Backpacks, pencils, paper, glue, lunch bags, school clothes. Familiar supplies?
Back to school season sends parents into a shopping frenzy to prepare their child for a new school year – a time of learning and growth, both physically and mentally. Most schools send home a check list to help parents properly supply their children with all he or she will need for the upcoming year.
But there is something missing from these lists – nutrition. Nutrients stimulate brain function and improve its ability to think, focus, and memorize. They also improve the immune system and minimize illness. Nutrition is the most important supply your child will need to be healthy and succeed this school season.
Be sure your child starts the day with ample quality protein. Protein provides the amino acids the brain needs to function properly. If your child eats oatmeal or cereal in the morning, add ground flax or chia seeds, nuts or other seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin. Or give them a boiled egg on the side. Protein bars or shakes can be fine as long as they don’t contain artificial ingredients and excess sugar, which can impede brain and immune function. Aim for less than 10 grams of sugar per serving.
TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD HAS A SUCCESSFUL DAY AT SCHOOL
- Well-Rested
This will be different for every child. Most children between kindergarten and sixth grade need about 10 hours of sleep, while preschoolers need 10 to 12 hours, and junior high and high school kids need between 8 to 9 hours. - Healthy Breakfast
Never skip breakfast! Get your child up early enough so that he/she can eat a proper meal. Worse case – send him/her to school with a quality protein bar or a hand-full of nuts and an apple or banana. - Healthy Lunch
Not everyone has time to make their child lunch daily. Teach him/her to do it! Be sure to set guidelines like always including a veggie (baby carrots and snap peas are an easy go-to) and have them pack fruit or a cup of natural applesauce for dessert instead of sugar-laden sweets. And remember the protein! - Love
Every child needs to know he/she is loved. Be sure to hug and give your child love every day!
Keeping your child healthy helps you, too! But if you’re feeling run-down, consider a nutritional IV with Prime IV Hydration & Wellness. We specialize in adult therapies but can serve children age 13 and older with a note from their pediatrician.
For more information, please call us at (480) 992-4202 or go to primeiveastmesa.com to schedule an appointment.
Prime IV Hydration & Wellness – Red Mountain Gateway is located at 2025 N. Power Road in Suite 106.