How to Raise Healthier Kids (Without Being a Crazy Wellness Mom)

beckygbiggers
Aug 23
4 min read

Updated: Aug 25

Because feeding them a veggie doesn’t mean you’ve joined a kale cult.

Let’s face it: raising kids in today’s world is a juggling act. Between busy mornings, after school chaos, picky eating phases, and everything in between, sometimes it feels like a win just to get them out the door with something edible in their hands.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned about How to Raise Healthier Kids: healthy doesn’t have to mean perfect. It doesn’t have to be expensive or Pinterest worthy. It doesn’t have to come with guilt, pressure, or a complete pantry overhaul.

It just takes a few intentional tweaks that build momentum, and those tweaks? They matter a lot.

Why How to Raise Healthier Kids Matters

The habits our kids form today shape their long term relationship with food, energy, confidence, and even mental health.

And no pressure, but the foundations of health, from brain development to gut health to immunity, are being built right now. Nutrition isn’t just about preventing colds. It supports focus, behavior, growth, sleep, and even emotional regulation.

Here’s the truth: kids are not just little adults. Their nutritional needs are higher pound for pound, especially for protein, omega 3s, and key micronutrients like iron, vitamin D, and magnesium, and most kids aren’t getting enough. That’s why learning How to Raise Healthier Kids is so critical for their long-term success.

5 Easy Ways to How to Raise Healthier Kids Without Overcomplicating It

1. Start the Day with Protein (Not Just Carbs)

Most “typical” kid breakfasts (think toast, cereal, muffins, fruit) spike blood sugar quickly and leave them crashing mid morning, cue irritability, lack of focus, and constant snacking.

Protein helps stabilize blood sugar, supports muscle development, and improves satiety and mood. Studies show that kids who start the day with protein (15–25g is ideal for school age kids) have better concentration and energy throughout the day.

Try this: ✔️ Life Shake smoothie (2 scoops = 20g complete protein) ✔️ Scrambled eggs + whole grain toast ✔️ Protein muffins with oats + Greek yogurt ✔️ Overnight oats with chia seeds and protein powder mixed in ✔️ Cottage cheese with fruit

2. Fill in the Nutrient Gaps Because Picky Eating Is Real

Even with the best intentions (and lunches shaped like dinosaurs), most kids are still falling short on essential nutrients.

For example:

95% of kids don't eat enough vegetables daily
Omega 3s (crucial for brain development) are often lacking, especially in kids who don’t eat fish
Fiber is key for gut health and regularity, but many kids are under consuming it

Strategic, high-quality supplementation can make a huge difference when learning How to Raise Healthier Kids without stress or sneaky spinach negotiations.

Here’s what we use in our house:

🥦 Shaklee Incredivites – A comprehensive, kid-friendly multivitamin made with 23 essential nutrients and no artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
💚 Shaklee Organic Greens Booster – One scoop = the phytonutrient equivalent of 1 cup of kale, 1 cup of spinach, and 1 cup of broccoli. You can mix it into smoothies, yogurt, or even pancakes.
🐟 Shaklee Gummy Omegas – Omega 3s (DHA + EPA) support brain development, focus, and eye health. These taste like treats but deliver serious benefits.
🦠 Good Gut + Go – A prebiotic and probiotic combo that supports digestion, immune function, and even mood. Plus it comes in little pixie stick style packets that kids love.

3. Make Hydration a Habit

Dehydration is often overlooked, but it can cause fatigue, irritability, headaches, and even sugar cravings in kids. Water supports every function in the body, from digestion to body temperature regulation to concentration in the classroom.

Tips to make water fun:

Let them pick out their own water bottle
Add fruit slices for natural flavor
Use Shaklee Hydrate to replace sugary drinks. It’s loaded with electrolytes and no artificial sweeteners (and yes, it's delicious)

4. Snack Smarter, Not Harder

Kids eat multiple times a day, which means snacks are a huge opportunity to boost nutrition without a full meal. Aim for a combo of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep them full and energized.

Snack ideas we love:

Apple slices + almond or peanut butter
Yogurt parfaits with berries + chia seeds
Protein bites made with oats, nut butter, and honey
Hard boiled eggs + whole grain crackers
Life Shake blended into a smoothie bowl with toppings
Banana rolled in hemp seeds + cinnamon

5. Model It They’re Watching You More Than You Think

Your kids are soaking in more than just the words you say. They notice when you choose water over pop, when you eat veggies without complaining, and when you talk about how strong you feel instead of what your body looks like.

Healthy doesn’t mean “never eat sugar” it means making consistent, nourishing choices most of the time, and not making food the enemy.

When wellness is modeled as normal, kids grow up empowered, not restricted. This is one of the most powerful ways to master How to Raise Healthier Kids.

Final Thoughts on How to Raise Healthier Kids

You don’t have to do it all. You don’t need to grow your own food or make homemade everything or throw out your pantry.

But a few intentional swaps, a simple routine, starting your day with protein, adding in quality supplements, and choosing real food more often?

That can be life changing for you and your kids.

They’re watching, learning, absorbing. And the best way to teach them to care for their bodies is to show them.

P.S. Want some help getting started?

I created a FREE Kids Nutrition Guide with snack ideas, smoothie recipes, and tips for adding protein, greens, and gut health into your kids’ routines without a fight.

Ready to get your copy? Send me a message and I'll send it your way!