On your mark. Get set. Go – it’s back to school time! Besides the usual #2 pencils, three-ring binders, and composition books, put something new on your list: healthier, plant-based lunch and snack items. Along with an academic fresh start for your keiki, this is also the perfect time to turn over a new leaf with better lunches and snacks. Did you know that the eating habits your children develop now can stick with them for the rest of their lives? It’s true – good nutrition starts early! Most parents will admit they fall short of making sure their keiki eat the minimum recommended two servings of fruit and three servings of veggies every day, but the health benefits are worth the effort. Reputable scientific studies have concluded that eating five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables is linked to better mental health, particularly less depression. A vegetarian diet can help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes, improve insulin sensitivity, help with weight management, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in the long run. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, children who are raised on healthful plant-based diets have a “reduced risk for heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and other conditions. Adolescents raised on a plant-based diet often find they have an easy time maintaining a healthy weight.” by Ali Riggs May/June 2024 HAWAII PARENT 99
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