Packing your lunch is a healthy habit with these fresh ideas for lunches, and we also share some tips when packing for school. In case you have camping in the wilderness on your agenda your nutrition needs means there’s plenty to consider besides grabbing a bottle of water to ensure you have a safe experience on your outdoor adventure. As Americans settle into their routines with kids in school and work after vacations, they are packing lunches for work to save money, but packing your child’s lunch can help as well, while ensuring a healthy meal.
- Healthy lunches are important
Here’s what you need to know about a good approach: think food groups, have at least three of them represented in his lunch, and think outside the sandwich when choosing items for lunch. The foods you pack will give your kid nutrients in order to learn at school and enough energy, otherwise they may find it difficult to concentrate, just like adults, so when they are not available, the chances he will reach for junk food. Using pita or tortilla instead of bread can make it more interesting, so you may want to write a simple chart of different options and ideas to mix in different columns for a variety of meals.
- Sandwiches take to work
Love your leftovers as well, because they are great for lunch, and there are many tasty ideas for stir-fry, sweet tofu filled with veggies, a warm soup with veggies, a toasted pita and dipping or a simple chicken salad with leftover chicken and a slice of baguette. Choose different breads: whole grain, pitas, bagels, small rolls, muffins or naan, but check that they have at least 2 grams fiber and try a variety of spreads: mustard, hummus or lower fat mayonnaise for tasty combinations. Freeze portions of spinach vegetarian pasta, it’s so easy!
- Your food needs are higher on activity-based excursions
For a hike you can pack foods, just be sure you have an ice pack to keep them chilled and remember that the more you stash, the harder it is, so opt for non-perishable foods that are lightweight, such as nuts, nut-based bars, nut packs, freeze-dried veggies, energy chews, granola bars or tuna pouches. Some key considerations before your camping trip include: foods you’ll have to carry, if bringing a cooler is an option, tools you’ll need, hydration by drinking 4 cups of water so you have less to carry and plan for 2 cups for every hour. You can go for poultry or meat when camping or, although it’s a little challenging to pack for days at a time, and you’ll be able to eat perishable foods only on the first day.
- Keep everything clean
Before lunches are eaten, for good safety kids ought to wash their hands with warm water for 20 seconds, while singing the “ABC’s” or two rounds of “Happy Birthday”, and you should make sure you wash dishes and countertops with soapy water after each food as well.