It’s that time of year again! The school year has arrived and whether your kids are off to school for the first time or getting ready to go back, one question always comes up – what am I going to make them for lunch?
Peel Public Health Registered Dietitian, Sarah Baker, devotes every Wednesday to nutrition on the Peel Public Health Facebook page, Parenting in Peel. Sarah answers questions from parents like you and shares great resources to help in making healthy choices. Here are some of the resources she shared with parents about healthy lunches and snacks:
Getting kids on board with lunches can increase the likelihood that they will eat them. You can get the whole family involved in planning and packing their lunches.
Here are some tips for making lunches fun:
* Have a variety of healthy options available. Adding variety can be as simple as buying different types of bread, fruit and toppings for sandwiches.
* Take your kids to the grocery store and try to stick to the outer aisles when searching for foods to make healthy lunches. The outer aisles are where you tend to find fresher, healthier options, such as vegetables, fruit, and yogurt.
* Kids love dips! Try making your own hummus, guacamole, or eggplant dip for them to dip their whole wheat pita and veggies into.
On September 1, 2011 all food and beverages sold in publicly-funded elementary and secondary schools will have to follow the Ontario government’s new School Food and Beverage Policy. The policy includes a set of nutrition standards for providing healthier foods and beverages at school. This policy does not affect what you pack in your child’s lunch. Follow this link for further information: http://www.peelregion.ca/health/baew/lunches-snacks/policy/
For more information on healthy eating for your family, don’t forget to check our Parenting in Peel Facebook page every Wednesday!
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