Healthy Lunchboxes, Happy Kids

Aug 23, 2021


Trying to get the kids ready for school on chaotic mornings often leads to lunchbox meals that are quickly thrown together and fall short nutritionally. According to a Griffith University study, more than 70 percent of school lunches contain no vegetables at all!
Our children deserve to have a healthy, balanced meal that will fuel their bodies throughout the day, and we can help accomplish this by spending a few extra minutes meal prepping each week. Whether you grow your own garden or get your produce from a local farmers’ market, make sure to include fresh fruits and vegetables in each meal you send to school with your kids.
Here are five fun and healthy meal and snack ideas to include in your child’s lunchbox:
 
Vegetable waffles
            Shredded sweet potato, carrot, zucchini, or squash can be cooked to crispy perfection in a waffle iron. Just mix your vegetables together, add a little salt and pepper, and lightly butter each side of the iron for a yummy vegetable fritter in disguise!
 
Fruit or sandwich kabobs
 Thread grapes, pineapple chunks, blueberries, and strawberries through a skewer for a delicious fruit kabob, or try using an assortment of tomatoes, cheese, meats, and greens for a fun twist on a deli sandwich!
 
Fruit yogurt parfaits
            Add a boost of flavor to your kid’s yogurt cup by mixing ½ cup of your kid’s favorite fruit and a ¼ cup of granola into 1 cup of low-fat yogurt.
 
Soups
            Soups are a great way to pump up the “vegetable factor” in your lunchbox, and there are plenty of insulated food containers on the market that make it easy to serve soup at school. Click here for 10 easy, vegetable soup recipes for your picky eater!
 
Healthy muffins
            Using whole grains, fruit, or shredded veggies in your muffins is a great way to get your kid to eat healthier without them even realizing it! Try this Blueberry Oatmeal Muffin or Fruit and Veggie Muffin recipe to include in your kid’s next meal.
 
One last piece of advice: if you let your kids help you in the garden, they will likely be more willing to eat what they have grown! It is never too early to get your kids involved in producing their own food; plus, it will give them a greater appreciation for where their meals come from.
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator

Read More News

Sep 25, 2023
Planting food plots is the most popular wildlife management practice among landowners wanting to enhance the environment for deer. However, successful food plots require regular planting and management. Here are seven tips to consider:
 
Sep 18, 2023
As the first day of fall rolls around this weekend, it’s time to start preparing your lawn for the cooler season. Proper fall lawn care is essential for ensuring a healthy, lush, and vibrant yard come springtime.
Sep 11, 2023
Chrysanthemums are a fall staple. They pair perfectly with rocking chairs on the front porch, pumpkin decorations, and cool nights on the farm. As fall rolls around next week, use mums as a reliable source of color when the remaining summer flowers begin to fade.