Pack a Healthy Picnic Lunch

We all want to kids to become healthy and strong. One of the best ways to do this is to give them the right food. However, this is easier said than done, especially when we’re packing their lunch for school. Owing to our hectic schedules or ignorance about nutrition, we end up feeding our kids with junk food that can later lead to obesity and a host of health problems. If we do feed them right, some kids may not appreciate that and ignore our efforts. This short article will show you how to make a picnic lunch that is not only healthy but tasty as well - something that your kids will find difficult to ignore.

First, give your kids plenty of fruits. Many kids love fruit in all it forms so give them lots of grapes, bananas and apples. Another way to do this is to chop fruit into small pieces and put these in a small plastic container. This is good for strawberries, pears, peaches and oranges. If your child doesn’t fancy fresh fruit, then give him dried fruit. With a dehydrator or oven, you can easily make banana chips, dried apples and pineapple snacks.

Don’t forget to include cooked or raw vegetables. Most kids will nibble on baby carrots or celery sticks.  Raw broccoli or chopped jicama are other good alternatives. If your child likes some dipping, prepare a small container of low-fat ranch dressing or other dip to accompany the veggies.

Add some dairy products. A lot of kids don't drink enough milk so cheese or yogurt can make a perfect addition to lunchtime meals. To save money, don’t buy prepackaged individual servings of yogurt. It’s better to go for plain or vanilla yogurt that you can spice up with some berries or granola. Chunks of cheese also make great finger foods.

Lastly, provide healthy drinks. Do away with sodas and high-sugar fruit juice that can make them fat and hurt their teeth. Turn to water bottles and milk instead. To keep the lunch cold, freeze the water bottle the night before and pack it in the lunch box. This will thaw by lunchtime.