Healthy School Lunches Can Have Major Benefits
9/9/2024
MOBERLY, Mo. – The new school year is here, and with it comes all things academics, athletics, organizations and more. With all the hustle and bustle the new school year brings, it may be difficult to ensure that your child is getting healthy breakfasts and lunches.
Courtney Ramsey, FNP at Moberly Rural Health Clinic, which is a part of Moberly Regional Medical Center, has emphasized the crucial role that healthy lunches play in enhancing students' academic performance.
According to Ramsey, school lunch options have become more healthy and more balanced in the offerings because of numerous government initiatives aimed at improving children's nutrition and overall well-being.
Ramsey pointed out that a well-balanced lunch not only provides the necessary energy for students to stay focused during the day, but also contributes to better concentration, memory retention and overall cognitive function.
"Students are usually better equipped to absorb information and participate actively in class when they consume nutritious meals," Ramsey said.
In addition to a healthy lunch, Ramsey stressed the importance of starting the day with a nutritious breakfast. She warned against relying solely on cereal, as it often lacks protein and other nutrients needed to sustain energy levels throughout the day.
"Adding protein to your child’s breakfast can be very beneficial,” Ramsey said. “Cereal doesn’t tend to be very filling so something like eggs, lean meats or yogurt may better prepare them for a full day of learning."
Ramsey suggests incorporating a variety of foods to ensure a more balanced intake of essential nutrients, including proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
"It's important to pack food that your children enjoy eating, but also to encourage them to try new things,” Ramsey said. “This is the best way to expand their palate and ensure they receive a wide range of nutrients. Fresh fruit, vegetables, lean meats, peanut butter, hard boiled eggs, cheese and water are just some of the healthier, nutrient-rich options you could include."
According to Ramsey, long-term benefits of establishing healthy eating habits early in life, and by encouraging children to eat a variety of nutritious foods, parents can help instill lifelong healthy habits that will benefit them well beyond their school years.
If you would like to make an appointment with a primary care provider to discuss your child’s nutritional needs, visit moberlyphysicians.com.
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