As the new school year dawns upon us, it's the perfect time to establish a healthy routine for you and your kids. To ensure that students are fueling properly for their school day, our Denton MacKID moms and dads have come together to share some valuable nutrition tips.
- 1. Prioritize Breakfast:
A nutritious breakfast is the key to kickstarting the day for children and adults alike. Encourage your kids to enjoy a nutritious breakfast before school by sitting down and eating together. This will not only set a positive example but also emphasizes the importance of breakfast for everyone.
If your mornings are too busy for a healthy breakfast, consider setting aside an extra 10 to 15 minutes to eat. If necessary, wake up slightly earlier to make time for this essential meal.
A balanced breakfast doesn’t need to be complicated. Opt for a bowl of whole-grain cereal (aim for less than 10 grams of sugar per serving) with low-fat milk and a piece of fruit – a quick and nutritious choice.
- 2. Assess School Lunch Habits:
While many schools offer healthy lunch options, numerous kids consuming school lunches aren't eating enough. Whether it's due to limited eating time or personal food preferences, a significant portion of school lunches goes to waste.
To ensure your child performs at their best in school, it's crucial to provide satisfying and nutritious lunches. Insufficient calorie intake early in the day can lead to sluggishness and distraction, resulting in excessive hunger after school and during the evening.
If you notice your children feeling excessively hungry after school, engage in a conversation about their eating habits at school. If needed, pack a healthy lunch that aligns with their preferences. This strategy guarantees they get enough of the nutritious foods they enjoy. Involving your kiddos in picking and even making their school lunch will not only enhance their enthusiasm for mealtime but also empower them to make healthier food choices. You can read more about this here.
- 3. Prepare Nutritious After-School Snacks:
No matter how well your child eats during breakfast and lunch, they are likely to feel hungry after school and require a snack to tide them over until dinner. Choosing a properly portioned, healthy snack helps your child arrive at dinnertime hungry but not famished. Hungry children are more open to trying new foods, but excessive hunger may lead to overeating.
Consider offering these kid-friendly after-school snacks:
- An apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter
- A cup of yogurt
- A healthy granola bar
- Cheese and whole-grain crackers
These snacks will satiate their hunger without spoiling their appetite for dinner.
Additionally, consider providing a snack for your child to enjoy on the bus or during the drive home from school. Opt for healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables over less nutritious options like chips and cookies, reducing empty calorie consumption.
By adopting these straightforward and practical nutrition tips from our Denton MacKID parents and caregivers, you can help ensure that your children stay energized, focused, and prepared to make the most of each school day. Prioritizing healthy eating habits will contribute to their overall well-being and academic success throughout the year.
Did we forget anything? Just shot us an email at davidr@macaronikid.com and we will add it to our article 😉
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