Too often kids and their parents are in the fast lane rushing from school to sports or from work to home. Instead of making good choices we end up doing the drive through for fatty fast-food or heading for vending machine lane for sugary sodas, candy or salty snacks.

Our bodies are like cars. We need to keep them tuned up with exercise and fueled with the right foods so we can perform well at school and work. Let's map out how we can bypass the dietary hazards of unnecessary fat, sodium and sugar and have plenty of energy to make it to the finish line.

1. Fill your tank before leaving home - Begin with breakfast , it will give your brain and your body energy. Did you know? Kids who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight and have better concentration and muscle coordination.
   • Fuel up with: Cereal, bagel with cheese, fruit smoothie, Skippy peanut butter on
2. Pit Stop - Lunch keeps us going particularly if we have after school sports or activities or meetings late in the day. Did you know? Your child is probably learning about nutrition in school. Ask them to help you with label reading and healthy food choices at Ingles!
   • Fuel up with: Low fat deli meat sandwiches, raw veggies, string cheese, fruit or Sun-Maid raisins, pudding, Apple & Even 100% fruit juice.
3. Top off your tank - Having convenient complex carbohydrates around the house or office helps with healthy snacking. Did you know? The right snack choices may help supply nutrients that are missed during meals.
   • Fuel up with: Yo Crunch yogurt, Laura Lynn 1% or Super calcium skim milk, fruit or cut up veggies, popcorn, cereal.

Sources: American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org)

This is general information only and should not replace advice or instructions given to you by your physician.

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