St. Patrick's Day

I've never met a child who didn't enjoy a celebration, so we look for something to celebrate as often as possible; holidays, the first snow, the melting of snow, a student's good grades, etc.  This week, we are looking forward to eating a completely green meal and counting all the things that make us lucky individuals, all in honor of St. Patrick's Day.  We have a few things on the docket here at the Learning Lab and wanted to share them.

1.Healthier Shamrock Shakes
Typically, holidays, can cause everyone to get off their healthy eating schedule.  It is important to us as an organization, to continuously show our students healthier options, even when a day traditionally calls for sweets and fats.  That being said, we don't want to take out ALL the sweet fun of our celebrations.

Minty green Shamrock Shakes are a mainstay on the McDonald's menu during this month, but we have been talking with the students about how loaded with fat and sugar they are.  After perusing a few recipes online, we came up with one that will be easy for students to make, requires minimal ingredients to purchase, and sounds scrumptious!

1 serving

2 cups reduced fat/non-fat frozen vanilla yogurt, softened
1 handful baby spinach
1/4 teaspoon mint extract
1/4 skim milk
Organic chocolate sprinkles

Put first 4 ingredients into blender.  Blend for 30 seconds, or until mixture is creamy and spinach is fully incorporated.  Serve in a parfait glass with chocolate sprinkles on top and a green straw :)

2. I am Lucky Shamrocks
Each day we try to infuse a little writing and self-reflection.  We all have something that we feel "lucky" to have or be apart of.  Click here for an easy shamrock writing prompt.  After students complete these, we will run a ribbon through and hang like a bunting.