Back-to-School Fuel

It’s back-to-school time again which means it’s important for kids to fuel up so they have energy for the school day ahead. Healthy foods keep your child’s appetite satisfied longer and help them to concentrate, learn, be active and grow strong. Be sure you’re providing enough nutrients to get your children’s busy bodies through an active day.

-breakfast-

Studies suggest that eating breakfast may improve behavior, memory and test scores. Research also shows that children who eat breakfast have an overall better diet than children who do not.

There are many good breakfast choices – just remember to keep it quick and easy with items that require little or no preparation. Try yogurt with a piece of fruit and a cereal bar. Or serve a slice of whole wheat toast with soy nut butter or peanut butter and a glass of calcium-fortified orange juice.

Keep saturated fat and cholesterol levels down by choosing low-fat egg substitutes, soy bacon, low-fat yogurt and fat free milk. Before you send your kids off in the morning, remember to give them a healthy start to their day!

-lunch-

Your child’s mid-day meal should be chock full of nutritious foods to keep them going until dinner time. When packing lunch boxes, keep these tips in mind:

• Pair whole grain bread and cereal with protein-rich foods like cheese, lean meat, and low-fat peanut butter.
• Add cut-up fruits and veggies for a healthy, easy-to-eat boost of essential nutrients.
• Avoid packing sugary candy and fat-laden snacks when possible. They provide no long-lasting energy and can make your child feel sluggish and unable to concentrate.

No time to pack a lunch? In today’s busy world it’s not always easy to make sure your child is eating properly, especially when lunch is purchased at school. Talk to your child regularly about the importance of making wholesome food choices and help him or her understand the value of a healthy diet.