Getting little ones to eat a healthy lunch can be a challenge, but we all know nutritious meals are incredibly important for growing children. Here are some tips and ideas from the experts:
- What each meal should include:
- A serving of leafy greens or yellow vegetables
- Think: spinach, broccoli, winter squash, greens, or carrots
- A serving of fruit, especially ones rich in vitamin C
- Think: oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, or melon
- Avoid or limit fruit juice (but if you do, give 100% fruit juice and dilute with water)
- A protein source
- Think: lean meat, fish, beans, eggs, nut butters, hummus
- A dairy source
- Milk, cheese, cottage cheese, low-sugar yogurt
- A whole grain source
- Think: whole wheat crackers, whole wheat cereals and pasta, oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice
- How to encourage healthy eating:
- Be a role model!
- Eat healthy foods with your child and share your favorites with them
- Eat meals as a family whenever possible
- Studies show that children in families who eat more meals together, eat healthier
- Let your child get involved in meal planning
- Allow them to choose some of their favorite healthy options to pack
- Avoid packing unhealthy, processed, and sugary options
- If the option isn’t there, children will not miss it and will enjoy what has been provided
Good nutrition early in life builds a foundation for healthy food choices for a lifetime. As always, if you have questions or concerns regarding healthy eating, please contact your pediatrician.
Feel free to check out these links from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
