Rainy Day Fun to Encourage Healthy Eating

by Daniel W. Hatcher View Bio

Daniel W. Hatcher

Daniel W. Hatcher is the Director of Community Partnerships at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation where he has served since 2008. At Healthier Generation, Daniel oversees out-of-school time partnerships and manages technical assistance services and resources for before and after school and summer programs as they work to achieve national standards for healthy eating and physical activity. Daniel also serves on the leadership team for the Healthy Out-of-School Time Coalition – a national collective of youth serving organizations advancing health and wellness. Daniel has a BA in International Relations and a Masters of Public Health, both from Western Kentucky University. You can follow Daniel as he speaks across the country on the topic of healthy communities via Twitter @hatchdw.

Creative play is a fun way to inspire children to try new foods--especially fruits and vegetables. Eating healthier foods helps us all to be our best selves--at home, in school, and every place in between. When families prioritize healthy eating, everyone wins!

Are you ready to get hands-on and maybe a little messy? Below are 4 rainy-day arts and crafts activities. Try one or try them all!

1. Fruit and Veggie 3-D Art
   
   Talking about healthy eating can seem intimidating, especially if you have a picky eater in your family. Turn the conversation into a night of playful fun. Spread out some newspaper and use modeling clay to make 3-D art of your favorite fruits and vegetables or even action figures that represent healthy habits. Want to take it a step further? Use oven-bake clay and attach adhesive magnets!


2. Goal Chalkboard
   
   It’s never too early to share the joy of learning and being our best. A simple DIY project to construct together is a weekly goal chalkboard. It’s as simple as using a wooden board, tape and chalkboard paint. Make it a family project and brainstorm goals together


3. Upcycled Water Bottle
   
   Adults and teens can encourage younger children by drinking water together! Why not host a water bottle craft night? Bling up reusable water bottles with stickers and DIY collages of favorite photos; it’s like a vision board you can drink from! Upcycled glass jars are great for the environment (teens only!).
   
   It’s as simple as:
   
   
   1. Draw your own images or cut out shapes from scrap paper and magazines.
   2. Apply dishwasher safe glue (Mod Podge works great!) to the outside of your bottle and apply your decorations.
   3. Let the bottle dry overnight.
   
   Want a daily reminder to drink more water? Try this activity with blank or upcycled coasters and place them in rooms all over the house!
   
   
4. DIY Stenciled Tote
   
   Get creative for lunchtime by making your own tote (there are a lot of simple patterns online) or use stencils and fabric paint on a blank canvas bag. Making the goal chalkboard from above? Use chalkboard paint for a tote complete with a daily positive message.

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