by JQ Adams

Created on: February 06, 2009

Because junk food is so readily available today many children do not understand the value and importance of good nutritional lunches. Here are some handy ideas to entice your child to eat from his lunch box. All ideas are low in fat, low in sugar and high in nutrition giving children long lasting energy to play, learn and have fun all day long at school.
To overcome the problems associated with children wanting low nutritional, high fat, junk food it is recommended that you teach and train your child as a youngster to eat foods such as fruits, vegetables and meats that are high in nutritional value.

Snacks On The Go
Children are always busy and the last thing they want to do at school is stop and eat. Lunch time to them is all about playing so here are some ideas to ensure that your child will eat before running and playing.

Carrot Sticks

Celery Sticks

Grapes

Cherry tomatos

Cheese wedges

hard boiled eggs
Straight forward and simple but when cut into bite sized pieces, this colourful combination becomes appealing and appetizing to a young child's eye. Try packing a small container of peanut butter for the celery, or ranch dressing to dip the carrots and celery in.
You Will Never Lose With A Piece of Fruit
Pack a piece of fruit that is easy to eat, quick to chew on and fast to digest and you will have the peace of mind that your child has eaten something beneficial during his day at school. Some suggestions include;

Bananas

Mandarins (already peeled and separated)

Grapes

Strawberries
These foods are easy to eat and sweet, making them easy for a child to handle whilst in the playground or "busy" with friends in the lunch room.
HIDDEN NUTRITIONAL VALUE IN ALL THINGS SWEET
It's got to look good and it's got to taste great if you are to win your way into your child's stomach! How about trying these great ideas! They are long acting, low GI foods that will sustain your child's concentration aiding in his ability to learn and grow. When using a recipe that calls for sugar, be aware that you can almost always half the amount without affecting the consistency of the mixture.

Banana Muffins made with all bran and honey

Spiced Apple and Yoghurt Slice - made with fresh apples and plain yoghurt on top

Fruit Bread containing apricots, apples, sultanas and more.
These three suggestions will store well in any type of weather and your children will love the healthy treats that you have packed especially for them.
Don't Forget that All Important Drink
Save yourself time, effort, energy and a load of money supplying drinks to pack in lunch boxes for many years to come by teaching your child right from the onset to drink water whilst at school. This way you have created a headache free situation whilst ensuring that your child stays well hydrated.
If your child refuses to drink water, you might try some of the no-sugar, flavored waters, or the convenient to-go packs of sugar free Crystal Light or drink mixes that can be poured into a bottle of water.
The above suggestions are simple and easy and have been proven to be effective in ensuring healthy, happy children who learn and grow in a healthier manner than those that eat junk food for lunch.

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