Drive Up Energy Levels
Contributed by: News Canada
(NC) - Notebooks, pens and the latest fashions are not the only things kids need today to get the school year off to a great start. Eating right should also be a priority, so that students of all ages have the energy they need to get through those busy school days.
A well-balanced breakfast remains the most important meal of the day. Fruit juice, toast, cereal and eggs are a great start, as are servings of fruit or yogurt.
Lunch can be a little tougher with parents being pressed for time and children often being choosy about what they eat or tempted by the not-so-healthy offerings of school vending machines.
The challenge for parents is to come up with interesting lunch menus that include all four essential food groups - breads, fruit and vegetables, protein and dairy products. Here are some strategies to keep kids excited about healthy eating:
- Consider using colourful food combinations;
- Cut sandwiches into fun shapes;
- Instead of chips, serve popcorn or pretzels;
- Try dips and spreads to make fruit and veggies more appealing;
- Include cheese or yogurt with meals if milk isn't appealing;
- Try graham crackers or fruit instead of cookies;
- Package up some leftovers from last night's dinner to add variety to lunches;
- Get your children thinking more about good food choices by involving them in shopping and meal planning.
