It’s Back to School Time—Remember Your Veggies!

By Contributing Author: Sharon A. See

​It’s back to school for the kiddos! And for most families this means a return to routines and schedules. Be sure to keep your Friday afternoon visit to the Monroe Farmers Market part of your back to school routine. There are still two more months of growing season with lots of nutritious fruits and veggies for the entire family. The market will be open on Fridays through the end of October.

Healthy eating and nutrient rich foods are even more important now. With the beginning of school comes the need for increased immunity. Kids are inside together in close quarters for several hours a day. This means lots of germ swapping.  Keep your kids healthy and their immune systems strong with farm fresh, nutrient dense foods found at the market.

Getting off on the right foot and starting those healthy eating habits at the beginning of the school year means you are more likely to stick to them.  Once we get caught up in activities and commitments, it can be all too easy to fall back on the convenience of pre-package, processed, and often sugar-laden foods. Introducing healthy eating habits at the start of the school year, before everyone gets grounded in bad habits, can make it easier for you to ensure your kids are getting the nutrition their growing bodies need.

Earlier this season I shared some strategies for planning good healthy meals. This is a great time to revisit this article and get a refresher. Just like everything else in life, healthy eating is more likely to happen with a plan. Here’s link back to that article Your Go-To Plan For Healthy Eating.

And when you need a quick go-to prepared meal or snack, rely on some of the healthier options offered at the market. You can find a variety of both hot and cold soups made with fresh local ingredients. My favorites are the split-pea and cucumber soups. I also buy the handmade, organic, gluten-free granola and add it to plain Greek yogurt for a protein rich snack or a quick breakfast. You can pick up some freshly made tomato sauce to top a quick pasta dish. Or make your own Caprese salad from the freshly made mozzarella offered at the market and top it with a variety of local tomatoes and fresh basil. And if you’re really in a bind for a quick Friday night meal, grab a freshly made pizza and some lettuce and veggies for a quick side salad. 

​Wishing everyone a healthy and happy start to the new school year!

About Sharon A. See
I hope you find these suggestions helpful. And if you’d like some customized strategies for you and your family, please reach out to me. Or, if you have farmers’ market or healthy eating related topics you’d like to hear more about or questions you’d like answered, please feel free to let me know. You will find my contact information below.
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Sharon A. See
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Vitalized Wellness
Shelton, CT
 
You can find me and other interesting articles, resources, and recipes on my website at www.vitalizedwellness.com.

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