Balanced nutrition helps us deal with stress. When we give our bodies the right nutrients, it can improve our mood and help our bodies feel better. Here are other ways that nutrition can help manage our stress:
- Helps give our brains the fuel for thinking and learning.
- Decreases inflammation.
- Keeps us strong by decreasing sicknesses.
- Takes care of our hearts.
- Makes us feel happy.
- Lowers sadness and worries.
Healthy Food Swaps
While it is okay to eat these foods occasionally, try choosing healthier options most often. These healthier food swaps focus on increasing the nutrients your child consumes while decreasing added sugars and fat.
| Instead of… | Try… |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | Low-fat milk |
| Soda | Water or flavored sparkling water |
| White bread | Whole wheat or whole grain bread |
| Ice cream | Homemade smoothie |
| Butter | Olive oil |
| Cream-based salad dressings or pasta sauce | Oil-based dressings or vegetable-based pasta sauce |
| Potato chips | Baked chips or nuts |
