Back to School...Back to the Basics!
What are you putting in your kiddos lunch box?
Ok, let’s be totally honest here. There is nothing more overwhelming than the thought of packing your kids lunch every single day, it sounds like complete torture! It sounds fun to start with, the excitement of the cute lunch box, packing the perfect lunch….we pull it off like rock stars for the first week and then we stand in the kitchen with an open empty box thinking “what in the world am I going to make for lunch?” And, this is only the beginning of the school year!
So, I am here to share with you some ideas for nourishing your kiddos to the best you can in the most simple way you can.
“Approximately 17 percent of U.S. youth have obesity, and nearly one in three children and adolescents are either overweight or have obesity.”-www.ahealthieramerica.org
“The obesity rate for children ages 6 to 11 has also more than quadrupled during the past 40 years – from 4.2 to 17.4 percent – as well as tripled for adolescents ages 12 to 19, climbing from 4.6 to 20.6 percent, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).” - www.ahealthieramerica.org
When we think about these stats it makes me realize how important it is for me to share my knowledge with all of you! I also know that making the transition to packing a healthy lunch for your children is OVERWHELMING!
I hear you! I support you! I have some tips for you.
We have been talking about Foundations of Nutrition these last few posts, and now we need to make sure our kiddos learn these foundations and gain the tools for themselves so they are ready to take on their OWN lunch prep!
Now…there is a dream, right? Your kids will learn to make their own lunches for school. That is the dream!
Tip #1: Make Every Bite Count!
The macros you think about daily for yourself are also important for your kiddos! Healthy Carbs, Protein, and Fat are KEY for those growing bodies and brains! A balance of all three macros is what is going to keep blood sugars regulated, the brain fueled and the ability to maintain focus at school…and a good night sleep too! When packing a lunch you want to be able to see you have those three macros in their box!
Tip #2: Keep it super simple!
You do not need to re-invent the wheel every single day for your kiddos. Maybe as you get started you simply add one new home made item into their daily lunch. Homemade sandwich to start and that is your one goal for the week. As it becomes easier, you add something “new”.
TIP # 3: Try out new items at home first.
Make sure they are a success with your kids first. Putting something new in their lunch and then they do not like it will make it harder to get them to eat new foods.
TIP #4: This one can sometimes be a bit challenging!
Get the fam together to meal plan! What I mean by this is you can pick out several items to choose from that could be put into their lunches and they then can choose what they like the most. It is also important to share with your kids why it is so important to eat a healthy lunch. Some tidbits to share:
Eating Protein and healthy Fats are what grows your muscles…your brain is a muscle too! This is going to fuel you the longest so you can stay on task!
Healthy carbohydrates like colorful veggies give you loads of quick energy and loads of minerals and vitamins to keep you healthy and strong.
Sugar will make you crabby! It might taste great when you eat it but you will get tired and crabby shortly after, and that is not a great way to get through your day!
TIP #5: This is a group effort!
Get your kids working with you to pack their lunches, it will give them a great sense of accomplishment and empowerment!
TIP #6: You do not need to go out and purchase super expensive lunch boxes!
This is part of keeping it simple. If using brown paper bags and some ziplocks is what is easiest for you to get started…go for it! As you get used to doing this, maybe down the line it shifts, but do not worry about making it perfect!
Here are a few sample lunch box options to get you started!
Think Macros! What is a protein, a complex carbohydrate and a fat for their meals? These meals are simple and easy for your kiddos to be able to do themselves!
Click Below and download a sample lunch menu + a FREE Dirty Dozen + Clean Fifteen list!
I hope you find this menu inspiring and helpful as you work to nourish your family! I will always have your back if you need additional support. Through the end of September you have the opportunity to receive 15% OFF my 3 + 6 Pack Bundles for Functional Nutrition Therapy Consultations! Simply use CODE: RESET15 at checkout! I am thrilled to have you here!