Healthy Kids First: Four Ways to Get Your Kids Ready for a Healthy School Lunchbox
By Mandy Curry on July 20, 2012 from Healthy Kids First via Connect-Bridgeport.com
It’s that time of year again. Back-to-school is just around the corner and this year you’ve decided to start packing your kids a healthy lunch. Woo Hoo! Way to go. Give yourself a pat on the back for making this step.
For some, this may be a cinch. For others, you have your work cut out for you so start making the transition now. No more snack cakes, lunchables, and pop for lunch. If that’s all you got, then they might as well eat the school lunch.
Here are four ways to get your kids excited about their new healthy lunchbox.
- Start talking to them about the importance of a healthy lunch. Foods high in sugar can impact a child’s behavior, attention, and learning (hyperactivity, loss of memory, poor concentration, and tiredness). Whereas eating foods high in nutrients can stabilize children’s energy, sharpen their minds, even out their moods, and ward off sickness.
- Practice now. Why wait until school starts? Start now! Let the kids pick out some of their favorite lunch ideas for a trial run before school starts. Kids have so many other distractions during the first few weeks of school. We certainly wouldn’t want them worrying about lunch or refusing to eat lunch because we decided to experiment with a new food they’ve never eaten.
- Get them involved in the meal planning. Create a list of 20 lunchbox items. Let the kids create their own mix-n-match meals for the week. Kids love expressing their independence when it comes to food. If they create it, they’re more likely to eat it.
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Find unique containers to hold their goodies. We love this Sistema lunch cube because of it’s cool color, ease of use, and split compartments. Compartments are fun and this one has it all- a place for a sandwich, fruits and vegetables.
Back to School is such a fun time and equipping your kids with a healthy lunch is just the best reward for you and them. Good Luck and stay tuned for lunchbox meal ideas coming soon
