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Healthy School Lunches
Get Your Kids Involved
Most moms agree that there's nothing more frustrating than seeing the lunch they prepared still wrapped up and uneaten when the child returns from school each afternoon. That's why it's important to find healthy foods your child will eat.
Before school starts, take your child shopping. While you're at the grocery store, walk slowly through the produce, dairy, fish, lean meats and whole grain sections. Talk about the different foods with your child, and see which foods he or she enjoys. If your child is unsure about a certain food such as a type of low-fat string cheese, an unusual fruit such as star fruit or whole grain crackers, purchase these foods and let your child have a "tasting party" to try some new and different lunch box favorites. This may save you some time and money as you narrow down the foods your child really likes—and which he or she completely dislikes!
While shopping, let your child select a favorite lunch box or insulated bag. Also, pick up a small Thermos for soups, hot pastas and leftovers and several plastic containers for packing sandwiches, fruits and other foods. If you prefer using brown lunch bags, purchase colored markers and fun stickers, and plan time at your child's "tasting party" to personalize the lunch bags. Add bottled water and 100-percent juice packs to your cart to have these on hand. In addition, purchase some disinfecting wipes, which are perfect for wiping inside lunchbox surfaces each week to ensure cleanliness.
Most moms agree that there's nothing more frustrating than seeing the lunch they prepared still wrapped up and uneaten when the child returns from school each afternoon. That's why it's important to find healthy foods your child will eat.
Before school starts, take your child shopping. While you're at the grocery store, walk slowly through the produce, dairy, fish, lean meats and whole grain sections. Talk about the different foods with your child, and see which foods he or she enjoys. If your child is unsure about a certain food such as a type of low-fat string cheese, an unusual fruit such as star fruit or whole grain crackers, purchase these foods and let your child have a "tasting party" to try some new and different lunch box favorites. This may save you some time and money as you narrow down the foods your child really likes—and which he or she completely dislikes!
While shopping, let your child select a favorite lunch box or insulated bag. Also, pick up a small Thermos for soups, hot pastas and leftovers and several plastic containers for packing sandwiches, fruits and other foods. If you prefer using brown lunch bags, purchase colored markers and fun stickers, and plan time at your child's "tasting party" to personalize the lunch bags. Add bottled water and 100-percent juice packs to your cart to have these on hand. In addition, purchase some disinfecting wipes, which are perfect for wiping inside lunchbox surfaces each week to ensure cleanliness.
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More from WebMD
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
By Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
SOURCES: WebMD's Medical Reference: "Developing Healthy Eating Habits In Your Kids." WebMD Medical Reference: "Heart Health: Foods to Buy, Foods to Avoid." WebMD Medical Reference: "Healthy Eating for Weight Loss."
