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| Family Wellness Challenge: Pack a Healthy Lunch |
 emilyb writes, "School is just around the corner and that means getting back into our regular routines again, including packing lunches for the kids. So what should you pack? Here are some fun and healthy ideas."
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Why is it so important for children to eat a healthy lunch? Children need nutrient dense food to keep their bodies and minds working their best during long afternoons at school and to support growth. Research indicates a correlation between diet and academic success. You may not realize that eating is a learned habit for children. It is not intuitive or something they are born with and the eating habits you help establish before the age of 10 will become ingrained in your child for life.
I encourage you to get your kids involved in the process! Delegation benefits not only you, but also teaches your kids important life skills around meal planning, portion sizes and what comprises a healthy meal. Sit down and brainstorm ideas with them and put together a plan before schools starts.
So what should you pack? There are many options to choose from that go beyond PB& J. I recommend that lunches include a vegetable, fruit, whole grain, source of protein and a healthy treat.
But what does that look like? Some ideas include:
~ A whole grain tortilla with hummus, shredded lettuce, peppers, chicken strips and dried fruit.
~ Edamame, a hardboiled egg, a homemade muffin and apple slices.
~ Whole wheat waffle sandwich with cream cheese or nut butter, raisins and carrots.
~ Fruit and meat or cheese kabobs with whole grain or brown rice crackers and cucumber slices.
The best way to help our children become healthier is to help them take charge of their health. By making healthy choices when and where you can, you'll start to see positive changes in your family. This information empowers them to make the healthy choices for themselves, a habit that will last a lifetime.
For even more inspiration, go to http://www.easylunchboxes.com and click on the gallery. I'm a huge fan of their lunch containers as well!
What types of foods do your kids like to bring for lunch?
Emily Barker, CHHC
Eat to Thrive Health Counseling
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Posted on Aug 06, 2012 08:37am.
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