Think you can’t serve vegetables other than corn and mashed potatoes to kids or picky eaters? This is a veggie side dish or main dish that sneaks in veggies and worth a try on stubborn diners. When possible, let kids help out in the kitchen, challenge them to try new foods by taking them to the store and letting them pick a new veggie to try, or offer vegetables in new ways.

In this recipe for Pasta with Winter Squash , butternut squash breaks down as it cooks to create a smooth, hearty sauce for the pasta. Pasta, a pro at pleasing kids, dressed with a vegetable-based sauce, is sure to please veggie-seeking parents and picky kids all at once.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon olive oil 
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 1/2 cups water, divided
• 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and 
• shredded
• 1 teaspoon sugar 
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces uncooked penne (tube-shaped pasta)
• 1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded Parmesan cheese, divided 

Preparation

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Add sage, remove from heat. Remove from pan, and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic to pan, and sauté 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 cup water and squash to pan. Cook for 12 minutes or until water is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Add remaining water, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring occasionally until each portion of water is absorbed before adding the next (about 15 minutes). Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Combine pasta and squash mixture in a large bowl. Add reserved 1/2 cup pasta water, butter mixture, and 3/4 cup cheese; toss well. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. 
4. Other pasta choices that you can use are wheat pastas or veggie pastas , there are also options for gluten free if that's your current diet but they are all enjoyable when used in this recipe i hope you enjoy it and please leave a comment below on our page if you have or are choosing to try this out thanks :)#DTH

Make time for your Family

In the busy world we live in , it is all too easy to let family time disappear . Take time to sit down and eat meals together as a family . Encourage family activities that promote talking and laughter . Take a walk after dinner, light sparklers in the backyard , or go  to a museum together . Take time get away from the television and interact with one another. Here are some examples that we at DTH find to be helpful in getting families to do things together.

Challenge your Kids - Help your children find their athletic talents.Encourage them to join a community sports programs. Challenge them to a family field day and play basketball , volleyball, or tennis together . Children like the idea of competing against and with their parents

Select Active indoor Activities - When choosing indoor activities , try to choose things that keep you moving . Go bowling or ice skating . Stroll through a museum . Even activities like shopping at the mall or at the grocery store can be made into exercise by encouraging your children to walk along with you instead of riding in a cart

Allow free time - Encourage informal play . While team sports have value, make sure your children have time to just play. Some of the best ways to promote fitness are through allowing your children to play outside with friends

Healthy Families = Healthy Kids

Many adults and children are leading increasingly inactive lifestyles . We drive to and from work or school. We sit majority of the day . On the weekends , we spend time sitting watching television or using the computer . In addition to not getting enough exercise , we are eating diets that are high in fat and calories while lacking in nutrition. 

Current recommendations suggest that children and adults need at least 30 minutes of daily activity at a level high enough to get your heart pumping. This goal can easily be met by encouraging family activities that will provide exercise and fun. 

Check out the "Dance Happy Be Healthy" videos

                                                                                                       Abc.go.com
Dancing with the Stars and Walgreens have partnered to present the "Dance Happy Be Healthy" video series.  Click the link below to watch the videos.  Enjoy!!!

http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/dance-happy-be-healthy/videos

Dancing During Pregnancy Can Be Healthy!

This morning on Good Morning America, they discussed how dancing can be a healthy way to prepare for child birth. Click Here to View the Video

Disney's Try It Campaign Highlighting How Dance Keeps You Healthy!!!

                                                                                    mommysnippets.com

Check out the video!!!!
http://video.disney.com/watch/disneychannel-try-it-newsies-2014-4f500a261e40ffd7f972614f

Dance Towards Health joins the Hip Hop Public Health Movement!

Two of Dance Towards Health (DTH)  Co-Founders: Chef April Greer and India Gaston have signed on to be one of the Inaugural Ambassadors for the non-profit organization, Hip Hop Public Health, which is also a partner with the Partnership for a Healthier America.  Please time some time to check out the profiles of the new Ambassador program.