Back To School

It's that time of year again we, or our kids, are heading back to school! Our schedules are getting tighter and our nutritional freedom might become more limited. We need to make sure whether it's for us, or our kids, we are making the best food choices. Making proper food choices will help us sustain energy, keep our brains sharp, and keep our bodies healthy.

1. For Ourselves

• If you constantly find yourself on-the-go, here are some healthy tips to keep you in tip top shape!

• Eat before you leave the house.

• Best to eat within one hour of waking up.

• Meal and snack prep the night before.

• Don't skip meals.

• Stay hydrated.

2. What To Feed Ourselves

• If you are always in a hurry and do not have time to sit down for a meal, these foods are for you!

• Sargento Balance Breaks

• Greek Yogurt

• Purely Elizabeth Oatmeal Cup (and no, I can't take credit for this one)

• Almonds

• An apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter

• Hummus and veggies (love hummus and carrots)

• Tuna on wheat pita or Ezekiel bread

• Fruit

• String Cheese

• Green Juice (ex. Organic Pressed Juice) - avoid extra sugars

• Seaweed Crisps

• Asparagus

• Sliced cucumber

• Rice Cakes with Almond Butter

• Beef Jerky

• To name a few!

3. For Our Kids

• If you want your kids to stay healthy & alert, use these tips!

• Make sure they eat a healthy, balanced breakfast before they leave the house.

• If they are buying lunch at school, go over the menu together, and pick a healthy choice.

• Make sure they go to school armed with healthy snacks.

• If you are making their lunch, pick out healthy foods together that your child likes.

• Make sure your child is staying active throughout the day. (They don't have to be involved in a sport to stay active)

• Make sure your child always has water and stay hydrated.

• Have your kids get plenty of fiber every day.

• Make sure your kids are getting enough sleep every night.

4. What To Feed Our Kids

• These foods and snacks are excellent choices for your kids.

• Banana Roll-up (small wheat tortilla, spread a little nut butter in there, slice up a banana and roll)

• Olives

• Organic Turkey and Cheese

• String Cheese

• Hard Boiled Egg

• Sliced Apple and Nut Butter

• Portable Greek Yogurt

• Hummus and Pita Chips or Veggies

• Nuts

• Purely Elizabeth Oatmeal

• Bumble Bee Tuna Pack

• Fruit Cups (with water not juice concentrate)

• Unsweetened Apple Sauce

• Sargento Balance Breaks

5. Worst Foods To Eat

• Now, here are the quick go-to foods you don't want to eat or give to your kiddos.

• Fat Free Cheeses

• Granola

• Frozen or flavored yogurt

• Trail Mix

• Soda

• Potato chips or Pretzles

• Microwave Popcorn

• Fruit Cocktail

• Dried Fruit (most brands add a lot of sugar)

• Deli Meats

• Packaged Snack Mixes or other processed foods

• Mini-doughnuts or snack cakes

• Cheese and Club Crackers

• Most Protein Bars (check the labels)

6. Foods For The Brain

• These foods help with mental acuity & will keep you energized throughout the day!

• Coffee (Yippee! You might not want to give this to your kiddos though)

• Blueberries

• Fatty Fish

• Turmeric

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Broccoli

• Nuts

• Dark Chocolate (one small square, not a bar)

• Eggs

• Oranges

• Green Tea

• Apples

• Sweet Potatoes

• Bananas

• Oatmeal

• Hummus

• Yogurt

• Avocados

• Lentils

• Beans

• Leafy Green Veggies

• Edamame

Okay, now we are ready for school!!