Are your kids nutritionally ready for the run?

Building on its commitment to nurture a healthier generation, Nestl Middle East, the worlds leading Nutrition, Health and Wellness Company, joins Etisalat Dubai Kids run as their Official Nutrition Partner.

Inviting all children between the ages of 4-12 along with their parents and families; the two days run aims to educate the regions upcoming generation on the importance of healthy eating, proper exercise and the proactive pursuit of wellness. The run will take place on March 20 21, 2015 at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre and is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Al Jalila Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Prior to the run, Nestl Middle East will also be providing nutritional education to children and parents in preparation for the event through school road shows and the events online channels (http://etisalatkidsrun.com/nestle and @EtisalatKidsRun on Twitter) where they can find articles, tips and fun interactive games to motivate them and encourage them in preparation for the race.

We are really excited to be the official Nutrition Partner of such an educational platform which represents a fundamental starting point to raise awareness on nutrition and developing a healthier generation. We believe that kids getting the right nutrition education from a very young age is crucial to help build a healthier generation. We also have scientific evidence that this early education has a positive impact on kids knowledge of healthy eating and lifestyle behaviours, said Lynn Al Khatib, Media Relations Manager at Nestl Middle East.

We will hold a number of engaging activities during the event and urge all parents and their children to join us during the two fun-filled days. More than three hundred Nestl employees children will also be participating in the run and taking part in the activities, added Al Khatib.

At the event, children and their parents can take part in the interactive fun educational games held at the Nestl activity area, where they will learn the nutrition basics to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Are your kids nutritionally ready for the run?
Here are some tips by Zeinab Maktabi, Nutrition, Health & Wellness Manager at Nestl Middle East, on how to prepare your kids for the Etisalat Dubai Kids Run:
Nutrition Preparation for the race
This is the best time to ensure that kids are having a healthy and balanced diet with foods from all food groups. Learn more about your kids wellness plate on this link (http://etisalatkidsrun.com/nestle)
The night before the race, make sure your children have a meal high in carbohydrates such as rice, pasta or potato; as it is a great source of energy and make sure their fat intake is low to moderate to avoid prolonged digestion.
Morning of the race/during the race:
A Light nutritious breakfast: one hour before the race; it enhances your kids mental and physical performance and provides the right energy for them to run! A breakfast high in carbohydrates, moderate in proteins and low in fat is essential. A bowl of whole grain cereal with milk and chopped fruits is one idea! Be creative.
Dont forget to pack a snack for them for after the race; such as a piece of fruit. Check out the great snack ideas we have on the website.
Finally and most importantly is to stay hydrated; encourage your kids to have 8 glasses of water (up to 1.5 liters) daily. Make sure they drink at least a cup before the race, one during the run and one after.
Always remember that you are your kids role model. So set a good example!