Let’s start 2025 with nutrition on the brain! The new year is a great time to reflect on habits and routines and set resolutions for how you want to improve upon them. Even small nutritional changes can make a difference in your family’s energy levels and overall well-being. To get you started, we’re sharing some nutritional tips we’ve learned in Food Services!
Use MyPlate as a Resource
Long gone are the days of the food pyramid, and in its place is MyPlate, a more personalized approach to the five food groups. Browse the site’s resources to learn about the nutritional needs of each age group, browse recipes, and create personalized nutrition plans for each member of your family. The plans give you a recommended calorie count and a breakdown of how much fruit, protein, vegetables, dairy, and grains are recommended based on age, weight, height, and amount of daily activity.
Boost Your Protein for More Energy
Give your family an energy boost in 2025 by adding more protein to your meals. Adding more lean meats, beans, eggs, and nuts to your meals can help students stay focused and energized during school hours. Consider adding a protein-rich snack to your child’s lunchbox to keep them fueled and ready to learn.
Fight Off Illness With More Vitamin C
With cold and flu season still in full swing, this is a great time to add fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to your shopping list. For example, you could begin including oranges with breakfast, adding strawberries as sides in lunches, and topping dinner salads with bell peppers.
Stay Hydrated
It’s very easy in our busy lives to forget to drink water; kids included — especially when the playground calls. Help them build healthy habits by reminding them to keep hydrated. Students are welcome to bring reusable water bottles to school and can refill them as needed during breaks. Keeping hydrated will help them stay alert and focused in the classroom.
Set Your Goals and Make Improvements Step by Step
We all know New Year’s resolutions can quickly fall by the wayside, so consider focusing on one goal at a time rather than attempting to tackle all of these tips at once. You might choose to introduce a new nutritional goal each month or prioritize just one focus area for the year. After all, small, gradual changes are easier to incorporate into daily routines and more sustainable in the long run. What matters most is finding what works for your family and continuing to build healthy habits.