Back to School Nutrition
Now that school has officially started and our minds are racing with fears of Swine Flu lingering all around, many questions arise. A big one that I often hear is, “What is the single most important thing I can do every day for my kids to protect them?”
It’s simple: Feed them healthy food every day. As a parent and physician, I can assure you that well-nourished children stay healthier–and when they do get sick, recover quicker. The body obtains it’s main source of naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables. Further, these nutrients provide the building blocks for a healthy immune system and cellular integrity throughout the body.
With the importance of childhood nutrition in mind, here are some tips for packing a healthy school lunch or snack:
- Pack a nutritious snack every day that has at least 2 grams of protein
- Look for snack foods or bars that are less than 140 calories per serving
- Always pack at least one fresh fruit or veggie in school lunches
- For younger kids who may not eat a lot, pack a half a sandwich (but that’s full of good stuff in the middle!)
- Avoid artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and colors
- Stay away from high fructose corn sweeteners at all cost
- Pack a reusable water bottle every day so your child stays hydrated
- Pack a calcium-rich snack such as a cheese stick or yogurt if your child is not drinking milk with lunch
-Dr. Keri Marshall, MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine
Tags: back to school, healthy lunches, school lunches
