Dietvana is celebrating National Nutrition month and would like to give you some ideas on how to fuel school age children to help their body to stay strong against illness, build strong bones and teeth, improve mental health and maintain a healthy weight.
Here are some excellent ideas to pack in their lunch boxes:
Fresh fruit - such as apples, bananas, grapes, or berries, which are easy to pack and provide vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Trail mix - a mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and whole-grain cereals or crackers, which can provide protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
Cheese and whole-grain crackers - such as cheddar cheese, whole-grain or multigrain crackers, or cheese sticks, which can provide protein, calcium, and fiber.
Hummus and vegetable sticks - like carrot sticks, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or celery sticks, which can provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Yogurt - plain or flavored, low-fat or non-fat, with or without fruit and granola, which can provide protein, calcium, and probiotics.
Sandwiches - made with whole-grain bread, lean meat or cheese, and vegetables like lettuce, tomato, or cucumber, which can provide protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Rice cakes low-fat and low-sugar snacks that can provide carbohydrates and fiber, and can be flavored with herbs, spices, peanut butter or a sprinkle of cheese.
Granola bars or energy bars - made with whole grains, nuts, and dried fruits, without added sugars or artificial flavors, which can provide protein, fiber, and energy.
Muffins or mini-quiches - homemade or store-bought snacks made with whole-grain flour, eggs, vegetables, and low-fat cheese, which can provide protein, fiber, and vitamins.
