My family had an active summer and I imagine your’s did as well. Between traveling, playing at home, and a few hours here and there at camp, we were BUSY. However, as the new school year started, I had a major revelation as I dropped off Chloe at her first full day of kindergarden_ now both of my babies would be away from me for over 6 hours every day.

I had become fairly used to the chaos of balancing work and parenting, especially when one of my kids had a short pre-school day and I was running back and forth between two places doing drop offs and pickups. This new semi-empty nest development — giving me a precious 3 added hours a day to exclusively work — gave me the time to think up a few new ways to make sure you don’t fall into a rut when it comes to feeding your kids when school is in session. The ease and convenience of just giving them sugary cereals or lunchables can be tempting, but happy, healthy eating isn’t as difficult as you may think, even when you are seriously pressed for time (and what mom isn’t always seriously pressed for time!).

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Here are 5 Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy as The Kids Go Back to School_

1. I know you’ve heard it over and over, but it’s true_ eating a solid breakfast helps you perform better throughout your day. That especially applies when it comes to kids and their performance in school. Growing bodies and minds need a balanced meal first thing in the morning, so they can focus on their lessons — not their grumbly tummies. Try serving something simple in the morning like a Strawberry Parfait, Happy Eggs, Teddy Bear Toast or Breakfast Cookies to give your kids a great head start.

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2. When packing lunch for yourself or your kids, focus on sending a variety of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates and proteins so your body is getting a balanced diet and being fueled by the maximum amount of nutrition.Switch up the same old sandwich by packing a Vegetarian Sandwich on a Stick, Banana Dog Bites or a Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancake Sandwich.

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3. Stay hydrated! Many kids are going back to school when the weather is still warm (and even downright hot in some places). Make sure to pack plenty of water and drinks like Mamma Chia Organic (a health and planet conscious company I dig who also happen to be sponsoring today’s post) bottled beverages and squeeze packs. I sent my kids with the squeeze packs for their snacks one day and also brought a couple of chilled “squeezies” for them at pick-up after a long, hot day we had here in southern California last week. Both of my kids know they’re getting something special when I offer them a Mamma Chia drink. They’re made with fruits, veggies and chia seeds, and packed with protein, antioxidants and fiber so you get a lot of nutritional bang for your buck in every sip your kids take. And since we’ve been talking about kids and their brains, each Chia Squeeze pouch has ½ your daily requirement of brain-boosting Omega 3s! To be honest, I’m not sure who consumes more of these in our house, me or the kids. WIth all the rushing around I do, these pouches are as convenient on-the-go snack as they come — great for rushing between carpool duty, work, the gym (heaven forbid you find time for yourself) and after school activities!

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4. Get your flu shots! Consult with your doctor but the CDC suggests getting a flu shot ideally before October. As any parent knows, flu season is rough so better to be safe than sorry!

5. Play! Kids love nothing more then skipping, jumping, biking, throwing a ball, but that means you too. Go outside as a family, have some fun and get some exercise. The family that plays together, stays together!

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About the Author

Catherine is a mama of three. A Kentucky girl living in California. Here’s what I know: all kids can be great eaters and mealtime must be easy. I create simple, healthy recipes the whole family will love.

Comments

  1. My Mom told me about these! Both my son and daughter would benefit drinking these in their school lunches.

  2. Would love to try these, and also for my grandchildren. Ymmm!

    Valerie

  3. Does anyone know who carries Mama Chia products other than Whole Foods? How about Rosauers or Fred Meyer?

  4. I’ve not yet tried chia, but it’s on my list of things to purchase this year.

  5. I just started the Mama Chia packs like 3 weeks ago and am already in love with them. They are so great, healthy and convenient. I even have my husband hooked on them. It is always a plus when the snack is healthy and delicious! 🙂

  6. what a great giveaway! I’ve been wanting to try their products for some time now. I think my kiddos would love the squeeze packs.

  7. I love using Chia in all sorts of recipies. I can’t wait to try the chia drinks for an easy on the go satisfying snack.

  8. What a great idea! The squeezables are perfect for on the go time with the kids, for both Mama and bambinos. We are always searching for healthy treats to eat while driving all over town. With four kids, and all the activities we are involved in, chia pudding would help boost our immunity and keep the dreaded asthma away! Hoping to win! :-=)

  9. I am hoping to embrace Chia into my life and would love the chance to jump start with this. Thanks for all the info!

  10. As always, great tips! And thanks for the recipe suggestions I know my kids would love all of them! I don’t think I can find Mamma Chia around here but it looks like a great product!

