Families today are scrunched with work, school, sports, activities, friends…and the list goes on.  And while all of you want to make sure your child eats well, that can be hard when you’re running from place to place.

Here are a few QUICK! guidelines to help.

• Stay aware.  Know what your child is eating when.
• Plan ahead.  Think about the week’s activities when you’re shopping and save yourself extra trips to the grocery.
• Eat together.  Whenever you can, have a meal with your kids, even if it’s on the tailgate at the soccer field.  Eating is a great time for catching up, and for bonding as a family.
• Check it out.  Is your child in a sport?  Ask the coach if there are specific nutritional guidelines to avoid fatigue and help with energy levels.
• Think “nutrition,” not just “fill them up.”  Fast food isn’t evil, but a regular diet of it leads to obesity and doesn’t provide all they need.  For about the same amount of money, or less, you can pack a healthier meal.
  • Shelf-stable milk that doesn’t have to be refrigerated, string cheese, yogurt.
  • Carrot sticks, broccoli florets, apples, grapes.
  • Sandwiches on whole wheat bread.
  • Do a little research.  Not sure what your child needs, nutritionally speaking?  Here’s the perfect web page from the American Academy of Pediatrics, giving that information for every age group.
  • Let them help plan.  Sit down with your child or teen one evening and plan some meals and snacks for the week.  Use the internet to research healthy ideas.  Make some things together, like an easy homemade granola.

It takes a little extra planning, but your family will be much healthier and happier with good nutrition under the belt!

Artwork by Kendall

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