More Nebraska and Iowa children are becoming obese and it's an epidemic with no resolution in sight.

There's no shortage of programs trying to get kids moving but now the Junior League of Omaha is adding another step by showing girls that healthy eating can be easy and fun.

Staying active is easy for Alysia Jones and Morgan Mayers. But after basketball, they struggle to fuel their bodies with healthy food.

Fourteen-year-old Morgan says, "If someone puts a piece of chocolate in front of me and an apple, I'm going for the chocolate. It tastes better."

Members of the Junior League of Omaha want to change that.

On Saturday, junior league members and area chefs will teach girls how to make and enjoy healthy meals such as chicken fajitas.

The Junior League's Tawanna Black says, "This will teach you some easy ways to make stuff fast."

It's hard to change habits, but Tawanna believes that exposing kids to new tastes is a start

"Maybe at home it's easy not to try those things but in this environment it prompts them to at least give it a try. And we're also working with products that girls already have at home but have never thought of putting it together."

Not only will girls enjoy a meal but they'll learn how to read food labels and they'll get a cookbook to take home.

Junior League President Karen Nelsen says, "These are healthy recipes they should be able to make at home with their family and then find ones they like and maybe they'll continue to eat them on a regular basis."

Alysia Jones is willing to consider it because she says, "I think I'm overweight."

Instead of a diet, swapping junk food for healthy food may be the answer.

Kids in the Kitchen takes place this Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Girls Inc. The event is free and 40 slots were still open as of Thursday afternoon. Anyone interested in registering a seven to 14-year-old girl should call 571-2509.

Healthy recipes are also available online. Click here.