The perfect opportunity to introduce healthy eating habits

IT’S that time of year again when the days begin to shorten and kids return to school. However, the first few weeks of going back to school can be stressful for both parents and children. The long summer holidays bring with it a casual approach to diet, rest and routine which is difficult to let go of once the school bell rings again. This makes preparation important for parents as they look to settle children into a new school year and central to ensuring your child’s transition from summer time to school time runs smoothly is a healthy diet.

All parents want the best for their children when it comes to education but recent research shows the important role diet plays in education. A nutritious and healthy diet is vital to a child’s ability in maintaining concentration levels throughout a busy school day, so it’s no harm taking on board some healthy advice when twining healthy eating with going back to school.

Healthy eating options for school children, while important, need not be overly expensive either. Since the introduction of additional supermarket chains in Ireland, fruit and vegetables have become much more varied and affordable. Most dietitians and nutritionists recommend that parents introduce foods from the four main food groups: wholemeal bread, fruit/vegetables, milk/yogurt and a portion of protein from the meat group. The perfectly balanced lunchbox should contain all of the four essential food groups ensuring a slow release of energy while avoiding processed foods like donuts, crisps, salty, sugary and fatty foods. Parents want it simple and simple it is so long as you realise the key food nutrients are found in the simplest of foods, not necessarily the most elaborate.

We know how difficult it is to persuade children when it comes to the benefits of eating vegetables. A handy tip is to grate, shred or fine chop vegetables like carrots, onions, peppers and cucumbers.