Making It Work

PrePPing kids for school

0 Comments | Idaho State Journal; Pocatello, Idaho, Jul 25, 2010

As the summer draws to a close, the thoughts of many parents turn to the upcoming school year. Kids and families will soon be scouring the stores for the best deals on backpacks , school supplies, and clothing. But school can also be a time of frustration and embarrassment for many kids -- especially if they have weight issues. Bombarded with busy schedules and sometimes less-than-optimal food choices, kids can be overwhelmed with the emotional issues they have to face in the classroom or in the playground.

To give your child the best start this year, begin planning now. Get in the habit of eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks. Talk about high sugar foods and their effect on blood sugar levels, concentration and memory , and body fat. Starting the day with cold cereal or pastries is most often a recipe for disaster. Kids, as well as adults, metabolize these foods quickly but then are left running on empty just a few hours later. If your child is hungry more often than you think she/he should be, or has fluctuating energy levels or moods, take a look at what they're eating. Each meal and snack should contain some protein to "balance" the effect of the carbohydrates on their blood sugar levels. Paying attention in class or taking an exam is challenging enough without radic in ar In m c a of carbohydrates (think bread, cereal, rice, pasta, cookies, crackers, cakes, donuts, pretzels, etc.) can cause an insulin response that makes it easy for the body to store fat -- especially in the belly area. Protein can help modulate this response.

Protein foods can also help regulate our moods. When we eat foods high in protein, they are broken down into tiny pieces called amino acids. These amino acids are the building blocks for several chemicals in our bodies including the neurotransmitters our brains make. If we don't have the building blocks, we may have issues with depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and more. Protein foods also help keep us full for longer periods of time, which may minimize snacking on junk food.

Understanding the role of nutrition and the effects it has on our bodies -- and the bodies of our children -- is vital for good health and good performance in school. If you'd like more information on this subject , please attend our free class on Tuesday, Aug
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