September is officially here, which means our futures hold falling leaves, pumpkin spice, and the start of the new school year. From kindergarteners to college students, people of all ages will be leaving their summer schedules behind and getting back in the swing of getting to class.
As much as we love this time of year, we know it can be stressful, too—between tests, papers, and early hours, sometimes we can forget to be mindful of our own health. That’s why we’re here to share our 8 healthy back-to-school tips for the whole family!
1. Give the Kitchen a “Fall Cleaning”
Start the school year off right by cleaning out the kitchen and restocking it with healthier food and snacks! Keeping unhealthy options around the house is begging for trouble, even if it isn’t for you—after all, studies prove that seeing a food regularly make us more likely to crave and eat it!
Healthy snacks can give us the energy and brainpower to make it through a long day of classes. That’s why fall is the perfect time to get into the habit of healthier snacking! Figure out what tastes you like best and find a substitution with better benefits. A great example of this is swapping out candy for fresh fruit or chips for home-seasoned popcorn; you get all the same sugar and crunch, just without any unhealthy additives!
2. Plan Ahead for Portion Control
For parents, the start of the school means the start of packing school lunches. But prepping meals ahead of time isn’t just for kids—it’s a great way for people of all ages to control their portions!
Planning our meals ahead of time can help ensure that we not only avoid overeating, but also that we pay close attention to what we are eating and why. Our own registered dietician Shara Lazar wrote an article highlighting the potential dangers of “grazing,” a habit where people mindlessly eat throughout the day. Mindfully planning out our meals and snacks helps us avoid unhealthy eating by keep us full and satisfied, all while assuring that we get the nutrients we need.
Our tips: a compartmented bento box is a great way to bring a perfectly proportioned meal on the go, and preparing meals that won’t produce leftovers takes away our ability to overeat. Give them a try!
3. Take Some Time to Enjoy the Fresh Air
Let out your inner schoolkid and make time for “recess”! Getting fresh air is great for the body and the soul—plus, as an added bonus, it can help get us up and moving throughout the day.
Try taking a walk outside during your lunch break or making time to play with the whole family outside after school! After all, studies suggest that spending time in the great outdoors can lower our blood pressure and stress levels, while physical activity boosts endorphins and helps improve mood. So, go for a quick jog or a l