Healthy School Lunch Boxes Ideas
October 30, 2008
It’s estimated that about five million lunch boxes are prepared by British parents every week day. In a recent survey the Food Standards Agency published some startling facts – three out of four packed lunches were likely to contain food that was too high in saturated fat, salt or sugar. Most didn’t contain a piece of fruit but did include chocolate, biscuits, sugary drinks and crisps.
Experts say that we should not under estimate the importance of a eating a healthy lunch. Putting the right lunch box together can improve your child’s attention span, behaviour and learning ability throughout the school day. One third of a child’s daily nutrients should be in a school lunch box.
It all sounds so easy! However most of us if we’re honest espicially if we have fussy eaters can sometimes struggle with this advice. So what should we putting in our lunch boxes? Here are a few tips.
Protein – sandwiches using protein fillers such as chicken, ham, egg, tuna, cheese or chicken salad, tuna pasta salad keep children alert.
Carbohydrates – choosing complex carbs such as wholemeal bread, pasta, banana or rice release calories slowly so help to keep up energy levels and concentration. White bread, cakes and biscuits otherwise refined carbs only provide instant, short lived energy.
Calcium – some excellent sources are smoothies, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais and milk shakes for healthy bones and teeth.
Fruit and vegetables – Self explanatory really! Dried fruit is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
What to avoid – Cereal bars, flavoured yoghurt, savoury snacks, real fruit snacks and fruit juice drinks – all contain too much sugar, salt, artificial flavourings, sweetenrs and colourings.
Netmums have some great ideas have a look here
Using The Eatwell Plate will help you get the balance right. Click here for the Eatwell Plate it shows you how much of what you should eat should come from each food group.
And finally our range of lunchboxes and bags will make your child want to carry his/her lunch to school with the latest fun character or super hero!