As the school year moves into high gear, it’s a great time to educate yourself and your family about eating right and staying fit. With chilly weather just around the corner, and not to mention, the holidays and the treats that come with them – it is easy to let nutrition and activities fall to the wayside.

The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association teamed up with education specialists, Young Minds Inspired, to bring you “Cool Food For Kids.” The program helps teachers and parents to encourage healthy, active lifestyles for children – at school and at home. Some highlights: Eat Breakfast. Snack Smart. Understand Proportions. Get Physical. Have Fun.

We often hear that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it makes sense. After 8 to 12 hours of no meals or snacks, breakfast is the first chance for your body to refuel. And research shows that kids who skip breakfast have slower memory recall and are more likely to make errors. But many people still skip this essential feast. Frozen and refrigerated foods can help you and your family get the energy you need without taking too much time away from your busy mornings:

• Pop a couple of waffles in the toaster. Sample new flavors every week, and give your kids turns in picking out the toppings. Some ideas: fruit, yogurt, and whipped cream.
• Take breakfast to-go...blend some juice, frozen fruits, and yogurt to make a delicious smoothie that you can drink on the way to school.
• Heat up some French toast sticks...then try dipping them in peanut butter for a delicious twist.
• Try a breakfast sandwich. Start with some eggs, or egg substitutes that are easy to cook and healthy. Then add some sausage. Finish it off with a cheese of your choice. Stack it all on an English muffin, bagel, or croissant.

With homework, sports, and all the other stresses of school, kids don’t always put hygiene and food safety at the top of their to-do list. But with flu and cold season upon us, it is important to remind them to take these quick tips and stay healthy.

• Wash your hands before and after you eat.
• Keep hand sanitizer with you if you are going out to eat and may not be able to wash. You could even pack a mini bottle of it in your kids’ backpacks so they can stay clean at school.
• Teach kids some general food safety tips. For instance, never eat anything that has raw eggs in it, like cookie dough.
• Also, remind kids to put food away. Letting foods sit out for an extended period of time can create a great place for germs to grow.

Did You Know? 

Kids in the U.S. today are less fit than a generation ago. Some are even showing early signs of cardiovascular risk factors.

Even though heart attack and stroke are rare in children, evidence shows that the process leading to these conditions starts in childhood.

37.2% of high school students spend three or more hours everyday in front of the television.

Inactive children, when compared with active kids, weigh more and have higher blood pressure.

It is recommended that kids get 60 minutes of moderate physical activity everyday.

The Stay Cool for Kids Promotion is Brought to You by These Leading Brands:

Look for these appetizing products in your frozen aisles. Click on any of the brand logos to visit their websites where you will find additional recipes and meal solutions, along with product updates.

A Great Idea to Brighten and Lighten Those Early School Mornings!

CITRUS CHICKEN STIR-FRY

1 10oz. package Frozen Chicken Breast Tenders
1 16oz. package Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables
1 Tbsp. cooking oil
1/2 cup prepared stir-fry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 cups hot cooked rice
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Thaw and prepare chicken according to package directions. Cut cooked tenders in half crosswise; set aside. In a large skillet, heat oil to med-high; add vegetables and stir-fry 5 minutes. Add stir-fry sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar. Continue cooking over medium heat 3 minutes. Toss cooked chicken with the vegetable mixture. Serve over rice and top with almonds. Serves 4.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE

1 cup Frozen Low-Fat Yogurt
1 1/2 cups Orange Juice
1 cup Frozen mango chunks
2 ripe bananas, peeled

Combine all ingredients in blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Serves 3.