Get Your Kids Ready for School

The new school year is upon us and whether your children are starting at a new school, going back to familiar faces or being taught from home, revamping their snacks and lunches is a great way to get everyone excited for the upcoming academic year.

“Remember, growing boys and girls will one day need to fend for themselves so teaching them now about nutrition is not only important, but it can be a fun family moment, too,” said registered dietitian, Sharon McNerney. “Teach them the importance of eating a rainbow’s worth of colorful foods and share with them that lean proteins like seafood are full of benefits to keep them healthy and strong.”

Packing snacks to lunches for school doesn’t have to be a tedious task. If you found yourself reaching for that good old sliced bread regularly last year, shake up your child’s lunchtime with a yummy salad or wrap. If you’re going for a salad, throw in something sweet like strawberry slices or cranberries to discourage cafeteria swaps.

Also, continuing to think outside the snack bag is a great way to teach kids to snack healthy with treats like carrots, roasted pumpkin seeds, baby brussels sprouts, hummus or dried fruit.

Here are other great lunchtime and snack ideas:

• Cucumbers paired with a Chicken of the Sea Tuna Salad Cup will give your child the option to eat them together or separate.
• A colorful berry salad with raspberries, blueberries and strawberries coupled with a veggie wrap with hummus packs a tasty and healthy punch.
• Delicious salmon patties, a handful of cherry tomatoes and some crisp pear slices make a healthy and balanced lunch box.
• Pair cottage cheese, peach slices and a walnut salad with a tuna or salmon to go cup for another well-rounded lunch or snack.

Source: RealSimple.com