Nutritional Snacks and Lunches
Every fall parents are faced with the challenge of packing appealing and tasty lunches and snacks that meet the nutritional needs of their child. Healthy food and beverages are important for your child's development and learning abilities.
Hints for Preparing Healthy Lunches and Snacks
Involve your child in choosing and preparing the foods they will bring to school. Children are more likely to eat the foods they choose.
Follow the new Canada's Food Guide which recommends that children aged 4 - 13 eat:
5 - 6 servings of fruits and vegetables
4 - 6 servings of grain products
2 - 4 servings of dairy and alternates
1 - 2 servings of meat and alternates daily.
Add something to drink such as milk or soy beverage, water, 100% pure fruit or vegetable juice. Beware of the added sugar in drinks, cocktails and beverages.
Include nutritious desserts such as milk pudding, lowfat yogurt or fruit pieces.
Be creative by cutting fruits, vegetables and sandwiches into small fun sized shapes.
Choose foods that are easy to eat and not too messy. Provide a napkin in the lunch bag.
Use an ice pack to keep cold foods that should be kept cold such as sandwiches, cut vegetables and milk products.
Store hot foods in a thermos.
Clean lunch bags, containers, utensils and reusable water bottles everyday