School-Friendly Lunches
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet isn’t just important for adults. Great nutrition is also essential for kids.
Eating adequate amounts of the right food is vital for the growth and development of children. Their bodies need lots of energy to lay down new muscles, and their brains use energy to create essential neural connections. Not to mention that kids are always running around and exploring the world around them, which requires a bunch of energy.
As a parent, you want to give your children the best start to life, which involves feeding them the right kinds of food. This can be challenging when there are so many conflicting sources of information. It’s challenging to know what is best for your little one.
What makes things even more difficult for parents across America is the vast amount of highly processed foods available in the grocery stores. From the moment you walk through the door to the moment you get to the checkouts, you and your kids are exposed to row after row of packaged, ultra-processed foods.
When your kids are begging you for their favorite candies or want you to buy a delicious pizza at the store, it can be hard to say no. You want to appease your children and give them what they want, but you know that these foods aren’t the best for their health.
If you’re shopping for your kid’s school lunches, it’s essential to consider the foods you buy. Opt for nutritious, energy-dense foods that will give your kids lots of energy for their afternoon play.
If you’re struggling to think of some healthy school lunches for your children, here are some ideas to get you started.
- Chicken and cheese sandwich
- Avocado and tomato sandwich
- Pita bread filled with cottage cheese and tomato
- Hummus and wholemeal salad wrap
- Chicken and salad wrap
- Tuna and sweetcorn mayonnaise wrap
- Bagel with cottage cheese
- Carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks with hummus
- Greek yogurt pot
- Sliced fruit
Here are some healthy swaps and changes to keep in mind. Make sure to switch things up for your children each week to get bored of their lunches.
- Focus on whole grains, such as wholemeal bread or whole grain rice
- Cut down on the spreads
- Add a salad to the sandwiches and wraps
- Swap the chips for vegetable sticks and hummus
Consider getting your kids involved in the creation of their lunches. They can choose from the healthy selection of foods you’ve bought them and pick their favorite snacks.
Getting your children more involved in their lunches will encourage them to become more proactive in their food choices. They can learn more about nutrition simply and enjoyably. Plus, they’re more likely to eat healthier foods if they’ve chosen them!