Balanced Meals

It’s no secret that a healthy life starts with a healthy diet, and getting kids to eat healthy foods can be, oh, shall we say, challenging?

Here are some tips for offering a healthy meal plan for you and your family:

* Breakfast – Don’t skimp on the first meal of the day! Skipping this meal can lead to out of control munching throughout the day. A good morning meal should contain some protein, fat and carbs with fiber. A small bowl of 100% whole grain cereal with skim milk and some fruit should suffice. A hard boiled egg and whole wheat pita, with an orange on the side, is also an option!

* Lunch – This meal should include something from all five food groups and be substantial enough to fuel kids through afternoon classes. Be sure to have a snack for after classes end, but before most sports/after school activities begin.

* Dinner – Be sure to sit down as a family whenever possible – research has shown that kids who regularly have meals with their family eat more fruit, vegetables and calcium-rich foods. Try dividing a plate into quarters, with one section for fruit (often a good choice for dessert), one for vegetables, one for whole grains, and one for protein. If you can add some low-fat dairy into the mix, all the better!