from: Ilyse Schapiro, MS, RD, CDN and Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian/Nutritionis
- Don’t let them skip breakfast; it really is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast gets their brains and bodies going, and prevents overeating later on.
- If you pack a lunch, try to keep it balanced with whole grains (whole wheat bread), lean protein (chicken, turkey, yogurt, low-fat cheese), fruits and vegetables.
- Have a healthy but delicious snack waiting for them after school/activities – fruits, vegetables, low-fat cheese, hummus, yogurt, edamame, nuts. Healthy snacks keep children satisfied and not craving junk.
- Keep them active – whether it is inside or outside, get them moving! Have them participate in school sports, or take them for a walk or to ride their bike.
- Keep them hydrated! Always make sure they have water on hand to prevent dehydration, which will help keep their bodies refreshed and properly balanced. Drinking enough water also helps to prevent over eating.
- As schedules tend to get quite busy, add a daily multivitamin to your routine. With all else that is going on, this is a great insurance policy that makes sure you fill in the nutritional gaps they may not be getting as they head back to school. My choice – alternaVites Kids www.alternavites.com
* Ilyse Schapiro, MS, RD, CDN is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist who holds a Master’s of Science in clinical nutrition and dietetics from New York University. Her professional experience includes clinical and private settings, counseling clients for a host of nutrition-related issues. Most recently, she was a dietitian at Joy Bauer Nutrition, and previously served as a clinical dietitian at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
Ilyse holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and currently resides in Westchester with her husband and two daughters.
