Eat Healthy at School
Studies show that kids that eat healthy do better in school with academics. So on school days– either look at your child’s school menu to remind them of what the healthy choices are, or pack them a box of healthy brain-food!
A packed lunch doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t even have to look like what a restaurant would serve. Pack an appetizer tray of cut-up veggies, fruits, and a few rolls of sliced turkey or chicken with 3 whole wheat crackers. Remember that lots of kids care more about the container than what’s inside. Get a special water bottle with their favorite character to inspire better hydration. Pack a colored napkin with a smiley face from you.
Pick a letter of the day - serve bananas and beans, red peppers and pears, raisins and raspberries, or carrots and cherry tomatoes. Also try low fat yogurt, low fat ranch, hummus, or guacamole as dips. If you choose grains or proteins, try to limit to 100 calorie packages with whole grain ingredients.
Many students are at home more than usual this year, due to the pandemic and a hybrid or all online schedule. Make sure this doesn’t create bad habits of snacking all day long! Stick to a meal schedule with one morning and one afternoon healthy snack. Encourage your child to seek out foods that grew in a garden (fruits & vegetables) for snacks. Don’t forget to schedule brain breaks for them to move their bodies too, go outside, walk up and down stairs, or turn on some music to dance for a few minutes.
Remind your child that food is fuel. Healthy foods won’t always taste as good as birthday cake in their mouth, but healthy foods will help them run faster on the playground, think faster in the classroom and feel better at the end of the day. Keep treats special by serving them infrequently. Let them play with their foods, be creative and colorful. Encourage them to eat a rainbow of foods! Get their heroes to back you up.