  11. I haven’t seen this product before, but it looks interesting and worth trying out. Great giveaway! Thanks!

  12. LOVE MAMMA CHIA x WEELICIOUS!

    Shared on Google+, Twitter and Pinterest. x

  13. Haven’t seen this products before, look great would love to try them out! Thanks for the giveaway!

  14. With my oldest starting pre-k this year I am all too aware of the illnesses he will be exposed to, thanks for your suggestions!

  15. I grew up drinking chia and I love that I can pass on this to my own kid. Thanks for sharing the Mamma Chia beverages, had never heard of them. Love all the variety of flavors. Definitely will buy next time.

  16. Haven’t seen these pouches yet. Great idea for using for after school pick up snacks!

  17. Never thought to feed my kids the Mamma Chia beverages…heading to the store now,. Thanks!

  18. I’ve seen these products but haven’t tried them yet. Thanks for the opportunity!

  19. As a teacher of nutrition at the middle school level, I must agree wholeheartedly with the suggestions made regarding a healthy breakfast and a healthy lunch.

  20. I’m going to look for chia squeezes – my daughter’s favorite food-delivery system is the pouch.

  21. My chia seeds have been pushed to the back of the cupboard during the summer, this reminds me how much I like chia seeds. And Mamma Chia drinks are my daughter’s favorites 🙂

  22. Great ideas and we love the mama chia products! Thanks for doing this giveaway 🙂

  23. Just bought a large container of chia seeds. That cookbook would come in real handy.

  24. I love chia seeds, I put them in blender drinks all of the time. It would be great to have premixed drinks too.

  25. We are into healthy drinks such as keifer and kombucha and would like to try momma chia.

  26. I’ve been meaning to try Chai and haven’t been sure where to start. Thanks for the tips!

  27. It isn’t easy to find the time and energy to prepare nutritious foods. Hoping that the prize will jump start me into the right direction!

  28. Can’t wait to try the Mamma Mia Strawberry Lemonade beverage. I have never seen it before. So glad you let us know about it. The chia squeeze looks very interesting also.

  29. How exciting! I mix chia in juice sometimes for quick energy. These sound tasty.

  30. Pouches are my fav after school snack, it’s a easy and tasty way to get in some veggies:)

    That drink looks so refreshing btw! Yum,

  31. All those flavors to choose from! I don’t think I’ll be able to pick a favorite.

  32. I would loooove to win this for my little one! He loves anything fruit!!

  33. Mamma Chia sounds great! I’m going to have to check them out. As always, thanks for sharing such great products and information that help keep our families healthy.

  34. I would love to win these my 2 and 4.5 year old would love these…

  35. I would like to win these for my twins to try out.
    I think they would really enjoy them.
    thanks-

  36. I have never tried Mamma Chia but I would love to! Im trying to be healthier and eat only organic.
    Thank you!!

  37. I would love to win this! It is important to give my family healthy meals and drinks!!

  38. interesting never heard of Mamma Chia’s brand of drinks or squeezes….would love to try them out….

  39. I hadn’t seen the Mamma Chia pouches. What a perfect idea for my kids’ lunches!

  40. I’ll try to find Mamma Chia at our local food co-op. Thanks for introducing us to their products.

  41. Awesome! Shared on FB also. Love Weelicious and all the great ideas you have. Thanks!

  42. I’m just now climbing on the chia bandwagon and have only tried it sprinkled on salad or stirred into cereal/oatmeal/yogurt; drinkable chia sounds very good!

  43. We love chia and put it in everything- including muffins, oatmeal and smoothies!

  44. I add chia seeds to my smoothies all the time, but I’ve never tried Chia Mama products. They sound great!

  45. The only way to start a day with a pouch of mamma chia.. Always passing the word.. Want to have a great day have some Mamma Chia!! Just love it!!

  46. Those are great tips! The squeezers look delicious, can’t wait to try them and give to my two and four year old boys!

  47. I saw the Mamma Chia squeezers the other day and wondered about them. Of course, I didn’t have time to look at the package because I was chasing after one of my little ones. Thanks for the post.

  48. Being healthy is a priority to me. Thanks for helping me and my family!

  49. Love your products. I bake a lot with the chia seeds and love your drinks especially the raspberry one. My kids all get excited when they get their own drink or pouches. I love that I can throw the pouches in my purse for a quick on the go snack and that they are healthy.

  50. I love mama chia! Thank you for the opportunity to win this awesome giveaway! Shared on instagram@lade_071377

  51. Love the chia seeds in these drinks/treats. We all can use a boost of energy! Thanks for introducing us to this company!

