Back to School Healthy Lunchbox Tips

It's that time again, time to grab pencils and notebooks, new sneakers, and start planning our kids' lunches. What will you pack in your son or daughters' box? Odds are, you'll choose a sandwich, some Oreos, or possibly some fruit snacks. Whereas these options are easy and convenient, they may not be the healthiest options for your children. There are certain health elements that you should keep in mind when shopping for your child's lunchbox, to ensure the best for your son or daughter's health.

Sipping on healthy options: Many parents make the mistake of thinking that all juices are a healthy drink for lunchboxes. Whereas fruit juice is certainly a healthier option than pop, it is important to understand what comprises juice. Many juices made from concentrate still contain an excessive amount of sugar. Look for no-sugar added juices, as well as drinks that are actually 100% juice. If you can, look for small juice boxes and pack your child water as well. Better yet, pack a piece of your child's favorite fruit and a bottle of water instead.

Think beyond the box: A sandwich is easy to put together, but remember that it is certainly not the only option for a lunchbox. Using small Tupperware containers allow you pack salads, or other veggie-rich meals. Finding healthy foods that your kids will eat is a good start, then making those dishes for meals and packing leftovers is a great way to spice up lunchtime with nutrient-rich foods. If you do opt for a sandwich, take care to buy whole wheat bread, part-skim cheeses for a healthy dose of protein and calcium, and alternatives to your standard lunchmeat. Lunchmeat contains preservatives that can be harmful, and are oftentimes very heavy in sodium. If you make roast beef for dinner the night before, use leftover meat for sandwiches the next day for a healthier choice.

Ending with the dessert: Lunchbox desserts come in all shapes and sizes, but for a healthier choice probably won't come from a box marked "Little Debbie's." Children tend to be rewarded with sweets, resulting in negative dependencies or associations to junk food. Instead, start early introducing healthier sweets-such as yogurt with granola and fresh fruit, or a fruit cobbler or crumble. These will introduce healthy carbs that satisfy the sweet tooth, but won't load your child with unnecessary sugar or empty calories.

As you can see, small changes can make a huge difference in how healthy your kid's lunches can be. Another important thing to keep in mind, however, is to understand your child's likes and dislikes, and maintain a proper amount of creativity to make sure what you pack will be something they will actually eat when lunchtime rolls around. Above all else, have fun with it! Let your child help you pack, and they'll be more apt to enjoy the healthier selections you provide for them this school year.