The top five of 2008.

It’s hard to believe that the year is almost over.  It seems like only yesterday that this little blog launched.  In celebration of the New Year, a re-post of the top five blog articles of 2008.  Happy 2009 everyone!

• Play Bubble Trouble Today
  • See why everyone is crazy for the first game made exclusively for Playnormous, Bubble Trouble.
• Fight Over Fruit Juice
  • Is your child’s juice box adding nutrients to their day or just adding inches to their waistline?
• Portion Sizes: Then and Now
  • Families are getting rounder.  Is this a portion size issue or is there more to it?
• Bust-A-Myth: Eggs and Cholesterol
  • Love eggs from your head down to your legs?  Get the ins and outs of eggs and heart health.
• Which Wii Games Actually Require Physical Activity
  • And last but not least, my personal favorite Monster’s Blog post - learn how to get the most out of your Wii (from a physical activity perspective).

Joining the pack.

It’s official, Playnormous is now on one of today’s most popular social media sites, Facebook.  Help support our new page by visiting the Playnormous Facebook Profile and clicking on the Become A Fan link.

What’s so great about Playnormous being on Facebook?  Well, exposure for one thing.  We’re up to 56 fans already!  Also, this is a great spot to get Monster’s Blog posts, see our latest press, see pictures of the office and staff, and play some games.  Meet your fellow Playnormous lovers too by browsing through the fans section.  Enjoy!

There’ll be much monster-toeing and hearts will be growling…

Wishing you and your family the Merriest of Christmases, the Happiest of Hanukkahs and the Wonderful-ists of Winters. Seasons greetings from our house of health games to yours!

Forget that new tricycle and go for the stationary bike.

Anyone who’s been out shopping for gifts this season knows that exergames are hot, hot, hot.  More specifically, the Wii Fit is hot, hot, hot.  But did you know that the Fisher-Price Smart Cycle also made the must-have-gift list?  Yes, it appears that exergames are starting to really become mainstream.  But who would have though parents would give an indoor stationary bike for preschoolers two thumbs up?

The Smart Cycle is a plug & play device that is customizable from the TV.  The child cycles through different environments while playing games that reinforce important preschool concepts like letters, numbers, shapes and colors.  You even get your own personal cycling coach character like Dora and Sponge Bob.  Honestly, when I first saw this toy I thought it was a bit ridiculous, but the masses have spoken.  The Fisher-Price Smart Cycle is a winner for parents!

Get your monsters fast.

Today’s featured monster is a fried food fan!  In honor of him, a quick sneak peak of one of four Playnormous health games in the works: Fast Food Fumble.  I can’t give you too much detail on how this game will play simply because we don’t know the final details yet.  Things evolve over time, and our original ideas for this game are no exception.  We do have a very lovely title screen though, courtesy of our wonderful graphic designer Iva.

Health food choices…faster.

Are you a fast food fan like today’s monster?  Well, if you are, I found a site that has some nice fast food dining tips.  Want to eat healthy (or at least healthier) at your local fast food joint?  Here are some options.

Unhealthy Choice                                                  Healthy Choice

Double-patty hamburger w/ cheese                          Regular, single-patty hamburger

Fried chicken sandwich                                               Grilled chicken sandwich

Salad w/ bacon and/or ranch dressing                    Garden salad w/ grilled chicken & low-fat dressing

Breakfast burrito                                                           Egg on a muffin

French fries                                                                    Baked potato

Milkshake                                                                       Yogurt parfait

Chicken nuggets or tenders                                        Grilled chicken strips

Adding cheese, extra mayo,  special sauces            Adding mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, onions