Most schools are trying hard to upgrade their lunch programs and offer the best food they can. But not every school cafeteria provides appealing, healthy lunch choices. Educate yourself when it comes to what your kids cafeteria has to offer. For example, did you know chicken nuggets have more fat and calories than a plain burger?
Even if your school provides healthy options, it can be too easy to give in to temptation and pick a less healthy choice when you’re feeling really hungry. How do you take control? Send your kiddo to school with a healthy and fun packed lunch!
Here are the top 5 reasons to pack your kids lunch — and snacks:
1. Control. Do you want your kiddo to wait in the lunch line only to find when they get to the front they don’t like what they’re serving? So they reach for pizza again. A healthy packed lunch lets your kiddo avoid the lunch line (and any temptations). Bringing their own lunch also lets you control exactly what goes into the food they eat.
2. Variety. It doesn’t hurt to cave in and enjoy the occasional serving of pizza and hot dogs. But if your kids are eating these foods all the time, their bodies probably feel ready for a change. A packed lunch at least a couple of times a week means they can enjoy some favorites that they might not find at school — like a piping hot thermos of your chicken soup; hummus and pita bread; or some crisp, farm-stand apples.
3. Energy. If your kids have a big game or activity after school, plan a lunch and snacks that combine lean proteins with carbohydrates to give them lasting energy and keep them going through the late afternoon. Some ideas: your own “trail” mix of dried fruit and nuts or sunflower seeds, whole-grain pretzels and low-fat cheese, or a bagful of baby carrots and yogurt dip.
4. Cold hard cash. Pack healthy and fun snacks and lunches so your kids don’t wan that cafeteria food or if they are old enough, they won’t be tempted to step off campus for a fast-food lunch, or hit the vending machine or corner store for chocolate and a soda! Put the money you save on such snacks aside for college or a special gift for your kids!
5. That warm and fuzzy feeling. Remember when your mom or dad used to pack your lunch? Pack well these are the memories you will be making with your kids. Add retro lunch featuring healthy versions of your old faves — such as PB&J on whole-wheat bread.
Whether you pack your kids lunches or they eat in the cafeteria, what’s important is that you make healthy choices. If you’re concerned that the cafeteria doesn’t offer enough healthy choices, get involved in trying to make changes. Ask a teacher or someone in food service for advice on how to get started.
There are some great websites out there with fun lunch box ideas like ThisLunchRox. Get some fun cookie and mini cookie cutters to make amazing creations. Here are some ideas:
From http://www.howtolearn.com/HTL/media/school_lunch.bmp
You can also find some fun eco friendly lunch boxes here.
The Shaklee Snack Bars are a staple in our house and my son loves them! Easy and convenient for on the go options.
More info on these snack bars.
Photos updated 10-11-13:
Image credit: dominikhladik / 123RF Stock Photo
Image credit: flippo / 123RF Stock Photo
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