Getting kids (and big kids) to eat their veggies can be tough. It's almost impossible to explain how ketchup (Yum!) can be the same as tomatoes (Yuck!). Watching supermarket prices soar this year might convince you to ignore the 5-to-13 daily serving recommendation for fruits and veggies.

But, don't get discouraged! Fruits and veggies contain vitamins and minerals that kids can't get elsewhere.

Want to get them to eat their greens and save some money at the store? Try growing your own produce. And, if you don't have a green thumb, relax. Our favorites are low-maintenance (no fancy gadgets required). They also provide the ultimate reward: Veggies your kids will eat because they grew them!

Try these tried-and-true staples:

Lettuce. You won't have to wait long for this staple to appear. Two to three weeks after you plant the seeds the first leaves will appear. From a $2 seed package, you can have lettuce for months. Just remember, lettuce won't survive the summer heat, so plant in the spring and fall.

Herbs. Buy a pot of parsley or mint and you can nibble immediately. You'll also get fresh herbs all year. Thyme, rosemary, sage and other herbs come back annually in moderate climates.

Vine vegetables. Put a cheap zucchini, cucumber, or tomato plant in your garden and watch it take over. You'll have more veggies than you (or your little one) can eat. Be ready to try new recipes!

Bell peppers. For the grocery store price of a pepper, you can plant one plant that will give you six or more peppers. If you have extra, take them to neighbors and watch as your child proudly explains how she helped them grow!

Once you've got your veggies, you'll need great recipes. For ideas, take Mettler Center's Everyday Cooking class.

Summer should be relaxing, but if you're constantly stressed or sore, Pilates might be the answer. Developed by Joseph Pilates, the practice focuses on strengthening core postural muscles, which keep the body balanced and provide spine support.

According to practitioners, Pilates should fuse the mind and body, so that without engaging the mind, the body will move more gracefully. You'll also undo all of your bad habits.

You'll work on several key aspects in each class, including:

Breathing: Correct breathing oxygenates the muscles and reduces tension in the upper neck and shoulders. You'll learn to breathe more deeply and correctly, which will keep you from tiring during your exercise routine.

Centering: Building your core musclesthe abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocksis essential to Pilates. Once these muscles are strong, you'll be amazed at the difference that you feel in your extremities. A strong core can make daily tasksfrom running to sitting up straight at your deskeasier, too.

Concentration: Beginners are instructed to pay careful attention to their bodies, whether you're tightening muscles or working on you're breathing. You'll become more self-aware as you learn to actively engage muscles that you didn't even know you had.

Control: You won't be rewarded for making the biggest leg circles, but your instructor will praise your ability to keep your hip still. Like ballerinas, form is essential, and our instructors will make sure you've got yours down!

Precision: Every movement in the Pilates method has a purpose, that's why we'll remind you when to inhale or exhale as well as when to contract and release muscles. This precision targets specific muscles that you want to tone.

Flow or efficiency of movement: This isn't a cardio workout, but continuous movements build strength, stamina, and flexibility.

For more information on our Pilates Fundamentals class, which is a pre-requisite to all other Pilates classes, or other group fitness classes contact Joy Sheehan, group fitness coordinator

Pilates Fundamentals will not be offered in May, but please know we'll be offering it twice in June!