There’s a lot for parents to think about when September rolls around, and healthy lunch ideas is usually high up on that list.
Sending your kids to school with healthy, well-balanced lunches is a great way to set them up for a lifetime of healthy food choices that will help build strong bodies and teeth.
Start by focusing on the key food groups you want to include in your children’s lunch. These should include fruits, vegetables, fibre, and protein. By balancing out these food groups you can build meals that will keep your children feeling satisfied while giving their bodies and brains the energy and nutrients they need to learn and play at school.
A few meal suggestions:
- High-fibre, high-protein wraps, or sandwiches
Choose whole-grain, minimally processed bread or wraps that are high in fibre. Then, fill them with high-protein lean meats or meat alternatives like turkey, chicken, tofu, or legumes. Include a small amount of cheese and condiments to make this an appealing option for your kids.
- Veggies and dip
Kids love dipping things, and there’s no reason that the things they dip can’t be healthy, crunchy veggies. Cut up peppers, carrots, celery, or any of their favourite veggies and give them a low-sugar, high-protein dip option like yogurt-based ranch or hummus.
- Fresh fruit
A lot of young people love fruit – we like to think of it as nature’s dessert. Instead of opting for prepackaged fruit options like canned fruit or fruit cups that are often soaking in sugary syrup, search out low-sugar, low-acidic fresh fruit options like apples, pears, and watermelon. Buy the fruits fresh, cut them up at home and add them to your child’s school lunches for a sweet snack that’s still healthy and packed with nutrition.
- Water
Instead of sending your young ones to school with sugary drinks like pop or juice boxes, send them to school with a good supply of cold, clean water to get them through the day. Not only will this keep them healthy and hydrated, but it will help to rinse off any sugars, acids or food debris left on their teeth after lunch that can’t be brushed away until the end of the day.
Not only is back-to-school a good time to re-think your child’s lunches, but it’s also a great time to schedule an appointment for a regular dental checkup and cleaning. Call our team at Petrolia Dental in South Edmonton today to set up some time for us to assess the current condition of your child’s teeth and set them on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.