Now that schools are finally tackling the unhealthy lunch problem and banning sweetened drinks from vending machines, we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Or maybe not. Many children bring packed lunches to school, with the majority falling short of healthy by a long shot.
If your child carries her lunch to school, how does it measure up? Ideally, you should pack small portions of foods from a variety of food groups: fruit and vegetables, nuts and meat, grains (preferably whole-wheat) and low fat dairy. Try some of these kid-pleasing ideas:
- A slice of turkey in a whole wheat tortilla wrap with lettuce and tomatoes
- Wheat crackers with low fat cheese
- Whole wheat pita with hummus
- Sliced apples with low fat peanut butter (if school doesnt have a nut free policy)
- Cut up raw veggies with low fat dip
- Small salad with sliced strawberries on top
- Deviled egg
- Small carton of low fat yogurt
- A handful of almonds or other nuts or soy nuts
- Soup or baked beans kept warm in a small thermos.
There should be no more (and probably less!) than one treat in the lunch box. Fresh fruit or a pudding made with low fat milk should suffice.
Labels: nutrition, schools, healthy eating
Posted By: Aspen Education Group
