September can always feel a little jarring, especially if you have school-aged kids! It’s not easy to settle back into the early mornings and that Monday to Friday routine. Here are my top 3 tips for helping to smooth out the back-to-school transition.
High protein and fat breakfast for sustained energy
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day and a high protein and healthy fat breakfast helps improve kids’ overall energy, mood, and focus for the rest of the day. Avoid juice and simple carbohydrates like cereal as they lead to blood a sugar spike and crash, which looks like crankiness or tiredness before midday. Aim instead for 20-35 grams of protein, depending on your child’s age. Some great options are overnight oats with nut butter and seeds (bonus of being prepped the night before!), omelettes, or even a quick smoothie with protein powder.
Vitamin D3 for immune support
Vitamin D3 is a major player when it comes to preventing colds and flus, or shortening their duration if your kid gets sick. Although this supplement is easy to find and take, it is always better to check your levels first to ensure optimal dosing.
Dim lighting in evening for easy sleep
Our bodies can only produce the sleepy hormone melatonin in the dark. By keeping lighting minimal in the hours leading up to bedtime, you can help your household fall asleep more easily. Think mood lighting like table lamps and reading lights, switching out bright overhead LED bulbs for dimmable warm toned ones, and avoiding screen time as much as possible.
Book in for an appointment at Clementine to learn about more ways you can support your family’s health as we move into Fall!