One of the most important places that we can make an impact in child nutrition is the school lunch. Have you seen what is on school menus these days? Chicken nuggets, pizzas, burgers, mac and cheese, sugar laden drinks, and french fries are what is passing for veggies these days. It is truly sad that often times it is cheaper for parents to let their kids eat at school rather than to pack a lunch. This may be why @DrPraegers had designated each Wednesday as Healthy Lunchbox Day and parents are encouraged to pack a veggie rich, healthy lunch for the day. The idea that we might need to completely overhaul our kids diet can seem daunting, especially if your kids have been raised on the Standard American Diet (SAD). Healthy Lunchbox Day breaks this into an achievable goal… make Wednesday the day you give your child’s lunchbox a makeover and work from there. Baby steps right? Start small and help your kids establish healthy eating habits for life.
Here are some quickie lunchbox makeover tips:
- Use sprouted whole wheat bread instead the “white stuff”.
- Blend veggies into a hearty soup and send your child to school with a thermos.
- Add greens like spinach to fruit muffins. They won’t even know they are there!
- Use nori sheets to add funny faces to fruits and veggies.
- Sprinkle veggies with Parmesan cheese.
- Add snap peas to their lunch and almond butter or peanut butter for dipping.
- Instead of plain old carrot sticks pack some jicama sticks for variety.
- Sliced cucumbers go well with rice wine vinegar.
- Grated carrots can be hidden in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as well as grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Hide broccoli sprouts or bean sprouts in the bottom of a pita.
- Make a chocolate pudding with avocado.
- Finely chopped veggies can be disguised in egg salad sandwiches.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or flax seeds on top of salads and sandwiches.
Dr. Praeger’s is a company that makes healthier food options for kids including nuggets that have spinach, sweet potatoes, and other healthy ingredients. Their all-natural, delicious and nutrient-rich options that are a great way to help kids eat sensibly, maintain a healthy lifestyle and make smart food choices. Whether you serve their line of foods or you cook from scratch the goal is shine the spotlight on healthy foods and start those healthy eating habits early.
Any way you slice it, it is a monumental job in this age of sugary, processed, chemical laden food. Do you have any secret tips to share that have worked in your family?
This is part of a campaign sponsored by Dr.Praeger’s that I have been participating in for the month of September.
