Healthy Kids’ Meals: Get Them Started Right!

Laptop_Lunch_option_2_lg.jpgSchool is in full swing in Arizona, which means there’s the daily question of what to pack in the kids’ lunches and how to welcome them home with a snack. When time is of the essence, it’s imperative that kids have something yummy and quick to eat. Of course, there is a plethora of quick snack items in the aisles at the store, but how many of them are healthy? Unfortunately, many are filled with high-fructose corn syrup, dyes, and artificial ingredients. So what is a concerned parent to do?

When planning meals and snacks for your children, think about them the way you would plan for yourself. We all want to eat things that taste good, and we know that they should include the nutrients our bodies need. At each meal, aim to incorporate a protein, whole grain, and fruit or vegetable (both, if possible!). While that may seem like a lot of food, it’s really not that challenging. Sliced apples with peanut butter and cheese will fit all of those categories, as will a turkey wrap with carrot slices and hummus.

What you don’t want to do is make every meal or snack a battle. Those kind of early fights about eating (or not eating) are what often lead to obesity, anorexia, and food issues in the teen years and adulthood. Children naturally eat when they’re hungry, and if you provide healthy options, they will eat them. Stock the fridge and cupboards with only good-for-them foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins. Even if you want to give them some “fun” snacks, there are better, healthier options for almost everything. Check out a natural foods store or even the healthy aisles at your local supermarket; most carry these options.

Most importantly, educate your children why they should eat healthy, balanced meals. While they may balk at first, eventually they’ll understand. Provide the information they need and limit their options to what you want them to eat, and you’ll find that planning ahead will create a healthy environment for your kids — both in school and beyond.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday

1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Location

Find us on the map

CONTACT US TODAY

We look forward to hearing from you