The demands on you change throughout your life. Eating well, exercising, and other healthful habits can help keep you going at every stage.
Nutrition and breakfast
Good nutrition is essential for fueling your child's growth and maintaining energy in school and at play. Give your child a head start each day with a healthful breakfast. Eating breakfast may help kids perform better in school.
1 Encourage kids to eat a morning meal by letting them choose the cereal, blend a fruit smoothie, or set their place at the table the evening before. Familiarize them with the routine and set an example for them to follow.
Snacks
Small stomachs and high energy levels mean that snacks play a crucial role for kids. Offer healthful, kid-friendly snacks:
Let your child pick out a fruit or vegetable every time you grocery shop.
Keep a bowl filled with washed, ready-to-eat fruit on the kitchen table.
Store baby carrots, red pepper strips, celery stalks, and other cut-up vegetables in containers in the fridge, so they can be easily packed into school lunches.
Buy food in single-serving portions or portion them yourself using plastic containers for on-the-go eating. Mini servings of raisins, yogurt, pudding, fruit cups, cereal, string cheese, or baked snacks like Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® crackers made with whole grain or pretzels all have kid appeal.
Exercise
Here's how to encourage your kids to be active:
Be a role model. If your kids see you enjoying activities, they are more likely to follow your lead.
Plan family events around an activity. Go hiking, biking, or in-line skating.
Remember, exercise doesn't necessarily mean playing sports. Flying a kite, swimming in the backyard or community pool, taking a walk, and playing hide-and-seek are all forms of exercise.
1 Rampersaud, GC, et al. "Breakfast Habits, Nutritional Status, Body Weight, and Academic Performance in Children and Adolescents." Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2005; 105:743-760.