The new school year started on Wednesday. Crowds of young and old students besieged the schoolyards and the excited faces spilled out into the streets!

There are many nutritional dilemmas that parents and students face at the beginning of the school year.

In this article I would like to highlight some nutritional dangers that parents and students will encounter

Younger children can be more easily persuaded to take treats from home than older children. Parents would do well to start explaining to children the importance of healthy snacks from home. In some canteens, of course, there are extremely healthy options. But it needs to be emphasized that the home-cooked meal is much more suitable.

In addition, children should keep in mind the rising prices and the struggle of parents to make ends meet.

Finally, it is necessary to say that breakfast is not breakfast! Children should have breakfast inside the house when they wake up. Lunch at school is called tithe!

Together with the schools, they start a multitude of activities that lead the children to be outside the home. In this case, parents and students will need to pay attention to the following:

1. Lunch should be eaten before the tutorials which are usually at noon. The child assimilates much better what he learns when he has eaten a healthy lunch.
   Sports activities usually take place in the afternoon. It is therefore logical that a meal is needed before them.
2. The afternoon meal should contain some fruit, juice, toast, homemade cake, homemade cookies, mom’s cheesecakes, etc. However, the consumption of the afternoon meal should definitely be at least 1 hour before sports activities.
3. The evening meal. After a long day, the child needs enough calories without them affecting his sleep. Sandwiches with light ingredients such as fat-free yellow cheese with vegetables, salads with some protein such as chicken, fish or egg can easily be used, as well as tortillas with Domokou katiki and grilled vegetables, omelettes. Finally, it can be used as a lighter option, some yogurt or milk meal along with oats, honey or cereal

Many times the children take refuge in their grandparents’ house because of their parents’ work. In this case it is useful to have some agreement between the parents and grandparents about the children’s meals. Children need the right foods and healthy options and we don’t need to spoil them with fast food, lots of sweets and pancakes. It is necessary to emphasize that nutritional choices in sensitive childhood greatly affect the health of the child in his adult life. So how protective is it to give them all the… nutritional favors?

If one follows all of the above, it is reasonable to wonder when we get away because after all, “they are children” you will tell me.

Of course we escape, either in fast food, or in some dessert, etc. The point is that this should be the exception to the rule. We explain to the child that these foods are present in our lives but less frequently. We consume everything, but in moderation. We don’t treat foods as such and we don’t idealize them. Finally, food should never be used as a means of reward or pressure. I’m sure you can find other ways to communicate what you want to your kids! Let’s let food be just a way to get energy and not just pleasure. Hug, talk, go for a walk, draw with the child. You don’t need to buy him chocolates and crepes to show him your love, just your attention and caress!

By following my advice you will notice that the new school year will go smoothly and your child’s weight will remain at normal levels!

If you need help, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with me to discuss everything!