Another school year has started, which means many parents are back to packing lunches for their kids. Whether you’re a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or Lunchables kind of parent, there are plenty of ways you can make sure your child is eating nutritious, healthy food when they’re at school.
Making a balanced, healthy lunch for your kids can be difficult if they have food allergies or intolerances or are picky eaters, and it can be even more difficult when you’re packing a lunch for them to eat at school. No matter what food fight you’re dealing with, it’s important to make sure your kids eat a nutritious lunch so they can do their best in class and during extracurricular activities. Here are some back-to-school lunch ideas to help you keep your kids energized and healthy this school year.
Find fun sources of protein.
Besides meat, there are ways to make sure your kids eat enough protein. Peanut butter, cooked beans, a boiled egg or nuts and seeds are other sources of protein that can easily be added into a school lunch. Whether it’s a classic PB&J or a bean and cheese burrito, you can find ways to make eating protein fun for your kids.Veggies aren’t just for dinner.
It’s important to remember that vegetables don’t have to be cooked to be good. Raw carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks and even broccoli can be delicious dipped in hummus or ranch dressing. Try offering sugar snap peas and edamame beans with your kids for an outside-of-the-box snack.
Grains are good for balance.
Half of the grains you eat should be whole grains, and it’s easy to substitute whole grain bread and pasta into your kids’ lunches for balance. Whole grain crackers are a good substitute for regular chips, or pair them with meat, cheese and vegetables for a nutritious meal.
Don’t forget dessert.
Believe it or not, dessert can be delicious and healthy, too. Sliced fruit, yogurt with granola and even dry cereal can be great options for satisfying your child’s sweet tooth and fueling the rest of their day. Including a smoothie, applesauce or yogurt-covered fruit could also be a fun surprise for your kids.
Cafeteria food is healthy, too.
The CDC reports that school meal program participants eat more whole grains, milk, fruits, and vegetables than those who don’t, and they also have a better overall diet. If your kid is participating in a school meal program, make sure they know the importance of a balanced plate and how to make healthier food choices.
Balanced lunches are an important part of helping your kids fuel their bodies so they can have fun and focus on every aspect of school. Learn more about balanced meals at MyPlate and find more information about school nutrition on the CDC website.
