Healthy eating habits start at home.
Children go to school to learn what is necessary to live a fulfilling life and succeed. Therefore, aside from academics, healthy eating habits should be encouraged and even enforced. It is the parents and the schools responsibility to teach children what they need to know academically, socially and nutritionally to succeed and live a healthy active lifestyle.
Fruits
Fruit salads that feature an array of color are a lot more appealing.
Fruit is probably the easiest, healthy food you can get a child to consume, as it is naturally sweet. Bananas, apples and oranges are quick snacks that require little or no preparation, making it a perfect snack option for a hectic school. Additionally, applesauce, natural fruit leathers, raisins and packs of dried cranberries are easy grab and go snacks that pack a ton of nutrients.
Vegetables
Carrot juice is a great way to sneak in some veggies during the day.
Vegetables are a bit tougher to offer as snacks. For some reason, from a very young age children tend to stay away from veggies. To increase the desire, offer veggie trays with a variety of dips. Dips can include fat free dressings, peanut butter or even hummus.
Grains
Sesame seed breadsticks offer an array of nutrients including magnesium, fiber, zinc and even calcium.
Healthy snack options are nearly endless when it comes to this category. Whole grain English muffins, rice cakes, whole wheat crackers and cheese, granola bars and even gluten free, whole grain sesame seed pretzels are healthy, and quick options.
Dairy
Juices should be avoided unless they are orange juice, or they are clearly marked with a 100 percent juice label.
Schools should always encourage milk as the main beverage for every meal. Low-fat yogurt and string cheeses are great additions that will help children get that extra boost of calcium at snack time.
Other Ideas
Walnuts have been shown to assist in bone health, brain function and can even help lower the risk of weight gain.
With special labeling for allergies, children should be provided nuts and even trail mixes. Nuts are a powerful snack which offer energy and omega 3s, which have been proven to help enhance brain function. Trail mixes are also a good way to get in three necessary nutrients at once. Trail mixes can include dried fruits, nuts and whole grain sesame sticks.
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