GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Back to school is just around the corner for kids across Minnesota, who are trying to pack in as much summer as they can before returning to the classroom.
Parents obviously want them to be at their best when the school year starts, and nutritious food and beverages is a big part of that.
U of M Food Science and Nutrition Professor Joanne Slavin, Ph.D., visited KARE 11 News at Noon Friday to talk about what parents can do to help their students be both mentally and physically prepared.
- General nutrition: Good nutrition not only maximizes students’ ability to think well, it’s essential for strong movement in gym class, recess and sports. Kids need to consume high-quality protein three times a day and a variety of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits. These foods can help ensure students are getting important nutrients including dietary fiber and potassium.
- Packing a healthy lunch: Parents should know that a perfectly healthy lunch could include a peanut butter sandwich, whole grain chips, a fruit or vegetable snack, and a dairy beverage or alternative dairy beverage that is shelf stable and rich in Vitamin D and calcium. Packaged snack foods continue to improve their nutrients. There are now more options that include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and isolated proteins.
- School-provided food: If your child is eating school lunch, you can feel confident they will have healthy options. Provided meals stick to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including limits on added sugars, solid fats and sodium. Additionally, eating school lunch could also help students develop a more varied palette.
- Weeknight meals: A key part of preparing the evening meal is having a plan. Using slow cookers so dinner is ready when everyone returns from a long day can be a lifesaver. Many cultural eating patterns and popular meal choices, including casseroles, stir-fry, soups, salads, pizzas and tortillas can be improved by reducing sodium, added sugars, and solid fats and increasing whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Healthy meal options available at grocery stores and restaurants may work best for a family who needs to work around soccer or band practice.
For more on back to school eating plans that will help your child succeed, check out the U of M website.