Lazy. That was the word of the day Wednesday on Sesame Street. Throughout the program the characters used the word and explained its meaning. What better word to share with kids enjoying their summer vacation?! By showing children what it means to be lazy and placing a somewhat negative connotation with the word; kids will want to be more active (or that is the theory behind the idea).

It didn't stop there. Sesame Street continued on with a "Meal or No Meal" game show, similar to the prime time show, "Deal or No Deal". The contestant had to pick from six covered plates, without looking, hoping hers had a meal underneath it. Meanwhile, she selected from the other six plates, hoping they did not contain a meal. The first offered a plate of chewing gum. "Not a meal!" they shouted! The baker called and offered her one cookie for her plate. She said, "NO MEAL"! Next, it was an ice cream sundae. "Not a meal!" they shouted! The baker's next offer was a dozen cookies for her plate. She shouted, "NO MEAL"! This went on until it was time to see what was underneath her plate. It was, "A MEAL"! The game show host requested they look underneath the last plate not picked, it was 100 cookies…"Who could eat 100 cookies?" questioned the contestant, and here came Cookie Monster, out to eat the cookies!

It is awesome that programs like Sesame Street are taking action to reduce childhood obesity by educating YOUNG children on the importance of eating smart and not being lazy. Hopefully this new spin on the beloved program will encourage parents and children alike to get out and move and eat a healthy lunch, and a cookie every now and then. 

Speaking of cookies, try these tasty lemon cookies, from the recipe collection of Aunt Carri Case.

Lemon Crisp Cookies

1 package lemon cake mix

1 cup crisp rice cereal

˝ cup butter, melted

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp. grated lemon peel

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Dough will be crumbly. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on un-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.