It's barely September, yet you have already run out of good ideas to fill your children's lunchboxes. Enough with the leftover chicken from dinner and stinky tuna fish sandwiches; you know your kid is just throwing it out before lunch anyway. But you don't want to give in and just pack their lunch full of sugary treats either. So, what's a nutrition-minded mom or dad to do?
Bonnie Taub-Dix, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association (ADA), says that lunch doesn't have to be a constant battle between you and your children. It is important to consider their likes and dislikes when packing lunch, or it will affect the rest of their day.
"When your child goes to school, if they open up that bag and they're really disappointed," says Taub-Dix, "it not only affects their attitude towards food, it may make them trade for something that is less healthy."
There are sensible options that you will be happy to serve your child, and he or she will be more than happy to eat. "Because if they don't like it, they're trading it," says Taub-Dix
Here are some tips to make lunchtime something your child looks forward to every day:
Get Your Children Involved
Even the youngest child can have some input into what goes into his lunchbox. The night before school, ask your child what he would like for lunch the next day. Then you can even begin talking to your child about making healthy food choices. If they request a bag of potato chips, you can recommend baked tortilla chips with a li...
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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