Ask JJ: I know nutritious food is important to my children's success at school. But how can I pack healthy lunches they'll actually eat?
One of the things I looked forward to most as a kid was the surprise of opening my lunchbox in the school cafeteria. Packing an appetizing, healthy lunch for your children is an easy way to improve their day, even if they don't feel quite so enthusiastic about the early mornings and hectic pace of a new school year.
Everyone wants their food to look tasty, and that especially applies to kids. With little ones, bite-size finger food wins out every time. So cut that apple into tiny chunks, and slice wraps into smaller spirals. A wedge of red bell pepper might get left behind, but turn it into fun shapes with mini cookie cutters, and it's much more likely to get gobbled up.
One of the quickest ways you can upgrade your child's lunch is by making "lateral shifts." That means swapping out traditional, less nutritious lunchbox items for healthy goodies that taste better and give your kids an advantage with their focus and energy. My favorite lunchbox lateral shifts include:
- Swap the bread for a gluten-free brown rice or Paleo wrap. With wraps, you get the pick-up-and-eat convenience of a sandwich without the sugar, gluten, or preservatives. If your kids are game, lettuce leaves can also be a stand-in for bread.
It's not hard to see how giving your child the gift of good nutrition can have a major impact on their school day. And with these simple swaps, taking your lunchbox offerings to the next level doesn't have to be a hassle!
So what's your favorite healthy treat for your kids' lunches? I'd love to hear in the comments below.