Summer is almost over and youre probably up to your eyeballs in back-to-school shopping. You have to buy new school clothes because last years dont fit. And, school supplies? The list of paper, pencils, folders, ink pens and much more, goes on and on.
But, what about lunch supplies? Whats on that list? Surely, you want to pack your kids a healthy lunch, but if it doesnt taste good, it wont matter because they wont eat it anyway. Theyll be trying to trade it with a friend for something with a whole lot more taste, and subsequently, probably higher fat. The good news is that youre not alone in feeling a little lost when it comes to keeping your kids interested in a lunch that is packed with vitamins and nutrients.
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 has been updated to USDA guidelines and, as a result, schools will offer more fruits, vegetables and whole grains effective the 2012-13 school year. But, more and more Americans are shying away from school lunches. Not only have they been a focal point due to questionable nutrition standards, some parents opt to packing their kids lunches to save money. So, what can you pack that satisfies your youngsters appetite and is good for their growing bodies?
First, remember that the key to a healthy lunch that keeps hunger at bay is to include carbohydrates, protein and fat. A lunch that includes all three of these is guaranteed to fill your youngster up and keep their mind off their tummies and on their studies.
You can continue making sandwiches, but some minor changes will keep them fresh and new. Instead of the usual ham and turkey, mix up tuna fish, egg or chicken salad. A fat burning overview can help you construct a clear describe of what you demand to focus on to carry out your fat reducing objective if you're a novice; or serve as a reminder for those who are at an intermediate or more boost level of their weightloss strategy. Applying are seven steps that can serve as guidelines for your special weight loss program. The first thing that one must understand is that losing weight and losing fat is not exactly the same thing. Many weight loss courses have fooled people into thinking that it is the same, but most diets and weight loss applications only work by causing a person's body to lose more muscle flesh and water than actual body fat, more help please visit The Fat Loss Factor. Use low-fat dressing and keep it on the healthy side. Dont forget the lettuce for some bulk and added nutritional value. If you want even more variety, switch the bread for a pita or tortilla roll.
If your little one is sandwiched-out, you can make little pizzas out of English muffins, pizza sauce, low-fat cheese and turkey pepperoni. Toast them up the night before and throw them in their lunch in the morning. Or, send each ingredient in its own little pack and let them make them at school. What kid doesnt like pizza?
What can you include for sides, other than the usual high-calorie low-nutrient chips? Slice up some veggies and make a homemade dip out of plain yogurt with spices like garlic and Italian seasonings. Or, put together your own trail mix of nuts, seeds, fun-shaped pretzels and dried fruits. Better yet, engage the kids by letting them mix it up themselves.
Want to include veggies, but your child doesnt care for them? Cut up celery sticks, put peanut butter on them with raisins and give your kids ants on a log. By making them fun to eat, youre increasing the likelihood that they wont get thrown in the trash uneaten.
For a sweet treat at the end of their meal, bypass the cookies and cakes and chunk up some fresh fruit and mix yogurt with cinnamon for dipping. Or, make a dip out of cool whip mixed with a little bit of sugar-free strawberry jam. If your child is a chocolate lover, include a mini dark chocolate bar or some dark chocolate chips. A little bit goes a long way and studies show that dark chocolate has some health benefits when eaten in reasonable amounts.
Of course, the best way to get your kids to eat healthy is to be a good role model for them. If they see you eating high-fat high-calorie food while youre giving them carrots and celery, prepare for a tantrum. But, if they see you eating the same things that you pack for them, youll have a greater likelihood of getting them on board.
By adding a little creativity and variety to school lunches, the transition from summer to school year will be easier for the whole family. And, if you run out of great new lunch ideas, give your little ones a list of healthy ingredients and see what they come up with for lunch. Who cares what they pair together as long as its healthy and they eat it, right?
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