5 Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy as the Kids Go Back to School

My family had an active summer and I imagine your’s did as well. Between traveling, playing at home, and a few hours here and there at camp, we were BUSY. However, as the new school year started, I had a major revelation as I dropped off Chloe at her first full day of kindergarden: now both of my babies would be away from me for over 6 hours every day.

I had become fairly used to the chaos of balancing work and parenting, especially when one of my kids had a short pre-school day and I was running back and forth between two places doing drop offs and pickups. This new semi-empty nest development — giving me a precious 3 added hours a day to exclusively work — gave me the time to think up a few new ways to make sure you don’t fall into a rut when it comes to feeding your kids when school is in session. The ease and convenience of just giving them sugary cereals or lunchables can be tempting, but happy, healthy eating isn’t as difficult as you may think, even when you are seriously pressed for time (and what mom isn’t always seriously pressed for time!).

Here are 5 Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy as The Kids Go Back to School:

1. I know you’ve heard it over and over, but it’s true: eating a solid breakfast helps you perform better throughout your day. That especially applies when it comes to kids and their performance in school. Growing bodies and minds need a balanced meal first thing in the morning, so they can focus on their lessons — not their grumbly tummies. Try serving something simple in the morning like a Strawberry Parfait, Happy Eggs, Teddy Bear Toast or Breakfast Cookies to give your kids a great head start.

2. When packing lunch for yourself or your kids, focus on sending a variety of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates and proteins so your body is getting a balanced diet and being fueled by the maximum amount of nutrition.Switch up the same old sandwich by packing a Vegetarian Sandwich on a Stick, Banana Dog Bites or a Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancake Sandwich.

3. Stay hydrated! Many kids are going back to school when the weather is still warm (and even downright hot in some places). Make sure to pack plenty of water and drinks like Mamma Chia Organic (a health and planet conscious company I dig who also happen to be sponsoring today’s post) bottled beverages and squeeze packs. I sent my kids with the squeeze packs for their snacks one day and also brought a couple of chilled “squeezies” for them at pick-up after a long, hot day we had here in southern California last week. Both of my kids know they’re getting something special when I offer them a Mamma Chia drink. They’re made with fruits, veggies and chia seeds, and packed with protein, antioxidants and fiber so you get a lot of nutritional bang for your buck in every sip your kids take. And since we’ve been talking about kids and their brains, each Chia Squeeze pouch has ½ your daily requirement of brain-boosting Omega 3s! To be honest, I’m not sure who consumes more of these in our house, me or the kids. WIth all the rushing around I do, these pouches are as convenient on-the-go snack as they come — great for rushing between carpool duty, work, the gym (heaven forbid you find time for yourself) and after school activities!

4. Get your flu shots! Consult with your doctor but the CDC suggests getting a flu shot ideally before October. As any parent knows, flu season is rough so better to be safe than sorry!

5. Play! Kids love nothing more then skipping, jumping, biking, throwing a ball, but that means you too. Go outside as a family, have some fun and get some exercise. The family that plays together, stays together!

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner!
Lolade Taylor

Giveaway Details:

Prize: One (1) lucky Weelicious reader will receive a $250 Whole Foods gift card, seven (7) Chia Squeezes, seven (7) Mamma Chia beverage vouchers, Chia Cookbook, Mamma Chia water bottle. Mamma Chia has sponsored this post. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Duration: This giveaway will be open until Thursday, September 18th at 11:59pm.

Who Can Enter: Open to residents in the USA.

How to Enter: Leave a comment below. For more chances to win, share this giveaway on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Google with the hashtag #WeeliciousGiveaways, and leave a separate comment for each letting me know you’ve done so.

How Winner Will Be Chosen: The winner(s) will be chosen at random and will be notified via email. The winner(s) will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

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