Back-to-School Nutrition Tips and Recipes
School is just around the corner. Welcome back, rushed mornings. Welcome back, scholars. The new school year means new routines for kids and an organizational shift for adults – an opportunity to rethink ingrained habits and develop healthier ones. Whether your kids are returning to school or learning remotely from home, these back-to-school nutrition tips and recipes in this article will come in handy.
5 Nutrition Tips for Back-to-School
Getting your kids to develop healthy eating habits can be a challenge. Here are some simple tips to keep your kids energized and nourished.
1. Eat a healthy breakfast daily
When kids go back to school, it’s getting harder and harder to find time to eat a healthy breakfast because they want to use the last minute of the morning to sleep. But, having a healthy breakfast containing protein can be a key to their success in the classroom. Try an omelet, cheese, and yogurt to boost protein intake and have sustainable energy throughout the day.
2. Don’t forget healthy after-school snacks
Try to prepare healthy “energy” snacks for your kids before they get home from school or participate in extracurricular activities. Snacks should include good carbohydrates and protein to help your child refuel before dinner. These can include veggie sandwiches, whole-wheat rolls, hard-boiled eggs on an English muffin, bananas and peanut butter, or a healthy assortment of dried fruits.
3. Encourage food exploration
Leading your child’s attention to the color, shape, aroma, texture, and temperature of food is a good way to get them excited about food. In the long run, being familiar with a variety of foods will make them more likely to enjoy a wider range of healthy options.
4. Get kids involved
At the market, let them pick fruits and vegetables. Let them choose between cheese or yogurt. Give kids a list of pre-approved recipes, and let them put their stamp on the treats.
5. Drink water
Water is essential and has many benefits. And everyone, including your kids, needs to drink plenty of this life-giving substance every day. There are recommendations for water intake according to age.
- Children Ages 5-8: Five (8oz/ea.) glasses of water each day or 40 ounces
- Ages 9-12: Seven (8oz/ea.) glasses of water daily or at least 56 ounces
- Ages 13+: Eight to ten (8 oz./ea.) glasses of water or at least 80 ounces
9 Back-to-School Recipes
To help you plan ahead, we’ve picked 9 back-to-school recipes (including hearty breakfasts, filling lunches, and after-school snacks) that adults and kids can enjoy. You can make them easily with some advanced modern kitchen appliances such as an electric indoor grill, blender, countertop convection oven, and more.
Breakfast
The kids will love these quick and delicious back-to-school breakfast ideas and get their morning started right.
#1. Cheese omelette
About the cuisine-
This cheese omelette is easy to make and great for breakfast. Your kids will love omelettes and nothing makes them happier.
#2. Fruit and yogurt smoothie
About the cuisine-
Your kids will love this delicious yogurt smoothie! You can replace strawberries with any other berries or fruit your child likes.
#3. Scrambled eggs with oats
About the cuisine-
This super easy protein-packed recipe will definitely get your child’s day off to an energetic start!
Lunch
These healthy back-to-school lunch ideas will have the kids looking forward to returning to the classroom.
#1. Cheeseburger cups
About the cuisine-
This simple and delicious dish is made with convenient ingredients and only takes a fraction of the time. Your kids will go crazy for these cute lunches.
#2. Grilled cheese, ham, and apple sandwich
About the cuisine-
A terrific sandwich recipe! Your kids will enjoy every bite of this combination of melty cheeses, crispy apples, and smoky ham.
#3. Easy chicken strips
About the cuisine-
These crunchy oven-baked chicken strips are life-changing! A delightful dish to make your child’s time at school happier.
Snack
Try these healthy and easy-to-make snack recipes to make the kids satisfied until dinner time.
#1. Fruit and nut flapjacks
About the cuisine-
A classic fruit and nut combo with seeds, oats, and agave syrup. These flapjacks are a match made in heaven. The perfect snack for your kids.
#2. Pita bread pizza
About the cuisine-
This easy-to-make and delicious pita bread pizza is perfect for after-school snacks, sleepovers, or Friday night movies.
#3. Spiced-up potato chips
About the cuisine-
Turning an ordinary bag of chips into an irresistibly delicious treat to keep the kids feeling Energized when their get home from school.
Conclusion
Getting ready for school is a family affair, not just for the kids but for the parents as well. Lessen the stress of weekdays with these quick, easy, and delicious back-to-school recipes to keep the kids satisfied, whether they’re taking them to school as a lunch box treat or enjoying them when they get home.