3 Tips for Packing a Healthy Lunch
By Virginia Laird
With school back in session in just a matter of weeks, many parents may be struggling to make healthy choices about what to pack in their child’s lunchbox. If this describes you, you are not alone. Across the nation, millions may be battling with this same issue. Health and wellness experts suggest that taking your lunch to school can be healthier than buying your lunch at school if the right foods are packed. These experts have put together a few tips on how to pack a healthy lunch that can keep the kids happy too. These tips include:
- Include plenty of veggies
- Make water your beverage
- Skip the chips
Include Plenty of Veggies
Making sure to include plenty of veggies can help keep your lunch on the healthy side. Research suggests that veggies can offer plenty of minerals which can help boost the immune system and keep the body functioning at its best. For those who may not love veggies, consider adding a dip for them. There are also plenty of recipes available to help you disguise these healthy options for the child who may be overly picky. Consider checking some of these recipes out.
Make Water Your Beverage
For those who may be trying to make their lunch a little healthier, skip the soda and juice and reach for water. This can help decrease the amount of sugar consumed as well as the calories. Research suggests that water can help cut the appetite as well. It is recommended that drinking at least one glass of water before each meal can help curb the amount of food you consume.
Skip the Chips
When you think school lunch you may automatically consider chips. Although these can be quite tasty, there is little nutritional value in them. Research suggests a better, healthier choice than a bag of chips can be a piece of fruit. If you are one you must have chips, health and wellness experts advise you pack them only a couple of days. They add that when they do make an appearance in your lunchbox, they should be of the baked variety.
Now is the time to begin trying a few combinations with your child to determine what will be eaten at school. Although this can be a struggle, you and your child can find a great balance. Good luck packing a lunch that can keep both you and your child happy!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richmond, Va.