Babies, Parenting, Child Health, Infant Nutrition

Baby Development – How to Pack a Healthy School Lunch Using the A B C’s

18.09.2008 | 2:30:26 pm | Posted by admin

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutritionist

baby development, organic baby food Fall has fallen and school days are back in full swing. Whether it be packing a lunch, an after school snack, or sending your little one to daycare with a meal in tow; the midday meal should be tasty and pack a nutritional punch to help fuel those developing brains during the day. Lunch is an important meal for kids and the days of a plain sandwich are long gone. Start by using your A, B, C’s as a guideline to help you pack a healthy school lunch:

Always add a fruit or veggie

Buy a reusable lunch bag, thermos, and ice packs to help keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot

Create a meal that contains a protein source, complex carbohydrate, calcium source, a quality fat, a fruit and/or veggie, and a hydrating drink such as water or juice that is clearly labeled 100% juice.

Don’t forget about last nights leftovers, throw them in a thermos a yummy treat

Experience letting your kids help pack a lunch, it not only teaches them responsibility but they are also much more likely to eat it if they had a hand in helping prepare

Focus on finger foods: sliced apples dipped in nut butter or carrots sticks dipped in ranch dressing are fun ways to sneak in some nutrients

Get organized by planning ahead: prepping veggies and washing or slicing fruit ahead of time, say on Sunday nights, can be a real time saver and helps avoid the urge to use processed foods

Hop outside the lunchbox by thinking beyond the sandwich; mix things up with tortilla wraps, gluten free crackers and hummus, corn tortillas with black beans and cheese, or pile nitrate-free lunchmeat into a leaf of lettuce and roll it up

Imagine yourself as kid: all grown-ups were kids once, so think of what would have made your day as a kid. A sticker, a fun napkin, or a little note from mom all add to the fun of a bagged lunch and help make lunchtime something your child will look forward to.

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