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How to Avoid the 'Summer Slide' with Kids' Eating

By Elena Donovan Mauer, Parenting, 07/12/18, 12:00PM PDT

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"Take a pitcher of water, and let kids crush in their favorite fruits — let them mush it with their hands," he explains. "Strain out any seeds, and let it set overnight before drinking. Now they made it, so they take ownership of it."

Do you think the long days of summer mean more time for active play and kids eating lots of healthy, ripe fruits and veggies?

Think again. The 2015 YMCA Family Health Snapshot Survey — conducted in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight — says kids' healthy habits decline during the warmer months, and good nutrition is on the list of habits that fall by the wayside. Here are some ways to help you prevent a nutritional "summer slide" for your kids.