Early Dinners, Healthy Kids: How This Busy Mom Packs More Nutrition into Her Family’s Day
Olivia Napoli, founder of Livwell Nutrition and Wellness, knows how chaotic family life can be. As a working mother of two young children, she understands the challenges of finding time for healthy meals amidst the whirlwind of school, sports practices, and homework. But Napoli has implemented a clever strategy that benefits both her family’s schedule and their well-being: early dinners.
"I feed my kids as soon as they get home from school at 4:30 p.m.," Napoli explains. "It might seem unusual, but there are so many benefits. It allows me to sneak in more nutrient-rich foods before they fill up on empty calories."
Napoli admits her strategy stems from observing her children’s ravenous hunger upon returning home. "They’re completely drained after burning all their energy at school, and they would devour anything within reach. If they snack on granola bars and chips right away, they’re already full by dinner time," she says.
This early window for a nutritious meal not only fights off "hangry" attitudes but also has a significant impact on their overall well-being. "They’re more focused and in better moods after a hearty dinner. I see it translating to their homework, their sports, and their interactions with each other," Napoli observes.
And the benefits don’t stop there. "Since they eat right after school, they’re not starving before bedtime. We start our bedtime routine around 7:30 p.m., giving their bodies plenty of time to wind down and prepare for a restful night’s sleep."
But how does Napoli make this early dinnertime routine work in her busy schedule? "I keep it simple!" she insists. "I rely on meal prep to save time. Twice a week, I prepare enough meals in advance so that cooking is less of a burden during the week."
Her key advice: "Don’t overthink it. Choose a protein source, pair it with a complex carb like sweet potato or brown rice, and add a vegetable. That’s all it takes. Keep trying new foods, but don’t pressure your kids. Just make it fun!"
For Napoli, this early dinner strategy has become more than just a mealtime routine; it’s a cornerstone of her family’s approach to prioritizing both nutrition and togetherness.
