By Adrian Schirr

With the new school year upon us, it’s time to revisit those bad habits we vowed to break last year. My son can’t be the only one who comes home from school exhausted and famished. It’s quite the show, really. With his backpack still strapped to his shoulders, his mission is clear: Must EAT. He pulls anything he sees from the fridge and pantry, and devours it without chewing or breathing.
As funny as it is to watch, that’s a bad habit. At Nuview Nutrition, I’ve learned the tools needed to tackle that one this year. Although many things can factor into it, the problem starts with his lunch.
The best digestion occurs in the afternoon. The body needs a balanced lunch for that to happen properly. Without it, overeating later in the day isn’t the only problem.
With too many carbs, the seated head-nod, the sugar crash, or the infamous wandering mind are sure to interfere with your child’s energy, grades, and overall day.
To avoid these setbacks, you can start by getting rid of the problem foods: refined grains like white flour and white rice; refined sweeteners like sugar and high fructose corn syrup; sports drinks, pop, and fruits packed in syrup.
These are the trouble makers in the diet that affect blood sugar—the body’s fuel—and the reason why your child seems to slow down during the day.
Want to give your child that afternoon boost? You can help them incorporate healthy habits like building a nutritious menu every week. Be sure each meal covers categories like turkey and chicken for protein, and easy to grab fruits and vegetables.
Moderation and variety are key!
A well-stocked kitchen with staples such as whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, and nuts are helpful for your grab-and-go eater.
Remember healthy habits make healthy grades. A proper meal in the afternoon will lead to a proper snack after school, and they may even stop to take their backpacks off before hitting the fridge. With a balanced lunch and proper digestion, your child will have an A+ in energy and long-term health!