It’s that time of year again and just about everyone is thinking about the same thing—keeping the kids (and you!) healthy. Here are some important tips to help keep your family feeling great, full of energy, and doing well in school.
Eat healthy
We are what we eat, and fall is a great time to reinforce good eating habits. Your kids should eat at least five servings of fruits and veggies (organic when available) per day—and aim for a colorful variety. Don’t worry, it’s quite doable—½ cup blueberries at breakfast, a baggie of carrot sticks & cherry tomatoes at lunch, a small banana as part of an after-school snack, and a cup of steamed broccoli at dinner and you’re there! These foods are full of immune-supporting nutrients, including vitamins C & E, zinc, and more. Get creative—spiral zucchini for a pasta dish, throw kale into your vegetable soup, or make a bowl of chopped watermelon a delectable dessert!
QUICK TIP: If your kids aren’t big fans of veggies, try Organic Greens Booster. Every scoop has the nutrients of one cup of green vegetables that you can put in almost any dish or drink.
Prioritize sleep
Make good sleep a habit and a priority. Being short on sleep can impact immune function. Elementary-age children need at least 9–10 hours of sleep, while pre-teens and teenagers require 8–9 hours. It’s important to incorporate a bedtime routine for everyone in the family (yes, Mom & Dad, too!) that includes turning off the television, tablets, laptops, etc. an hour before going to bed. Overstimulated kids have more difficulty falling asleep, which can create a vicious cycle of tired kids in the morning. Encourage reading a book or just snuggling and sharing something about your day.
Manage stress
Kids can experience stress, too. We’ve covered two great ways to help your children deal with challenges—being well-nourished and getting adequate sleep. Being physically active is a great stress management tool for kids as well as adults. Be sure your children are getting enough play time and try to spend as much time outdoors as possible while the weather is still nice. Nature can be a great nerve soother. And of course, making sharing your day a routine in your family will go a long way toward knowing whether your child is having stress.
Try supplementation
Schedules can be hectic sometimes, but you still want to give your kids all the nutrition they need. High-quality supplements can be great for filling your kids’ nutritional gaps. Try giving them a daily multivitamin like Incredivites® for their essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. And for a quick and nutritious breakfast, a Life Shake™ is the perfect meal in a glass.
Be sure to take time to prioritize all these good habits to help your kids have a happier, healthier, and more successful school year.
