More to the Story with Staley: Back-to-School Nutrition

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It’s back to school all across the Tennessee Valley! A busy time for teachers, parents and the kids.

One of the most common concerns for moms and dads? Making sure little Joey and Debbie receive the right nutritional food, as the new school year cranks up.

Experts believe good nutritional food is underrated.

“It also directly affects school performance. Nutrition provides energy and focus. But it also helps learning and memory,” registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade said. “We need quality nutrition from breakfast on. That being so the kids can perform their best at school.”

A recent study shows that two out of three parents want to improve their child’s eating habits. And that study shows that parents who practice healthy eating habits are more likely to have kids who eat healthy too.

Those experts say go big on fruits and vegetables, and nutritional smoothies. And especially anything with protein!

“Another reason that I like proteins is that it allows us to feel more full after a meal. If you have kids, you know they are always hungry. So, when we add more protein, it can really help your appetite,” Palinski-Wade explained.

Palinski-Wade says one good order of business is to plan your kids’ meals in advance. And promote exercise.

In other words, use everything that is available to you.

“There’s so much more availability now,” Palinski-Wade continued. “More is available to make things easier. Without trying to add all of these hours to your day.”

Palinski-Wade says parents making time for healthy nutrition is the first step in making the new school year a productive experience for the kids.

That recent study shows that parents who want to promote healthy eating habits with their kids, should set an example with their eating habits.

That’s far better than using force, rewards or punishment.