Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It provides the nutrients
and energy your child needs to concentrate in school. Make time by setting
your alarm 10-15 minutes earlier than usual so you can have an unhurried
breakfast with your child. If it is difficult for your child to decide what
he wants early in the morning, ask what your child what the night before. Try
to encourage your child to have a good mix of protein (milk, eggs, cheese,
meat) and carbohydrates (whole-grain cereal, fruit, whole-grain breads.
Carbohydrates boost energy and help your child jump start his day, while the
protein keeps his body going strong until lunchtime.
Choose MyPlate on USDA web site.
Build a health meal and other tips on incorporating healthy
meals. There are many pages on tips on adding fruits and
vegetables,kid friendly veggies and fruits,how to cut back on
sweets,information on salt and sodium, eating seafood, variety of
protein to eat, putting dairy into your diet, and how to make
half your grains whole grains.
http://www.ChooseMyPlate.gov
Family Meals
Family meals are important for you and your child. It is a time for you to
connect to your child, hear about his day, provide nutritious meals, and
encourage the art of conversation. Try to focus on the events of the day or
fun that will take place in the coming weekend. Praise your child for a job
well done at school or home. Ask each person to tell one interesting thing he
or she learned during the day. That also includes you as the parent. It might
be something that you read in the newspaper, on-line or at work. These
family meals brings you closer to each other and will bring insight of what
is going on with your child.