Eat an ‘A’ Grade Lunch to Earn an ‘A’ Grade at School

Packing Lunch Together Motivates Children to Eat

The health of your child should always be the first thing in your priority list. Encouraging your child to engage in physical activity and providing healthy meals are sure indicators of a healthy growth and development in your child. These form a strong foundation for building healthy eating habits in children for the rest of their lives.

You can always surf the internet or read articles to come up with innovative ideas to excite your child about eating healthy food. Given here are simple ideas to win your child’s attention.

Kick Start the Day with a Hearty Breakfast

Make it a point to never skip your breakfast. Reports prove that children who eat their breakfast everyday have regular school attendance, are rarely late to school and have fewer hunger-induced stomachaches. Parents can note a marked improvement in their children’s test scores, concentration, problem solving skills and muscle coordination. If you are lacking time, go for quick and healthy options like oatmeal topped with nuts or raisins, low-fat yogurt with sliced fruit or whole-grain toast with peanut butter.

Make Innovative Lunch Recipes

• Pack lunch together: Involve kids in packing their lunch and allow them to choose foods which would excite them to eat without throwing away or swapping with their classmates. But make sure that their choices are also healthy.
• Explore new varieties: Tempt your kids with exotic fruits like kiwi or litchi for dessert. Take them along to the grocery store to pick fruits and vegetables of their choice.
• Celebrate special days: Do something different on all special occasions. Maybe you can pack an all-red lunch for Valentine’s Day or prepare your child’s all-time favorite dish for Children’s Day.
• Allow them to choose, but healthily: Keep changing protein sources like tuna, peanut butter, turkey or beans and whole-grain items like whole-grain bread, tortillas or crackers to keep your child guessing his/her lunch for the day. Pack different fruits (banana, strawberry or orange) and vegetables (carrots, broccoli or cucumber) daily.

Get on your Toes

Inspire your kids to get involved in some form of physical activity for at least 60 minutes daily. It can even be swimming or badminton. Physical fitness is essential for a healthy body weight, strong bones and muscles, self-esteem and good social skills. This would become even more better if the entire family is involved in the activity. Trekking, cycle rides after dinner, taking the dog out for a brisk walk or hiking during weekends are some interesting options.

For further information on helping your children grow healthy and active, seek the opinion of a registered dietitian nutritionist at www.firsteatright.com.