Is your child’s backpack heavy enough?

Your first reaction to this seemingly ridiculous question might be “of course, in fact it’s too heavy!” But take a closer look – we’re talking nutrition here.

Because we’re parents too, we understand how busy life can get and how hard it can seem to find quick, easy and nutritious snacks. And, from Halloween on through the holiday season, candy, cookies and other tempting sugary treats are everywhere we go. It’s our job to make sure that those things are in fact “treats” for our children and not mainstays of their diet.

Here are some ideas that will help provide essential nutrients that your kids need for overall wellness.

• Fresh fruit is naturally sweet and can be served whole, cut, sliced or cubed. Think apples, banana, blueberries, cherries, tangerines, etc.
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Dried fruit such as apricots, raisins (avoid those with added sugar)
• Frozen fruit like berries and tropical fruits, which are not always available fresh
• Unsweetened fruit leather
• Cut up vegetables with a low fat salad dressing. Try carrots, broccoli, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, celery
• Nuts
• Healthy beverages–water, seltzer, 100% fruit juice (up to 6oz per day)

Corner on Wellness, Bothell’s Chiropractic Choice™, serves the communities of Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville, and Lake Forest Park. Drs David Arthur and Suzie Shay have a combined 36 years of experience treating injuries related to car accidents, work, sports and Pediatrics.