Kids� Lunches, What to Pack
School is starting soon and has started in some cities. What should you pack for your kids� lunch? What are some of the more healthier options? In Japan, they have these cool lunch packaging containers with compartments for essentially each food group. When packing a kids� lunch keep MyPlate in mind.
- 2 fruits/veggies � yes, 2 servings � one of each is good or 2 fruits, 2 veggies � carrot and celery sticks, a juice box and an apple
- Grains � whole grains are best but it is often not easy to get a child to like whole grains. They do have whole grain white bread or whole grain crackers. They even have whole grain Goldfish.
- Dairy � if it can be kept cold, yogurt is a great option as long as it is not the child�s versions loaded with added sugar and artificial flavorings. Or have your child buy milk at school.
- Protein � lean meats, peanut butter, 2% cheeses.
MSN, Healthy Foods That are Perfect for School Lunch, had some great suggestions for healthier kid lunch options. They noted too many kids are filling up on �empty� calories rather than calories packed with nutrients. Here are some of their suggestions:
- Happy Squeeze Apple, Kale, and Mango � so many parents stuff some applesauce in a child�s lunch. While applesauce can be healthy, too many options are loaded with sugar. These squeeze packs are 100% whole fruit and some kale. Kids get fruit and a vegetable in one pouch.
- Organic Beef Hot Dog � hot dogs have a bad wrap because of the nitrates and nitrates they often contain. These hot dogs have no antibiotics, no fillers, and are not high in sodium.
- Peanut Butter is a healthy choice and for kids without a peanut allergy a good choice. MSN recommends SunButter Organic Sunflower Spread. This spread is made with sunflower seeds and isn�t loaded with sugar. It is also allergy-friendly as it doesn�t contain nuts.
- Water � some parents think water is the healthiest choice for a beverage. But a child needs dairy. If yogurt is packed in a lunch, then the beverage can be a juice box or water. Hint Pineapple Water is a fun choice to pack, a hint of flavor without the added sugar and artificial flavors.
- Nature�s Own Double Fiber Wheat Bread � getting a child to eat any food that is whole grain is a challenge. This is one bread they may be willing to try. It is also a healthier choice in that it is free of high fructose corn syrup, has no artificial colors or flavors and no artificial preservatives.
- Cheese sticks � a fun way to get in some dairy and a good source of protein. Reduced fat Sargento cheese sticks are a great choice. Each cheese stick offers calcium and protein. The Sargento Cheese Stick brand has no additives.
So when packing your child�s lunch this school year, include some healthier options.
Labels: bread, cheese sticks, dairy, diet, fruit, health, kid lunches, Kids, lunch, lunches, MyPlate, nutrition, packed lunches, peanut butter, School, school lunch, vegetables
