Getting Back on Track After Holiday Indulgence

The holidays have been a time for relaxation, indulgence, and a break from routine. But now that school is back in session, it’s time to get our little ones back on track with healthy eating habits. After weeks of enjoying sugary snacks, fast food, and treats, getting children back into the rhythm of healthy eating can be a challenge. But don’t worry – with a bit of planning and creativity, we can prepare balanced meals that fuel their minds and bodies for the busy school day ahead.

The holiday period may have involved some unhealthy food choices, but now is the perfect time to reset. Here’s how you can ease your kids back into healthy eating:

1. Start Slow
   Gradually reintroduce healthy meals into their routine instead of making drastic changes overnight. Try replacing sugary snacks with healthier options like fruit, nuts, or homemade granola bars.
2. Set an Example
   Children are more likely to eat healthy if they see you eating healthy. Make nutritious meals together as a family, and involve them in the preparation process. Preparing it themselves also motivates them to eat it!
3. Focus on Balanced Meals
   Ensure that their meals contain a good balance of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. This will keep them full for longer and maintain energy levels throughout the day.
4. Hydration is Key
   After the holidays, kids might have gotten used to sugary drinks like sodas and juices. Help them get back on track by offering water. You can make water more fun by adding slices of lemon, mint, strawberries or cucumber.

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

1. Protein-Packed Sandwiches
   A whole grain sandwich with lean protein (like chicken, tuna, or cooked ham) is a great option. Add in some colourful veggies like carrots, cucumber, and tomato for a nutritional boost. To make it even more exciting, you can cut the sandwich into fun shapes using a cookie cutter.
2. Veggie Wraps
   Whole wheat wraps filled with lean protein (e.g., grilled chicken or Mozzarella cheese), lettuce, tomato, avocado, and other veggies are perfect for lunchtime. You can even use this as a pizza base with lean protein and low fat cheese on top!
3. Fruit & Nut Butter
   Fruit is a natural source of vitamins and energy, and paired with a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter, it makes for a delicious and satisfying snack. Try apple slices with peanut butter or banana slices with almond butter.
4. Homemade Muffins or Energy Balls
   Healthy homemade muffins made with whole grains, nuts, and fruits (like oats, bananas, or berries) are a great addition to the lunchbox. Energy balls made with oats, honey, peanut butter, and chia seeds are another great option.

Maybe you haven’t seen my video where I made my Banana Oats bars on You Tube?

Make sure you watch this, just click on the link!

https://www.youtube.com/live/J83Ave56GW4?si=-_ZVP6ac83xlJlfV