I’m on ABC Charleston with tips on how to build a balanced lunch box by checking your food groups: grains, protein, dairy, fruits and veggies.
For veggies, go with sweetpotatoes! They are one of the most versatile veggies and are easy to add to a variety of recipes to enhance flavor and nutrition. Plus, there is a sweet potato dish for everyone, any time of the year. According to the American Diabetes Association, sweetpotatoes are a “diabetes superfood” because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease.
For protein, go plant-based with pistachios! Pistachios are one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein which means they contain all nine essential amino acids needed for growth and development for ages five and older. One serving of pistachios has 6 grams of protein. They also contain healthy fat and are a good source of fiber.
For grains, I like to make sandwiches or pasta with the Good Planet Foods dairy-free Olive Oil Cheese Shreds and Slices because they melt perfectly and are made with olive oil so they offer healthy unsaturated fats and little to no saturated fat. Olive oil is a cornerstone food of the Mediterranean diet which supports brain and heart health. Find them at Whole foods.
For dairy, I like the Chobani Greek yogurt drinks because they made with real fruit and local milk with 10 grams of satisfying protein and the Chobani flips because they are rich in protein and you get creamy yogurt and crunchy mix-ins in fun flavors. For busy parents the Chobani Complete lactose-free yogurt drinks are a good option because they have 20 grams of complete protein, 3 grams of fiber and 0 added sugar. And the La Colombe Ready to Drink draft lattes which feature more froth and less sugar than typical ready to drink coffee
Finally I have two wellness essentials for back to school season. One I recommend a high quality probiotic supplement like the TruBiotics Kids Probiotic Gummy Supplements because they feature the most clinically researched Bacillus probiotic strain with research showing supports immune and gut health. And for children that might experience upset stomachs and diarrhea, DiaResQ Toddler’s is a clinically studied drug-free intervention that works with the body’s natural defenses by providing nutrition and immune factors to help rapidly restore normal intestinal function.
