If she is, she's not alone. A December 2008 report from the National Center for Health Statistics noted that about .5% of all kids under 18, or 1 in every 200, chooses a vegetarian diet. Although government researchers suspect that this is more due to ethical concerns than health-related ones, a vegetarian diet certainly can be a healthy choice. After all, eating lots of fruits and veggies is definitely a good thing. But some vegetarian kids swap chicken, steak, and fish for French fries, white bread, and cookies—not exactly a beneficial trade. Others may not get enough of the nuts, beans, and dairy foods they need for calcium and protein.

Whether your kid is a veggie-lover or not, check out this list of 42 healthy snack ideas. The great majority are meatless and all are kid-friendly. If your child, or your whole family, is vegetarian, let us know what some of your favorite snacks and meals are!

A bill recently advanced in the Senate (S.22) would protect more than 2 million acres of wilderness in 9 states, granting the highest levels of protection to lands in California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Michigan, Virginia, and more. Although I haven't read the full 1,300 pages of this measure (!), I think this is good news for families, since having beautiful, clean outdoor spaces to enjoy is an ideal way to promote health and fitness.

"Today is a great day for America's public lands," said the bill's sponsor, Senator Jeff Bingaman, a Democrat from New Mexico, in a news release. "This big, bipartisan package of bills represents years of work by senators from many states, and both parties, in cooperation with local communities, to enhance places that make America so special."

What do you think? Does your family enjoy hiking, biking, or camping in national parks, whether close to home or farther away?

_{Photo courtesy Erica Greis}

It's no surprise that one item on the list is "budget-friendly workouts." Don't forget that active play with your kids, inside and out, is a great way to boost the daily fitness tally—yours and theirs. You needn't spend any money or even leave the house!

Are you hoping to change your fitness routine this year and try something new? I have been meaning to check out Zumba forever. Maybe I just will!

I got my first summer camp flyer in the mail the other day—how about you? At 6-going-on-7, I think my daughter is still too young for sleepaway camp (or at least I am not ready for her to go!), although many camps do have programs for kids that age. At least for this summer, we will stick with the day camp-style program at the child care center she's been attending for years.

There are so many options out there for summer camps for kids, including both overnight and daytime choices. If you plan to send your child this summer, now is the time to do your research and make your reservation. Almost any camp you choose (even those with an arts or academic focus) will include lots of time for physical activity. Camp can give your child the opportunity to try out sports he'd rarely be exposed to at home, and build new skills in old favorites too.

If you'd prefer to stick together during your summer vacation, you can even consider family camp!