Back to School

August 24, 2011

Just when the kids are finally enjoying the fresh fruits and veggies of summer, it’s time to go back to school! Being organized and having some healthy staples on hand will help you continue to feed your kids good, whole foods at school as well as home and fight childhood obesity. This year, send your kids off with a healthy breakfast, a balanced lunch and some energizing snacks. Avoid packaged sugary snacks and drinks and they will stay better focused on their work and play. Stock up on reusable containers with individual compartments for homemade “lunchables” and to keep produce from being bumped and bruised in the backpacks. Try these quick, healthy ideas to add fruits and veggies to each meal:

Breakfast:
Plain yogurt sweetened with berries and granola
Whole grain toast, natural peanut butter and banana slices
Oatmeal with fruit and a few nuts
Egg white omelet with salsa

Lunches:
Whole grain crackers and lowfat cheese
Veggie sticks and hummus
Fruit or veggie kabobs with cheese chunks (toothpicks are perfect size to fit in containers)
Whole wheat pita with pizza sauce, shredded cheese and diced veggies

Snacks:
Whole grain cereal, unsweetened dried fruits and nut mix (where allowed!)
Lowfat cheese sticks and an apple
Granola bars (low sugar), ClifKid Z bars, or homemade!
Fruit or veggies with a dip of salsa, hummus, black bean dip, guacamole, etc.