You’ve got pumpkin patches to visit, football games to cheer for, and lots of other seasonal family fun to enjoy. Fall in Michigan is full in the best ways.
You’re running from school pick-up to practice, and doing your best to keep the kids energized along the way.
We could all use a boost to power through these on-the-go days. Good news: there’s some simple ways to get it.
Dairy Provides Energy
Dairy is a one-stop-shop for foods that keep you going. Eating your recommended servings of dairy foods as part of a healthy diet helps with energy levels.
Milk contains 13 essential nutrients. One of these nutrients, pantothenic acid, helps your body use carbohydrates, fats, and protein for fuel to help energize your day. Grab a glass of milk and you’ll be ready for busy school mornings, bedtime, and everything in between.
Other deliciously great sources of high quality protein? Cheese and yogurt! Along with milk, they all contain optimal quantities of all of the essential amino acids the body cannot make on its own.
Kids won’t need to slow down after snacking with dairy because protein helps curb hunger and leaves you feeling fuller longer.
Plus dairy protein can help you sleep more soundly. Studies link higher protein diets to better sleep quality, which can result in more energy. Sign me up!
Tasty Snacks for On-the-Go Days
“Mommmmm, can I have a snack?” Backpacks haven’t even been unpacked yet when the familiar question comes.
What can you give them that will fill them up and get them the energy they need to tackle the homework, run onto the soccer field, or jump in that pile of leaves (maybe even rake them while they’re at it)?
Quick and easy ways to add an energy boost: pour a glass of milk with your child’s after-school snack, add some cheese to their sandwich or salad, or pass them a yogurt parfait.
When you’re looking for something a bit different (and delicious), give these recipes a try:
| Creamy Apple Butter Dip | Quick and easy to whip up so everyone can dig right in. Pair with graham crackers or your favorite fruits. |
| Cheesy Ramen Noodles | One of my kids could eat ramen noodles every day (and does more than I’d like to admit), but with a few adjustments kids can enjoy the same noodles with added healthy benefits. |
| Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter and Sage | Pumpkin is a favorite to bake with this time of year and this recipe made with brown butter and sage is a total crowd pleaser. |
| Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups | Out of the oven or on-the-go, these easy-to-make cups are sure to become a new favorite. |
| Roasted Autumn Veggies in Harissa Yogurt Dip | Makes the most of seasonal vegetables for an earthy-sweet flavor of fall. |
Dairy is Local
You’ll feel even better about feeding your kids healthy and filling dairy when you know where those foods come from.
Did you know that most of the milk you pick up at your grocery store comes from right here in Michigan?
Michigan boasts 850 dairy farms throughout the state. Holy cow!
Many dairy foods are made with milk that comes from right here in Michigan as well. And it’s fresh! Milk travels from farm to processor to store within about 48 hours.
Healthy, Local Dairy Foods Help You Power Up
Don’t let an energy drop make you miss out on any of the fun.
Healthy foods like dairy help keep kids (and us parents!) going so we can enjoy all the sports, school, and family events this season has to offer.
Drink it all up. It goes by fast!
More West Michigan Fall Fun
Tap the graphic below to learn more about West Michigan’s best fall farms for families.