  52. I love mamma chia so much!! The little squeeze to-go packs keep me feeling full in between meals. Delicious snacks <3

  53. Love chia seeds and add them to lots of stuff but I’ve never tried Mama Chia. Would love to try it and give it to my kids!!!!

  54. Mamma Chia rocks! Love the energy boost and downright good feeling I get after a refreshing Hibiscus drink!

  55. I am always looking for nutrition packed foods for my mother. She is homebound and does not always have an appetite. This looks ideal, now I must go find them!

  56. We love the Mamma Chia products!! My son’s favorite is the Blackberry Bliss squeeze, and mine is the Green Magic squeeze! I live in a pretty small town, though, and sometimes, no one has them 🙁 I doubt anyone will carry the Chia Beverages, so I would love to win and get the opportunity to try them (plus receive all the other awesome stuff)!! 🙂

  57. Chia is great. We put it in our smoothies every morning. Thanks for this giveaway.

  58. Love Chia, eat it in cereal, drink it in coffee, bake with it, and even sneak it into pancakes for my husband and any way I can get it. The Mama Chia drinks and the single serve apple sauces are great!

  59. I have never tried Mamma Chia products but I will keep a look out for these Chia Squeezes in stores. Love the flavor variety.

  60. I’m especially intrigued by the cookbook. Thank you for all you do to inspire healthy and creative foods for growing families!

  61. My daughter is two years old and very particular about what she eats. The only squeeze she has ever taken (truly ever!) is the Mamma Chia pouches. I am so grateful to have found this line, as it gives me peace of mind that she is getting good nutrition in her diet.. She has at least one pouch a day.! I am pregnant with my second daughter and have recently adopted a major fondness for the pouches and drinks too. Thank you for the wonderful option for our family!

  62. Great idea. I bought some fruit juices for the start of school and every time I turned around my son was drinking another one. Not the healthiest snack.

  63. We really enjoy your chia seed pudding. Looking forward to trying more chia recipes!

  64. I didn’t know they had drinks or that Costco sold the pouches. We will be looking for both now thanks to the post and comments. The cookbook looks great!

  65. Never tried these but heard a lot of great things about your products.

  66. Looks like really good food…..trying to get my family on track for a more healthy lifestyle

  67. Can’t wait to win this (power of positive thinking!). My family loves the drinks!

  68. We love chia squeeze pouches in our house! When ever we make fruit and veggie smoothies we always add chia seeds. The cookbook looks great 😉

  69. Love chia seeds – bought some at the farmer’s market and looking for some new ways to use them!

  70. The chia drinks and pouches look so awesome. I would love for my kids to try them and sneak in a really nutritious treat for them especially now that my son is in school and packing a lunch.

  71. I have heard a lot about these but have yet to try them. Sounds like I need to.

  72. I’ve seen this at my local Target, but haven’t tried it yet. Have wanted to though!

  73. I have been curious about those chia squeezies. Might have to give them a try.

  74. My daughter just started jk and is hardly eating and has already been home sick. I would love something that I can sent that would make her healthy and that she would eat.

  75. Thanks so much for emphasizing the importance of nutritious foods at home and at school. You have some wonderful recipes and videos and I have enjoyed preparing your recipes and watching your videos!

  76. My kids love Mama Chia packets in their lunch boxes and my husband and I love their bottled drinks at home!

  77. These are super yummy, and I need all the help I can get sending my kids healthy “treats” for lunch and after school.

  78. My co-workers always have a ‘beer check-in’ after work. Since I don’t like beer, they had a ‘European and Asian Soda check-in’ for me one week. For some reason, this included the MamaChia Pomegranate drink. It was really good! I saw Strawberry @ Costco, but couldn’t commit to that much on that day – maybe next time, though!

  79. Love healthy and nutritional products that I can give my 4 year old….as we’re running out the door in the morning!

  80. I love Chia Everything. In smoothies, in healthy chia donuts, yes donuts!

  81. I love chia seeds, and try to add them to my little daughter’s smoothies and oatmeal. I’ve also put them in oatmeal cookies. I love how nutritious they are.

  82. This is a great reminder post for me to keep finding creative ways to pack nutrition into my kids’ bellies! Thank you!

  83. I’ve been eyeing these Mama Chia products at Costco but haven’t taken the plunge. I love finding new ways to get in chia so these Mama Chia products seem great!

