Top Five Ways to Rock a Healthy School Lunch

Top Five Ways to Rock a Healthy School Lunch

Summer’s over which means back to packing school lunches!

Here are five ways to pack a healthy lunch that will sure please your crew:

  1. Kids make their own!
  2. Pack a lunch with POW!
  3. Mix it up, Stir it up!
  4. Drink like a fish- Water, of course!
  5. Your attitude matters!

 

  • 1. Have your kids make their own school lunch! Depending on age, of course. Getting your kids involved in preparing food early on in life is one of the best gifts you can give to them. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!Giving the child choice and a voice in what they eat goes a long way in making sure your kid actually enjoys her lunch so it doesn’t end up on the trading room floor. Mom, dad or sibs can assist 1st – 6th graders in the lunch making process.

Children are capable of all kinds of cooking tasks. They can chop, spread, stir, peel, grate, and mix. Set your family up for success and plan ahead for the groceries you need for the week.  Keep the fridge and pantry stocked with healthy choices to support your budding chefs.The older kids get, the more adept and independent they become in making lunches for themselves. They’ll be bragging about the amazing sandwich creation they made and the awesome lunch they packed before you know it.

Disclaimer However, if you ask them to pack their lunch when they are still bleary eyed they might not think your idea is so great and would rather sleep in, but hey, we’re the parents and we know what’s best for them! Stay positive!

 

  • 2. Pack nutrient dense foods that provide long lasting energy and good mental focus. Make sure lunch includes:
    • 2 servings of proteins-beans, nuts, seeds, dairy, high quality meats
    • 2 serving whole grains (bread, pasta, rice, tortillas)
    • 1 serving seasonal fruit
    • 2 servings organic veggies

 

  • 3. Mix it up. Stir it up! Try a variety of lunch ideas that move beyond the same-old same-old sandwich. Experiment with making wraps, soups (warm up in the morning and pack in metal thermos), pita pockets, or my kids’ favorite, leftovers from the night before.

 

  • 4. Drink like a fish! Water of course! Yep, send the kids to school (and their sporting events) with plain ol’ water! Kids de-hydrate faster than adults and there is no better way to quench thirst than with water. Water water water. We need about half our bodies weight in ounces in water every day. Leave the fruit and sweetened drinks behind.

 

  • 5. Your attitude matters – You are your kids biggest advocate for healthy eating. Let them know how grateful you are that they eat such yummy healthy foods. Kids are influenced by advertising which misleads and confuses them.  Four out of 5 food advertisements push sugary cereals, snack foods, candy, soft drinks, and fast foods according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Be the ad your kids hear most!

6 Responses

  1. Doris
    |

    Terrific…did you make your own lunches? I just don’t remember.

  2. Wendy
    |

    Suggestion for disclaimer in Item 1: Make lunch the night before (either after dinner to take advantage of the leftovers, as a break while doing homework or before going to bed). I started making lunches the night before school when my kids were young and they have continued the tradition, knowing they might be rushed in the morning. Gives them time to figure out what they want to eat and time to prepare it adequately.

  3. jtroderman
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    Absolutely! Great idea. In fact my high schooler did exactly just that for his first day of school. It really does help mornings run more smoothly. Thanks

  4. Beth Wann
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    Jill! I love this website & will enjoy reading it every week! Thank you and miss you! ~Beth~

  5. jtroderman
    |

    Enjoy and Thanks so much Beth!!

  6. These healthy school lunch ideas will be a great for moms to prepare school lunch for their kids.