On Monday night, Aug. 21, DSN hosted a Back-2-School event for parents with health coaches Julie Botton and Michelle Gindi. The event was a success, with mothers coming in eager to learn tips and tricks for the new year.

Topics discussed throughout the night ranged from tips on healthier choices for your children to efficient ways to help your child succeed throughout the year when it comes to food. Making successful packed home lunches as well as seven scary ingredients to ban from your child's lunchbox was discussed in detail by the health coaches. On top of that, a better for you snack list for 2017 was shared with the attendees as well as tips on how to build up your child's immune system, essential oil basics for the whole family, and a few recipes that are specifically kid friendly!

So, what does a healthy home packed lunch look like? The health pros explained that you should always pack at least one serving of fruit for snack or lunch, one serving of vegetables, and one serving of protein for lunch. They also suggested an optional serving of protein for snack, as well as servings of real whole grains in lunch and snacks.

A well balanced lunch including a protien, veggie, and fruit.

“Me and my kids make a list of what fruits and veggies they like at the beginning of the year, no random cabbage is going in the lunch box if they haven’t tasted it. You don’t want your kid starving for four hours,” said Botton about her own meal prep. 

The health coaches also gave helpful examples to all who attended. A nutritious packed meal could be sliced apples for snack, baby carrots for snack or lunch, and sliced hard boiled eggs for lunch, with a serving of whole grain pasta. This is just one example of the endless combinations you can do to make a successful packed meal according to Botton and Gindi.

One aspect that was discussed throughout the night was to focus on making your child happy. You should try to include a pack of cookies or a healthy fruit candy snack to make sure your child doesn’t go trading his lunch for junk food.

Healthy snacks that can satisfy your child's sweet tooth.

Building your child's immune system is an important topic that the health coaches discussed in length as well. Making sure your child gets enough sleep for their age can make all the difference when it comes to keeping illnesses at bay. Another helping ingredient for immune health is probiotics. Most kids would happily consume probiotics if presented in organic yogurt form.

The significance of Essential oils was another main point the health coaches spoke about. Most mothers don’t necessarily think of essential oils when they’re writing up their back to school shopping lists, but Julie Botton and Michelle Gindi believe it’s a super important ingredient for a successful year.

Essential oils were brought to light at the event. They can boost your child's immune system and have many more benefits.

Essential oils have benefits that can improve focus, boost immune support, and help with stress and anxiety. Lavender, for example, can be used at bedtime to soothe and calm a child to prepare them for sleep.

To learn more about health and wellness for your children and for yourself, check out Julie Botton and Michelle Gindi.

Frieda Schweky

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.