Rule the School Year

by Dr. Kyle Chavers, MD, IFMCP

Tips for Packing Healthier Lunches

You’ve heard breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but for kids to have success at school, a good lunch is really key too. Arm them with energizing and healthful fuel and they’ll stay full and focused all day long.

New and Improved

Depending on how adventurous your little ones are, try mixing up the old sandwich and chips routine. We’re listing some healthier suggestions here to help spark ideas and keep your lunch-packing habits fresh:

• Hummus and crackers or veggies
• Hard boiled Eggs
• Edamame
• Yogurts
• Fruit pouches or squeezes
• Cheese sticks
• Leftovers in a thermos
• Fruit and cheese on pretzel stick “kabobs”
• Baggies of granola
• Oat and peanut butter protein balls

Prep in the Right Direction

Pick a time over the weekend to think about lunch prep and weekdays will be that much easier. Take a couple hours to do your shopping, cut up and portion out fruits and vegetables, make protein balls, granola, or muffins for the week ahead. Packing what you can the night before makes mornings easier too.

Hot Tips

• Get the kids involved! Start ‘em young with easy tasks like filling baggies with grapes or pretzels, and they’ll soon be ready to make their own lunches.
• Cookie cutters aren’t just for the holidays. Don’t underestimate the magic of making a boring sandwich crustless AND shaped like a star.
• Frozen water bottles double as a drink and a cold pack!