With so much going on this time of year, packing lunches and making dinner can sometimes fall to the bottom of the priorities list. Ensuring that our kids are getting the nutrients and fuel that they need during back to school season is incredibly important, though. Nutritionist Heather Bauer has come up with a list of easy ways to be sure your kids are heading off to school with healthy lunches that they will enjoy.
- Go for colorful food options to pique your child’s interest. The brighter and more colorful, the better! This could range from sliced bell peppers to carrots to grapes and anything in between.
- Keep things exciting by packing a variety of foods. Do your best to include a food from each category of the food pyramid.
- Plan ahead! Consider making a lunch plan for the week and doing meal prep on Sundays or the night before.
- Involve your kids in the lunch prep process. Make a list of foods from each category and let your children pick their favorites for specific days of the week.
- Get creative! You know what your kids do or don’t like- so if they don’t enjoy certain options, avoid them. Make fruits easier to eat by peeling them ahead of time. Give them veggies with a small container of dip. Try wraps, reuse leftovers in new ways, or even think about cutting sandwiches into fun shapes.
- Do your best to focus on water as the primary beverage for your child. Flavored waters or teas can also be great options.
- Help provide sweet alternatives to candy and desserts. Encourage sweet fruits and other sweet snacks that are healthier options than sugar-filled foods your kids might prefer.
Click here to read the full article by Heather Bauer, RD, CND, for Huffington Post.