(BPT) – Back-to-school season is upon us and many parents are ready to get back into a routine. Registered Dietitian Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD has some unique ideas.
It can be challenging for people to find quality information to support healthy habits. Goodson suggests using American Fitness Index, a science-based annual ranking of America’s fittest cities, published by the American College of Sports Medicine and Elevance Health Foundation. The Foundation takes a “Whole Health” approach, so in addition to physical activity, access to nutritious food was one of the factors that impacted the rankings.
When it comes to breakfast on-the-go, lunchboxes or after-school snacks, convenient solutions are key. Goodson recommends the new Dave’s Killer Bread Organic Snack Bars. Dave’s Killer Bread is the number one organic bread on the market, and now they have three delicious varieties of snack bars that are power-packed with quality organic ingredients, fiber and nutrition with no artificial ingredients, preservatives, colors, or flavors. Plus, they are free of high fructose corn syrup and bleached flour.
For back-to-school meals, Goodson’s go-to option is beef. It delivers high-quality protein, iron, zinc, choline and B-vitamins — essential supplies for a successful school year. Early school-age kids and adolescents are at a pivotal point for proper nutrition to support healthy growth and development. Beef makes it easier to help growing children enjoy the key nutrients they need. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., funded by the Beef Checkoff, has so many delicious ways to eat beef at every meal.
Goodson is also a fan of peanuts as a healthy, nutrient-dense food. Peanuts have more protein than any nut with more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals and are a good source of fiber and good fats. Plus, peanuts and peanut butter are highly accessible, affordable, and shelf-stable. Snack peanuts and PB&J sandwiches are perfect for the lunchbox. More recipe ideas are available from the National Peanut Board.