by the Primary Care Network
Packing healthy lunches kids will actually eat can be a difficult task for parents and caregivers during the back-to-school season. While balanced meals are an important part of fuelling minds and bodies, it can be hard to juggle enjoyment with nutrition.
Dietitians from the Primary Care Network share their tips for making back-to-school lunches nutritious, delicious, and enjoyable.
- Involve Your Kids
Involving kids in meal prepping is key to helping them discover their own preferences and teaching healthy eating habits. Giving kids the opportunity to make choices – like at the grocery store – helps to foster positive connections with food. When kids can be involved, there’s more buy-in.
- Presentation is Key
Presenting food in a fun and easy way can make healthy food more appealing – especially when faced with a short school lunch break. Instead of a sandwich, try a meat and cheese kebab or offer sliced apples instead of a whole apple. Opting for a bento-style lunch box can also make packing easier and allow kids to select from a variety of foods – proteins, carbohydrates, colourful fruits, veggies, and healthy fats.
- Balance and Variety
Aim to add an assortment of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Pairing new foods with familiar favourites is a great way to help kids add variety to their diet. Don’t be afraid to include a fun food, like a cookie or chocolate. Enjoyment is an important part of balanced eating and building a healthy relationship with food.
