As the back-to-school season approaches, ensuring your kids' wellness becomes more important than ever. A focus on health and happiness can make the transition smoother and set the stage for a successful school year. At Lazy Acres Market, we’re here to support your family's journey with nutritious foods, seasonal produce, and essential supplements. Our goal is to help your kids feel their best as they dive back into their school routines, making the return to class a joyful and healthy experience.
The Importance of Nutrition for Back-to-School Wellness
Proper nutrition is key to helping your child focus, learn, and stay energetic all day long. A balanced diet packed with essential nutrients supports their cognitive function, boosts immunity, and keeps them feeling their best.
Here are some helpful tips for planning nutritious meals:
Start with a Balanced Breakfast: Kickstart their day with whole grains, protein, and fruits. Think oatmeal with berries, yogurt parfaits, or whole-grain toast with avocado.
Pack Nutritious Lunches: Mix in lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and veggies. Bento boxes are a fun way to include a variety of healthy options. Try wraps with turkey and veggies, quinoa salads, or hummus with carrot sticks.
Healthy Snacks: Choose nutrient-dense snacks like nuts, yogurt, and fresh produce to keep energy levels steady. Granola bars, apple slices with peanut butter, and cheese sticks are great options. Don't forget to grab some Truvani Bars, perfect for on-the-go snacking, and currently on deal at 2 for $5!
Stay Hydrated: Encourage them to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Pack a reusable water bottle in their backpack and add a splash of natural fruit juice for flavor if they need a little extra encouragement.
For more meal inspiration, explore our extensive recipe index! And don't forget, select stores offer cooking classes where you can learn to make healthy, delicious meals that your whole family will love.
Eating Seasonally
Eating seasonally means enjoying fruits and vegetables at their peak freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. This approach not only supports local farmers but also offers numerous health benefits by providing a variety of nutrients and keeping your meals exciting and diverse.
Why Eat Seasonally?
Peak Freshness: Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak, ensuring the best taste and highest nutritional content.
Nutrient Diversity: Eating a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables provides a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals.
Support Local Farmers: Buying seasonal produce supports local agriculture and reduces your carbon footprint.
At Lazy Acres, we have a fantastic selection of seasonal produce available in August, including juicy peaches and nectarines, crisp bell peppers, sweet corn, flavorful tomatoes, and fresh zucchini and summer squash.
Looking for meal inspiration? Check out our recipe index. You'll find loads of kid-friendly and nutritious recipes that make the most of August's seasonal produce.
Essential Nutrients for Growing Kids
Making sure kids get the right nutrients is key to their growth and development. Here’s a helpful guide to the essential nutrients that support your child's health:
Protein for Muscle Growth: Protein builds and repairs tissues, crucial for muscle growth. Include lean meats, beans, nuts, and dairy products in their meals.
Calcium and Vitamin D for Bone Health: These nutrients build strong bones and teeth. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods are great sources of calcium, while Vitamin D can be found in fish, fortified milk, and a bit of sunshine. Enjoy 20% off SmartyPants gummies, packed with essential vitamins for adults and kids!
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Development: Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for brain health and cognitive development. Foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds are excellent sources of these essential fats. Boost with Childlife children’s supplements, now 25% off!
Vitamins A, C, and E for Immune Support: These powerful antioxidants help support the immune system. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach are packed with Vitamin A, while citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers provide plenty of Vitamin C. Nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils are rich in Vitamin E.
Probiotics for Digestive Health: Probiotics promote a healthy gut, which is key for digestion and overall well-being. Try probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables for a happy tummy.
Consult a Pediatrician: Always consult with your pediatrician before starting any supplement regimen to make sure it’s just right for your child's needs.
Ensuring your kids get these essential nutrients will help them grow strong, stay healthy, and thrive. You've got this, and we're here to help!
Other Wellness Tips for Back-to-School
As kids transition back to school, maintaining overall wellness is key to their success and happiness. Here are some practical tips to ensure they stay healthy, active, and stress-free during the school year:
Physical Activity: Physical activity is essential for overall wellness. Sign them up for after-school sports, encourage active play, and plan family activities like hikes or bike rides.
After-School Activities: Keep kids engaged with fun activities like creative hobbies, outdoor play, and joining local clubs or classes.
Sleep: A good night’s sleep is a must. Establish a bedtime routine with a consistent schedule, calming pre-bedtime activities, and limited screen time.
Managing Stress and Anxiety: Keep communication open, teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing, and help them stay organized with a homework planner and a designated study area
Stay Well with Lazy Acres!
We’re here to support your child’s wellness every step of the way. Here’s how we can help:
Special Events and Workshops: Join us for special events and workshops focused on back-to-school wellness. We’ve got activities that make staying healthy fun and engaging! Available at select Lazy Acres locations.
Bi-Weekly Ad: Our bi-weekly ad is packed with deals and ideas to help you build your grocery list and find meal prep inspiration.
Recipe Index: Looking for tasty and nutritious meal ideas? Check out our recipe index for inspiration that the whole family will love.
Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest tips, recipes, and promotions by following us on Instagram & Facebook.
Wellness Blog: Check out our Wellness Blog for expert advice, fun tips, and more ways to keep your family healthy and happy.
Natural Living Department: Visit our Natural Living Department to find samples and vendor demos, and learn more about the great brands we carry.
We’re so excited to help you and your family thrive this back-to-school season!
As kids head back to school, keeping them happy and healthy is a top priority. Here’s a quick recap of our tips to make the transition smoother:
Focus on Wellness: Prioritizing wellness sets kids up for success and happiness.
Nutritious Eating: Fill their plates with balanced meals, seasonal produce, and healthy snacks.
Seasonal Foods: Enjoy the benefits of seasonal produce – always fresh, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
Supplementation: Consider adding multivitamins, probiotics, Vitamin C, and Zinc to support their health (and always consult a pediatrician first!).
Stay Hydrated and Active: Encourage drinking water, staying active, and getting a good night’s sleep.
Managing Stress: Help ease back-to-school stress with open talks, relaxation techniques, and staying organized.
Swing by Lazy Acres Market for all your back-to-school wellness needs and stay tuned for more tips and recipes.