As the summer months come to a close and fall is on the horizon, it’s back to school! This August marks the inaugural year of Kids Eat Right Month from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The idea is that as summer draws to a close and kids head back to the classroom, we need to focus on healthful eating and an active lifestyle. In light of the obesity epidemic and what this suggests for the future, the campaign focuses on children, but it’s a healthy reminder for all of us!
We all need to shop smart, cook healthfully, and eat well. I start with fruits and vegetables; they are at the core of every meal and snack I have. My tricks are easy for busy adults and kids! On weekends I shop and pre-package my fruits and veggies, so I can just grab and go during the week. This means tossing salad mix into containers; dicing, slicing, and bagging veggies; placing fruit in easy-to-reach spots; and pre-portioning dips, sauces, and dressings. Then, I can just grab some carrots or pepper slices and a dip—hummus or peanut butter being my favorites—and throw a pear in a pear packer. Even if I’m in a rush, I already have these handy and won’t stray to the vending machine in a stressful pinch! This is also key for busy moms – throwing together a healthy lunch your kid will love requires a very small amount of prep. Start fall with health in mind, and good health will follow!