Packing a healthy school lunch

Packing a healthy school lunch for your kids can be challenging! The process is often time consuming, expensive and yields a lot of complaining. If you’re like us, you find yourself giving money for school lunch or packing a store bought sandwich. These options aren’t always the healthiest, and here at Educators Insurance we are always looking for simple ways to mix it up while focusing on nutrition.

The American Heart Association provides the following tips to be creative when it comes to packing nutritious lunches.

Make a smarter sandwich: Switch up the bread you use. 100% whole wheat tortilla wraps or pita pockets are a good alternative to regular bread. Besides the basic lettuce on the sandwich, try using shredded carrots or avocado slices paired with turkey.

Love those leftovers: Use family leftovers for lunch the next day. Buy a thermos to keep foods hot or cold, and your child can enjoy their favorite dinner at school!

Let them dunk: Children love to play with their food, and we say that’s ok sometimes, as long as it’s the right stuff. Healthy snacks like apple slices with peanut butter or carrots and hummus are great options for the lunch box.

Get them involved: If your kids help pack their lunches, they may be more likely to eat them! Mornings can be hectic, so think about setting aside some time in the evening to let the little ones help you prepare lunch for the next day.