Parents are looking for ways to feed their kids that they can feel good about and that their kids will like so I shared my easy and healthy lunchbox tips today on FOX Chicago.
Tip 1: A lunchbox encourages portion control & packing a variety of nutritious foods
Portion control can make or break a healthy lunchbox so my first tip is to have one that is pre-portioned. I shared my favorite adult and kid-friendly lunchboxes by Yumbox – they’re leak-proof, BPA-free, come in fun colors and the multiple compartments promote nutritional balance. A healthy lunch should include fruit, veggies, protein and whole grains.
Tip 2: Breakfast is important for giving kid energy and keeping their brains sharp
Breakfast gives kid’s energy and keeps their brains sharp so I brought a 5-minute option: Bob’s Red Mill Muesli Cups. All you have to do is add milk or hot water up to the fill line, let that sit for 5-10 minutes while you get ready for school and it’s ready to eat! They are made with whole grains, nuts, seeds and dried fruit so you are getting plenty of filling fiber.
Tip 3: A healthy snack should include at least two of the following: veggies, fruit, whole grain and protein
All my healthy snacks include at least two of the following: veggies, fruit, whole grains and protein. I shared some kid-friendly snacks from the back to school section at CVS – they have hundreds of nutritious options including freeze dried fruit crisps, popcorn which a whole grain and roasted chickpeas for plant protein. What’s great about CVS is that they also cater to those with food allergies or sensitivities which we know is increasingly important in today’s schools.
Tip 4: Getting kids involved in preparing their own food is one way to encourage healthy eating habits.
Finally, getting kids involved in preparing their own food, can encourage healthy eating habits. Celery is fun to eat and a great vehicle for toppings like hummus, nut butter and guacamole. I recommend Dandy’s celery to all my clients – it was developed to be sweeter, crispier and have very fewer strings so it’s easy to eat. In fact they have they Phds on staff whose job is to work with mother nature to keep it tasting that good!
Tune in next week to CBS Savannah for more healthy back to school tips!
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