August is "Kids Eat Right" month and school is just around the corner. If you are packing a lunch for your kids, follow these tips for packing a nutritious lunch that your kids will eat!
- Let your child help. Let them pick out a fruit or vegetable at the grocery store that they want to try. You can also ask your child to help make or pack their lunch.
- Make it fun. Give a fruit or veggie a fun nickname or shape. Consumption of fruits and vegetables improve with a fun name attached, for example "x-ray vision carrots" or “power tree broccoli”. Let your kids come up with fun nicknames.
- Finger foods. Finger foods break the meal down into manageable pieces. Fruits are far less likely to be wasted if they are cut up and ready to eat.
- Dips. Dips contain fats, which can help your child absorb vitamins from the vegetables they are eating. Kids (and adults) are also more likely to eats vegetables when paired with a dip, compared to eating vegetables plain.
- Pack when you have time. Portion out items like fruits, vegetables and crackers into baggies and store until needed.
- Balance. Include three to five foods groups, with at least one fruit or vegetable, to make a balanced meal. Remember to include a beverage such as water, milk or 100% juice.
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