Simple checklist to help the whole family excel in nutritional basics

Sep 20 2011

It's September, and that means new clothes, backpacks, school supplies, and agendas — all tools required to keep your children, whether in elementary, high school or post-secondary levels, on a well-stocked, educational journey to success. But beyond equipping your children with the external fundamentals to good grades, are you also providing them with the best nutrients necessary for optimal learning, focus, concentration, energy and overall well-being? And as parents juggling hectic schedules, do you also pass the grade?

Good nutrition fuels children for school and play. Simple, healthy solutions can remove the stress and pressures of hectic schedules, ensuring each member of the family can keep the pace. Remember that it is important to lead by example, so make sure that you also follow your own advice. Here is a simple checklist to help the whole family excel in nutritional basics:

1)     Breakfast — it's the most important meal of the day. But who has time or the inclination with everything that needs to get done to stay on schedule?

Simple Solution:  A whey protein smoothie for breakfast. It's great for the whole family, extremely quick to prepare, and tastes good.  Even picky, breakfast-haters will enjoy a delicious, tasty beverage, especially when they see their parents opt for one too. Whey protein is an exceptional, dietary protein rich in calcium that contains immune-enhancing constituents and can improve healthy body composition. Combine a scoop of whey protein with the milk of your choice (dairy, soy, almond or rice), add some fresh or frozen fruit then blend together for a nutritious breakfast smoothie for the whole family.  A protein smoothie also makes a great after-school or post-exercise/sports snack.

2)     Fuel the brain with omega-3 fish oils.

Increasing research highlights the need for fish and fish oils rich in omega-3 EPA and DHA, physiologically essential nutrients required by the body for all life stages, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adulthood, and aging. DHA helps support the development of the brain, eyes and nerves. It is required in high concentration for optimal mental performance.  Omega -3 fish oil can help support cardiovascular health and promote healthy mood balance. Available in flavoured liquids and chewable forms, as well as high-potency capsules.

3)     Fill the nutritional gap.

Eating well daily is difficult at the best of times. And consuming enough fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean protein regularly is a downright challenge. The easiest way to ensure the optimal intake of vitamins and minerals every day is with a daily multivitamin supplement.  A multivitamin helps you fill the nutritional gaps often found in the majority of diets, regardless of one's age.  Like fish oils, multivitamin formulations come in a variety of forms including chewable, gummy, capsule, tablets and liquids.

A nutritionally sound diet is the foundation for healthy development, learning and functioning, but with the hustle and bustle of busy lifestyles, it's sometimes difficult to find simple, choice solutions. Regardless of life stage, investing in your family's well-being with these three easy steps will support optimal health.  Now that's more than a passing grade.