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BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) – Going back to school can be a busy time for families, making healthy dinners harder to navigate
Carle Health Regional Manager of Clinical Nutrition Stephany Kissell said that although schedules can get busy, it is still important to provide nutritious meals for the family, especially with growing and learning children
“Brains need a steady supply of nutrients so that [kids] can pay attention and focus,” she said. “Poor nutrition has been shown time and time again to negatively impact learning and memory and maybe result in lower grades.”
Kissell said families can make mealtime and packing lunch easier with a few tricks. She recommended families plan meals ahead of time for the week, having kids help with the cooking, and prioritizing healthy proteins, fruits, and vegetables in any way they can
“I often say cook once, eat twice, so cook a meal and utilize the leftovers so you’re not doing as much cooking,” Kissell said. “Don’t forget to use the healthy shortcuts, [like] canned or frozen fruits and vegetables. Those are just as healthy no matter what some things might say. You just want to avoid the added salt and excess sugar.”
Kissell said it is important to try and incorporate different food groups and fill plates up with half produce
She said for kids who are picky when it comes to different foods, she recommended parents introduce new foods at least eight to 10 times before their child tries it
“Don’t give up is my number one piece of advice, and pair [the food] with food they already like,” Kissell said
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