Starting the School Year Off on the Right Foot

School is starting very soon!  As the kids are getting back to school, start the year off on the right foot by making healthy choices that can last all year long.  Follow these ideas for healthy choices to help your child be more focused and get the most out of their school day. 

1. Eat Breakfast!  Eating breakfast each morning helps your child start the day ready to learn.  Whether at home or school, breakfast is important.   Breakfast will help your child feel less
   
   hungry throughout the school day.  Try our breakfast ideas during the school year. 
2. Add fruits and veggies to your plate.  Fruits and veggies have many vitamins and minerals that help keep our bodies healthy.  Encourage your child to eat a fruit and veggie at lunch each day.  Look at the school lunch menu the night before to guide your child to choose a fruit and veggie that they may like or want to try.
3. Snack healthy.  Children are working hard all day as they are learning, so they are often hungry when they get home.  Have healthy snacks on hand to eat before dinner is ready.  Need quick and easy snack ideas?  Check out our previous blog post on 5 Types of Healthy Snacks for a Busy Lifestyle. 
4. Be Active Everyday!  As school starts and schedules fill up, it can sometimes be tough to get physical activity.  Set aside time each night with your family to take a walk, play a game of catch or get creative by making up a new game inside.  Physical activity also helps children use the energy they stored up from sitting in class all day.
5. Get enough sleep.  Is it is important that your child gets enough sleep to feel well-rested in the morning.  A well-rested student stays healthy and is ready to learn!

Have a great school year!