We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But for kids who need to get out the door to school, breakfast often tends to be rushed or half-eaten, leaving them hungry come lunchtime and making healthy eating throughout the day just as critical as breakfast.

In addition, research shows that kids who eat nutrient-dense meals have better memories, more stable moods and energy, and higher test scores. As the school year gets underway, healthy eating for kids is at the forefront of many parents’ and caregivers’ minds.

That’s where Wellbeats comes in! Our nutrition collection includes classes focused on healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas to help you set your kids up for success with healthy foods they’ll enjoy. You might even find healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas that work for you, too!

Importance of Healthy Eating at Breakfast

Why is a healthy breakfast so important?

• Breakfast breaks the overnight fasting cycle.
• Consuming essential nutrients at breakfast helps keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
• Breakfast restores glucose levels.

A healthy breakfast can jump-start your day and set you up for success. A combination of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and carbohydrates will give your body the necessary fuel it needs.

Try these healthy breakfast ideas from Wellbeats instructor Christina S.:

• Smoothie and protein powder
• Serving of nut butter
• Full-fat yogurt or avocado
• Handful of greens and half a cup of fruit
• Eggs, half an avocado, and a piece of fruit

Already a Wellbeats member? Learn more about starting your morning with a healthy breakfast with Christina S. now.

What to Pack for School Lunches

Ensure your kids are set up for success not just at lunchtime but as result of healthy eating at lunch! The basics of a nourishing lunch include fruits, vegetables, protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. One from each category is all you need, and many foods count toward multiple categories.

Remember, school lunches don’t have to be complicated. Consider these two examples:

• Turkey and cheese roll-up (or banana and nut butter wrapped in a whole grain tortilla), fresh berries, yogurt, and trail mix
• Hard boiled eggs, baby carrots, bell peppers, hummus, pretzels, and strawberries

Feel free to include your kids in the process of preparing their lunches too! The sooner you introduce wholesome, nutritious choices into a child’s diet, the easier it will be for them to develop a healthy relationship with food that can last a lifetime.

Already a Wellbeats member? Learn more about nutrient-dense school lunches now.

Healthy Snacks for On-the-Go

Heading out the door? Don’t leave the house without one of these healthy, grab-and-go snacks. Whether at work, traveling, or packing snacks for kids, these 10 healthy snacks are perfect for keeping you nourished and energized whenever hunger strikes.

• Mixed nuts
• Whole, fresh fruit
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Yogurt
• Dried fruit
• Snack bars and granola bars
• Celery and sunflower seed butter
• Nut butter
• Avocado
• Roasted chickpeas

Already a Wellbeats member? Try 10 Easy Snacks for on the Go with Christina S. now.

About Wellbeats, a LifeSpeak company

Wellbeats, a LifeSpeak company is a leading provider of on-demand virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes for use in workplaces of all sizes, health plans, on college or university campuses, multi-family housing, the U.S. military, and fitness and health clubs. Based in St. Louis Park, MN, Wellbeats makes fitness accessible, affordable, and approachable for everyone. More than 1,000 classes and 35+ programs are available to help members stay on track and meet their goals. To learn more, visit www.wellbeats.com or check out a sampling of the company’s fitness classes during a Facebook Live class, and follow Wellbeats on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.