This fall season, Janet Zappala shares tips for how families can take control of their nutrition and diet starting at breakfast, and continuing through-out the day.
Start the day with a protein-packed breakfast
Breakfast is fuel for the body and brain and studies have shown that kids who eat breakfast are less irritable, tired and restless by late morning, and they also test higher. Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials is a great breakfast option because it contains 21 essential vitamins and minerals, and has 2X the amount of protein of an egg and 2X the calcium of a cup of yogurt.
Look for Healthy Substitutions
When it comes to lunch, make a sandwich that is tasty and the kids will like, but that features some healthy alternatives. For example, instead of white bread, look for whole grain bread. Turkey and chicken are also great meat options and for cheese, Jarlsberg Lite is all natural, and has a wonderful creaminess to it, but without the extra fat. You can easily make a sandwich full of protein and calcium, without compromising taste.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Without enough water, we can have difficulty focusing, and staying energized. To stay hydrated throughout the day, carry a reusable water bottle with you. It’s also a great way to save money. For example, with a Whirlpool water filtration system, you can drink fresh, clean water and save over $600 a year and prevent 3,000 plastic water bottles from going to waste. Just make sure you are changing the filter on your refrigerator every six months.
Stock Your Pantry with Healthy Snacks
When your family is hungry, make sure to have plenty of healthy snacks on hand, so they choose these, instead of taking a trip to the vending machine. Sam’s Club is a great place for one-stop shopping – everything from healthful foods like fresh fruit, whole grain crackers and all natural nuts to back to school supplies. For busy moms, you can even shop online through their website.
For more information, please visit www.janetzappala.com