  84. My son would love these chia squeeze…..Can’t wait to try them.Thanks for this giveaway

  85. My husband brought home a blackberry hibiscus Mamma Chia drink the other day and it was delicious. Can’t wait to try more of thier products

  86. That drink looks yummy! I will have to look for those at the store this week! Thanks for sharing.

  87. We love your chia pudding. Awesome giveaway. Glad to be one of the participant.

  88. Mmmm these look tasty I love chia but haven’t tried giving to my little one

  89. This is a great post. Thank you for the tips and info on mama chia products!

  90. My family loves Mama Chia! My daughter is crazy about the pouches and I love the drink. Delicious and so good for you 🙂

  91. Play! Sometimes I feel that’s all we do, I should be cleaning, laundry and the other daily necessities. Chia is not something I have gotten into yet so this would be a perfect way to start.

  92. Great tips! I have seen these in the store and was curious about them! Thanks!

  93. Loving this autumn weather! These would be perfect for my daughters lunch!

  94. I would love the chance to win! I have 5 children and the last two have Down syndrome so I am always trying to find nutritious food for my two littlest ones. Children with Down syndrome have weaker immune systems so if I can keep these two little guys healthy, I would love to try to do so!

  95. I love Mamma Chia’s blackberry flavor, but I need to venture out to different flavors.

  96. Thank you for your awesome giveaway opportunities! Crossing my fingers for this one 🙂

  97. Awesome giveaway! The Whole Foods GC would come in so handy…and can’t wait to try Mamma Chia – especially the Pomegranate Mint, Cherry Lime, and Cranberry Lemonade!

  98. We love mama chia! My daughter takes one to school every day for her snack! The flavors are amazing!

  99. Thank you Catherine for your Terrific Weelicious advice! My son just started 1st grade and he’s been enjoying your delicious lunch recipies.

    Victoria

  100. Just bought weelicious lunches! So far, my son loves everything I’ve made. Mamma chia is pretty awesome too!

  101. I lo

    I LOVE ur site and have enjoy all of ur tips and recipes to keep my family happy and healthy!!! As a preschool teacher of 2’s and 3 yr olds, i also enjoy them in my classroom….I hope i am chosen!!!

  102. Haven’t seen Mama Chia yet can’t wait to go and find them in the store!

    Thanks for sharing! Would love to win some!

  103. My oldest just started kindergarten, so we’re entering a whole new world. Thanks for the tips, I love them!

  104. Oops, submitted too soon! A lot of my co-workers eat them so I am excited to try them!

  105. I have never had chia seeds, but all these pictures make them look so yummy!

  106. Thanks for the great tips. A while ago I bought a box of Mamma Chia squeeze pouches at Costco. My daughter doesn’t care for the regular applesauce squeeze pouches but she loved the Mamma Chia squeezes.

  107. I love back to school time but must admit I miss my son being home. He’s such a good kid & big brother. Thanks for the give away!!

  108. My daughter LOVES Mamma Chia! It would be so wonderful to win since I can’t afford to buy it often. I would love to introduce my 5 year old son to Mamma Chia as well! 🙂

  109. I am in process of changing my daughter and my diet and would love the opportunity to try out these products or take a shopping spree at Whole Foods. 🙂

  110. Awesome giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win. Never tried Chia seeds but would love to 🙂

  111. I have not seen the pouches in any if our stores. Would love to try them!

  112. We love chia seeds! I add them to oatmeal every morning. Definitely will have to try Mamma Chia!

  113. I have never tried these. I think I will next time I’m at the grocery. My kids would love those squeezes.

  114. My daughter loves Chia Squeeze! We have them stocked in our pantry in every flavor 🙂

  115. Thank you so much for stressing the importance of the flu shot! And of course, thanks for the opportunity 🙂

  116. I just bought a box of the Blackberry Bliss Chia Squeeze Pouches last week from Costco – these are so good – great for lunches!

  117. These look really interesting – haven’t seen them in our local stores yet.

  118. 5 Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy as the Kids Go Back to School + A Mamma Chia Giveaway ($350+) | info and tips healthy for living says:

    […] 5 Ways to Keep Your Family Healthy as the Kids Go Back to School + A Mamma Chia Giveaway ($350+) […]

  119. We love chia seeds and would love to try Mamma Chia products!! Thanks for sharing all your ideas with us

  120. I absolutely love your ideas about keeping my family healthy and happy. I will definitely try the Chia pouches. I especially love the fact that they are all natural and enviroment friendly. I’ve been adding chia seeds to several meals and smoothies for quite some time now 🙂

  121. I’ve never seen these but would love to try them. I like that they are such a good source of omega 3s

  122. I have never tried a mamma chia product but I will give them a try now. Thanks! 🙂

  123. Would love to try theses chia pouches for myself and always busy 2 year old!

  124. My little one loves Mamma Chia squeeze packs! She calls them her “special yummy” in her lunch.

  125. So much better for you than plain old applesauce in a pouch-way to go Mamma Chia!

  126. These looks delicious! Can’t wait to try some! #weeliciousgiveaways

  127. Those squeezes look amazing and would be perfect for my upcoming European trip!

  128. The squeezes are a fantastic idea. My kids will try anything in a squeeze pouch! I also shared this post on Pinterest. Thanks!

