Parent to Parent: School Daze: Healthy food

After a summer of fun Lisa Kent of Hingham says she's excited for her kids to head back to school.

Lisa Kent, mother of four
"I think of it as a clean slate and a chance to start new."

And that includes food, so she worries about what to fix for her four "picky eaters."

Lisa Kent, mother of four
"Do you guys know that inside of this bread that you love is zucchini?"

To get ideas, she brainstorms with other moms on what to serve up!

Lisa Kent, mother of four
"We’ll talk about swapping menus, swapping recipes."

Barbara O'Rourke, mother of 3
"I also notice a big difference when children eat together with their friends. If they see their friends eating things, then they'll try it."

Dr. Caroline Apovian of Boston Medical Center says swapping ideas is great way to help your kids eat right, and she also suggests starting right at home.

Caroline M. Apovian, MD
"Parents should keep their house safe from junk food and candy and soda. And they can do that at school also."

She says pack your child's lunch when you can, and make sure that it includes a well-rounded selection.

Caroline M. Apovian, MD
"A protein, a veggie, a fruit and the carbohydrate can be whole-grain bread."

For families on the go, she says there are even protein bars just for kids.

Caroline M. Apovian, MD
"Look for fiber, look for protein, and look for as little sugar as possible."

Another way to get your kids to try new things is by making their food fun.

Caroline M. Apovian, MD
"Celery sticks and put either peanut better or cream cheese on it, and put raisins on top of that so it looks like ants on a log."

Have your kids head over heels for pin-wheels! All you need is a tortilla. Roll it up and slice. What goes in it is up to them.

Caroline M. Apovian, MD
"You can put lots of things in there."

And sometimes, all you need is a toothpick and an imagination.

Lisa Kent, mother of 4
"Taking toothpicks and putting it on the fruit."

But the biggest thing to teach your kids about food this year.

Caroline M. Apovian, MD
"Moderation is the key."

Additional Resources:

Caroline M. Apovian M.D.
Director, Center for Nutrition and Weight Management
Boston Medical Center
88 East Newton Street
Building D Suite 614
Boston, MA 02460
617.638.8556

Related link:
Meal Makeover Mom
Can Do Kid, Inc

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