes. Vegetables from the frozen section of your grocery store are just as nutritious as freshly prepared vegetables.