Setting the Stage for Healthy Eating, Back-to-School Nutrition Tips

Can you believe it’s already back-to-school time? After a summer with the kids, the thought of sending them back to school can seem daunting. Once they’re away from home, you have less control over what they do or eat. You might pack a great lunch, only to find out they’re trading it at school or choosing different options.

Preparing your children in advance and talking to them about nutrition can help them make healthier choices while at school. Healthy eating habits at home can strongly influence their decisions throughout the day when you’re not there.

A great way to encourage healthy eating habits is to model them yourself. Children learn by example, so setting the right example is key!

Healthy Eating Habits

Starting the school year with healthy eating habits doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to get you started:

Discuss: Regularly talk to your kids about nutrition. Help them understand the healthier options available at school and encourage them to choose foods from at least three different food groups. Use MyPlate as a guide to teach them how to build balanced meals.

Plan: Get a copy of the school menu to know what’s being served. Include options like baby carrots, celery sticks, and fruit slices at home. Ask your children about their preferences and plan a menu that caters to both their likes and your nutritional goals.

Shop: Consistency is key. Stock up on healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and kid-friendly granola bars. Keep your fridge stocked with cut-up fruits and veggies for easy access. Place these items where they’re easily visible and keep a bowl of fruit on the counter.

After School: Create a designated drawer for after-school snacks filled with healthy options like homemade trail mix and small pieces of dark chocolate. Let your children choose their snacks from this drawer, making it more likely they’ll reach for something nutritious rather than searching for less healthy options.

Teaching Healthy Habits

Sending your child off to school, especially for the first time, can be terrifying. You never know what your children are going to get into when away from home. A big concern for many parents is what their children are going to eat. Teaching healthy eating habits when they are home can help ensure they practice them outside of the home as well:

Model Behavior. Children learn through observation and modeling their behavior off you. Lead by example and show off your healthy habits. Create a well-balanced meal and show your satisfaction with eating vegetables and fruits.

Add New Foods. Add in a new vegetable or fruit weekly to expand your child’s palate.

Turn Off Distractions. Yes, that means turning off your cell phone and the television at the dinner table. Let your child see that when it’s mealtime, the focus should be on the food, not on the phone.

Set a Positive Tone. Don’t use mealtime as the opportunity to bring up negative emotions or feelings. Keep the conversation pleasant so that your child doesn’t associate mealtime with anxiety.

Your children look up to you so be the healthy role model they need! Have and happy and of course healthy school year!