| Back to School Lunch Path |
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Ah, yes, the back to school phone calls come pouring in… What do I pack in my kid's lunch box? What if she doesn't eat it? What if he feels hungry in the afternoon? These are all important issues and the answers are the same every year. Somehow, over the summer, we forget that: 1. Kids are resilient, they will grow (“flourish” is dependent upon the right nutrients, yes, but our bodies are made to survive). 2. Stressing out about food does not help the situation, never did, never will. 3. What they eat during the school day represents less that 1/3 of our food opportunities. That said, here are my back to school tips: · Don’t stress, say yes! o The more ways we can find to say “yes” to the things they like, the better. Take your kids grocery shopping with you, read the labels together and negotiate options. o Make a list of protein, carb, fruit, veg and beverages that each child would like. o Get them making their own lunches as young as possible o Mornings are tough so making lunch the night before is best · Remember that the lunchbox is only one food opportunity o Breakfast is more important: it needs to have fibre and protein in it to set up an even energy day · When you choose packaged foods choose brands wisely-they aren’t all equal! o Read labels carefully and compare o I make it my business to know what’s in as many products as possible · Skip any products that have added sugar and food coloring especially tartrazine (F D &C Yellow) · Smoothies and muffins are great for sneak in fruits and veg-we do not get nearly enough Whatever happens, children will demand more and more control over their eating life one way or another. I have chosen as wisely as possible on the peaceful, co-operative, collaborative path and that has made all the difference. |
