Healthy food tips from the best playschool near Sector 137 Eating healthy during the summer can be a challenge. Kids are out of school, and many families' routines are interrupted. While all the summer activities make the days fun, they can also make it hard to stick to healthy eating habits. "During summer, families are spending more time outdoors, gathering with friends and family, attending backyard barbecues and events for their children, as well as traveling, " says Otoniel Santiago, a clinical dietitian with the Get Up & Go program at Children's Health℠. "It can be a stressful time to make healthy choices because options may be limited, and motivation is low." See ways to choose foods that are nutritious and refreshing for your kids to help make eating healthy easier during the summer. 5 tips for healthy summer meals for kids Keep it fresh. It can be easy to reach for pre-packaged foods when looking for a quick meal or snack, but processed foods often contain added sodium, sugar and fat. Summer is a great time to take advantage of all the fruits and vegetables that are in season. Keep only healthy choices at home. If you keep cookies and chips in the pantry, then it's likely your fruits and vegetables will go to waste. Fill your pantry with healthier options like canned tuna, whole-grain crackers and unsweetened applesauce. Prep fruits and veggies for easy snacking, and have string cheese, boiled eggs and deli meats on hand. Offer a balance of nutrient-dense foods. Provide your kids with a variety of foods and make sure you're offering a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy in meals. "Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide the vitamins and nutrients that support your child's health and growth, " says Santiago. Aim to include a healthy source of protein (whether plant- or animal-based) in every meal and snack. Take advantage of grilling season. Summer is a great time to grill lean meats and vegetables for a fresh, satisfying flavor. Grill on the weekends and pack up leftovers to enjoy during the week. Find healthier substitutions to satisfy cravings. Try making healthier substitutions for some of your family's favorite foods. Replace potato chips with either baked chips or crisp, sliced apples, or swap high-fat ice cream for frozen yogurt. Focus on replacing the high-sugar, high-fat packaged foods with items containing less sugar and fat.