Back to school is just around the corner. August is the perfect time to revamp our families’ eating habits and ensure that children are properly fueled to head back to school.
Providing kids nutritious meals and giving them the proper tools to make healthful eating choices will benefit them far into adulthood. Follow these three simple reminders to start the school year off right.
Build a Better Breakfast
Start your kid’s day off right by feeding them a wholesome breakfast. When kids skip breakfast, they have a harder time concentrating at school and tend to be less productive than their classmates who do eat breakfast. A sound breakfast should consist of at least three food groups. Choose foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber and protein. Be mindful of cereals with added sugars. Sample breakfasts can include: toast with peanut butter and banana or oatmeal with fruit and raisins. Don’t forget the glass of low-fat milk!
Pack a Satisfying Lunch
Let your children help grocery shop for healthy lunch options. Encourage lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy. Help your kids pack a turkey and cheese sandwich on whole grain bread, a bunch of grapes, and carrot sticks with hummus. Be sure to insulate their lunch in a cooler with plenty of ice packs or remind them to refrigerate their lunch within two hours of leaving the house.
Make Time for Dinner
Once everyone is home from their busy days, make time for a family dinner. It’s important for families to strive to eat together, most nights of the week. Dinner time is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a healthful meal together, all while sharing the day’s experiences with one another! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that families who eat together raise children who have higher self-confidence and perform better in school.
August is the perfect time to focus on these three reminders as kids prepare to head back to school. Healthy families make happy families, so focus on breakfast, lunch and dinner times – all the time!