Packing lunches can be a rushed chore for parents and unhealthy items might get mixed in. Children have particular tastes and balk at new, healthy treats. We took the 5 worst items in a school lunch and came up with the best ways to replace them. Turn those sugary snacks into fiber filled treats. The key is to keep the foods interesting and not too different from what they usually get. If your child returns home with half of their lunch uneaten because they “don’t like apples” then use these tricks!
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| Chocolate treats are very tempting for lunches. They’re individually wrapped and easy to throw in their backpack. Instead of the high sugar option, try healthy chocolate cookies. They pack the same great chocolate taste, but also have fiber and fewer calories. |
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| Chips are crunchy and a fun snack, but lack nutritional value. It’s the start of apple season so celebrate it with some beautiful apple chips. Make them sweet or savory, but either way they’ll be gobbled up in seconds.. |
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| Stop older kids from eating out by packing them a delicious wrap. They hold up well without refrigeration and you can put tons of vegetables inside without them knowing. Drizzle Caesar dressing with chicken inside the wrap for a very tasty lunch that won’t have your children heading off to the fast food joint. |
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| Unless your child is training for the Olympics, chances are they don’t need to be having that sports drink every day. Curb their cravings for this sugary beverage with colorful water bottles. They will love showing them off to their friends! |
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| Resist packing unhealthy sugary pudding in their lunches in favor of fruit and yogurt. While pudding does have calcium, it doesn’t stand up to the nutrition of yogurt! Use Greek yogurt that is full of protein and sweeten it lightly with honey. Layer fruit and granola with the yogurt to make a delicious parfait that your kids will love. |