  129. yes! I could so use any help I can get to get nutritious food into my 4 year old daughter. She’s so picky it’s kind of insane (or at least crazy-making!). please let me win this! 🙂

  130. What an amazing giveaway! I’m excited to try chia for both the kids and myself!

  131. I cannot drink these straight out of the bottle. The texture of the seeds is just awful. But I do add them to smoothies cause the Vitamix pulverizes them pretty well. I will have to check out the cookbook.

  132. Mama Chia sounds like a great snack for my 2 1/2 year old! As a busy working mom with a two year old and an infant, I’m always looking for easy, healthy snacks!

  133. Love to hear about new fruit/chia smoothies. We use Ella’s regularly for on the go snacks. Thanks for the recommendation!

  134. I have been adding Chia seeds to my smoothies.. Even my 2 year old likes them!

  135. My son never wants to eat breakfast in the morning. I’m hoping your breakfast cookies will change that!

  136. I’ve been looking for a way to incorporate chia seeds into my diet. Thanks so much for the chance to win.

  137. We love Chia seeds and put them in my oatmeal every morning. Mamma Chia products are great! 🙂

  138. My girls and I LOVE Mama Chia! And thanks for an article with fast ideas for healthy lunches. You’re on a list of online resources that I share with my health coaching clients! Love all of your ideas!

  139. I love the Mama Chia drinks. I may have to start getting the squeezes now because my son love applesauce pouches and if this helps him (and Mama) get more omega 3’s, I am ALL for it!

  140. Can’t wait to try the Mama Chia products – always looking for healthy choices to grab on the go for the whole family!

  141. I have started adding chia seeds to my morning muesli and its great! The Mamma Chia products sound amazing…worth including it in the kids’ diets. Thanks for the review!

  142. My 12 year old son loves chia seeds and eats them after a hard workout. He also makes a chia “fresca” with grapefruit juice, lemon water, sugar, and chia seeds. I would love to learn more uses for them since my son is also trending towards a vegetarian and more vegan diet and lifestyle – as is the whole family due to his influence 🙂

  143. My kids love chia pudding with fruit! We haven’t gotten around to trying the pouches, but the drinks are delicious!

  144. Would love to have him try this. My son has become very picky and getting more nutrition in him as become quite challenging.

  145. We love chia seeds in oatmeal and are very open to trying then in other products! Great giveaway.

  146. I would love to win! My son loves pouches and with him being in daycare I try to find every way I can to get as much nutrition in him as possible-and these are a great way to do it!

  147. I’ve seen this in the stores but haven’t tried it yet. I’d love to win! I have a big bag of chia seeds but don’t know how to use them!

  148. Anything out of easy squeezable bottles is much more enticing to try than on a plate! We’ll give these a go!

  149. Would love to win so I can keep our family on track with healthy eating now that school is in full swing!

  150. This is a great place to find lunch ideas for my 3 and 5 year old girls. Thanks!

  151. My sons loves the squeeze pouches. It’s a surefire way to get him to eat more veggies. I just recently started adding chia seeds to our green smoothies, so these pouches and drinks sound really interesting!

  152. Thank You for the post! Our daily routine has become more hectic now that I am in school and I work! I keep telling myself the kids need to eat more healthy and try as much as I can! My 2 year is getting ready to start preschool soon and I would love to win this!! Thank you for this opportunity!!

  153. Love any snack and drink ideas that are healthy for my kids lunches!

  154. Great giveaway! My son loves Chia Seeds.. we put them in oatmeal and smoothies!

  155. Never heard of Chia Squeeze before. My oldest tends to leave her juice box untouched. Wonder if this would solve that problem and help keep her hydrated.

  156. Never heard of this product but am excited to try and share with my 12 year old! Thanks Weelicious for introducing us to so many new products!

  157. My oldest loves the texture of chia seeds he would love those Mamma Chia products!

  158. My picky two-year-old has turned her nose up at chia seeds so far, but those squeeze packs just might entice her. Thanks for the post and the chance to win!

  159. Shared, tweeted & retweeted. Goodluck to everyone! what a healthy giveaway! #WeeliciousGiveaways

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