BACK TO SCHOOL: 5 Healthy Snacks

As summer comes to a close, it’s time to get those kiddos back in school. The heat and high activity levels may have increased your kid's calorie intake with foods less favorable than veggies. Yes...I'm talking about the ice cream, popsicles, goldfish, hot dogs, and BBQ. But as we get back into school mode, keep in mind that there will likely be less time playing and more time sitting. We want to fuel our kid's bodies with good nutrients to help their brains pay attention to new knowledge and keep them healthy at school...

More time inside and around other kids, also means more spread of germs and potential for infection. The best way to protect you and your kids is to fuel their body with low histamine (inflammation causing) foods.

Good choices include:

• Proteins- chicken, turkey, wild caught salmon, lamb

• Nuts & Seeds - chia seeds, flaxseeds, cashews, pistachios, pumpkin seeds (careful for allergies!)

• Fruits- blueberries, apples, cherries, mangos

• Veggies- Sweet potatoes, cucumbers, broccoli

• Extras- Coconut oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 100% Monkfruit, Pure Stevia, Sea Salt

Attention span starts to fade when hunger strikes,...and we don’t want our kids reaching for the first processed cookie or chips that comes into their path. Instead, here are 5 healthy snack options to consider including in the lunchbox:

1. Hummus with pretzels, carrots, cucumbers, and/or celery Sticks

2. Cucumber, apple, turkey Bites: Cut and stack or add a wrap for more of a meal)

3. Granola/Trail mix: Make it at home with pure ingredients! Combine your favorite hypoallergenic nuts, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, non-sugar added dried fruits, dried coconut, cinnamon and oats. Bake in the oven and divvy it up into snack cups for the week!

4. Kale chips: Satisfy that crunchy potato chip craving with some greens and spices catered to your kid's pallet.

5. Power ball bites: Recipes are endless for power balls these days! Often a mix of nut butter, seeds, and chocolate or dried fruit,...these are beautiful energizers full of satiating ingredients. Add some powdered Ashwagandha for an extra brain/energy boost.

Let's get you and your kids started on a healthy path back to school for better learning, better health, more fun and energy in and outside of the classroom!

Your LYT Instructor and Physical Therapist,

Dr. Sarah Kingsley PT, DPT, RYT

Disclaimer:

This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.