 |
|
|
Back to School: Serving Healthy Lunches
As your child begins the new school year, it
is time to pay close attention to what he/she is having for lunch.
Over 16 percent of children nationwide are overweight and that percentage
is on the rise. Parents greatly influence what their children eat
and encouraging healthy eating habits is more important now than ever. |
|
|
|
Besides breakfast, lunch is the second most important
meal for school-age children and provides one-third of their daily
calories. Yet, parents can often be confused about what a healthy
lunch consists of when packing their children's lunch. The following
suggestions may improve the nutritional quality of your child's brown
bag lunches: |
|
|
|
- Take kids shopping and have them pick out foods they like.
- Have kids help pack their lunch. Teach them how to pack a well-balanced
lunch with appropriate portion sizes.
- Pack dinner leftovers for lunch. Use leftover chicken for sandwiches
or pasta for a cold salad.
- Make sandwiches different by using pita or bagels.
- Use insulated lunch boxes and refreezable ice packs to help
keep foods cold and fresh.
- Send hot vegetable or chicken noodle soup - use Thermos®
to keep hot foods hot.
- Choose healthier snacks such as fresh or dried fruit, veggie
sticks or string cheese.
|