{"id":2986,"date":"2017-08-24T12:46:04","date_gmt":"2017-08-24T12:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eatrightpa.org\/?p=2986"},"modified":"2021-10-30T03:39:48","modified_gmt":"2021-10-30T03:39:48","slug":"back-school-lunches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eatrightpa.org\/blog\/2017\/08\/24\/back-school-lunches\/","title":{"rendered":"Back to School Lunches"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Felicia Porrazza, MDA, RDN, LDN<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Summer is coming to a close and before you know it, school will be back in session. Although school lunches have come a long way in terms of healthful options, some may still choose to brown bag it due to limited lunch options or long lines at school. No matter if you choose to buy or pack a lunch, nutrient-dense foods should still be at the forefront of your menu. After all, a nutritious lunch will help to fuel your child\u2019s growing body and give them the energy they need to focus during the school day.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are planning to have your child buy lunch, review with them the school lunch menu so they can pick healthy and well-balanced options for each day. When packing a lunch, it is important to get your child involved since they are more likely to consume what they helped pack. You will also help to eliminate food waste when taking into consideration their food preferences. <\/span><\/p>\n

When choosing or packing a lunch, try to aim for a balance of lean protein, high-fiber carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Lean proteins could include chicken breast, tofu, beans, nuts, or seeds. High-fiber carbohydrates can include whole fruits, whole grain breads, whole grain pastas, unsweetened applesauce cups, or quinoa. Healthy fats could include nuts, seeds, avocado, or low-sugar yogurts. Brainstorm some of you and your child\u2019s favorite lunches and see where you could swap in some healthy options. <\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, when packing a healthy lunch or snack, remember to keep food safety in mind. Keep lunches cool and at a safe temperature by sending ice packs, insulated lunch boxes, or frozen waters. <\/span><\/p>\n

Check out some of the sample lunch options below for inspiration!<\/b><\/p>\n