Smart Tips for Packing Lunch

Healthy eating can boost a child’s energy, increase brain activity and even brighten their demeanor. Additionally, packing a nutritious lunch with your child can be fun for the both of you. A healthy lunch will give your child the midday boost they need, and will encourage healthy eating throughout the day.

Create a Menu

Be prepared for the week by creating a weekly menu plan; get the kids involved so that they can pick their favorite foods. Take the kids shopping with you; letting them pick foods will increase the likelihood they will eat their lunches. Let them choose fruits, vegetables and yogurts.

It’s important to have the right tools on hand: lunchbox, thermos, snack and sandwich size bags, plastic utensils, small plastic containers and refillable water bottles. Let your kids pick their lunchbox, making sure it is well insulated and keeps foods at a constant temperature.

Stock Up

Keep your pantry and fridge stocked so you will always have healthy foods on hand, such as:

• Whole grain cereals
• Fruit cups in 100 percent juice
• Fresh and/or dried fruits
• Yogurt
• Whole wheat bread, mini bagels and English muffins
• Whole wheat tortilla
• Individual packs of cottage cheese
• Low fat string cheese
• Baked chips
• Whole grain pretzel crackers and pretzels
• Fruit/nut based granola bars
• Tuna
• Peanut butter
• Turkey
• Canned beans
• Cut up vegetables
• Low fat dip/dressing
• Hummus
• Flavored low fat milk or soy milk
• 100 percent juice boxes

Plan Ahead

Spare yourself the morning rush by packing lunches the night before.

• Get the kids involved in helping to pack their lunch by letting them choose from the healthy options you have on hand.
• Put juice boxes in the freezer, as they can work doubly duty as a cold pack, keeping yogurt and other items chilled during the day.

For more ways to keep your kids healthy, visit ArnoldPalmerHospital.com.