Summer seems so long while it’s here, but before you know it it’s time to pack up the school lunches and wave goodbye to the bus peeling out of the lot. Back to school time is an important time for your children’s health, as cafeteria temptation can lead them down a dark path. Keeping them fueled throughout the day with plenty of vitamin-rich, protein-packed meals can be a challenge to many parents, but there’s no need for it to be complicated! Healthy back to school snacks and meals can be prepped in advance and portioned out nightly, Balancing the nutritional content is as easy as 1-2-3, and we’ve even prepared an inspiration list to get your back to school meals on the fast track.
Protein-packed meals are the best way to fuel your kids throughout the day
It’s no secret protein and complex carbohydrates help keep you full. For little ones, getting enough protein and calcium in their diet is essential to growth, both mentally and physically. One of our favorite fun lunches is the simple pinwheel, not just because it provides a punch of protein but also because of how much variety you can introduce to keep them fun. A pinwheel is nothing more than protein, veggies, and cheese layered on a whole wheat tortilla or wrap, rolled up and cut into fun, sushi-like shapes. You can go basic with turkey and cheese on a spinach wrap, or fun with pepperoni pizza pinwheels! Keep the portions appropriate to each kid’s dietary needs, and you’ll have them fueled all day with plenty of protein and calcium! If they get tired of pinwheels, try a fun pasta salad. Depending on the season, you can mix in a wide variety of veggies and meats to get a budget-friendly option. Try to stick with whole wheat pasta, as the complex carbohydrates take longer to break down and keep kids feeling full longer. Adding chicken, grapes, and a bit of plain Greek yogurt is one of our favorites for the warmer months!
Boring back to school lunches are a thing of the past
Has your little one ever pushed their own fork away in favor of trying what you’re eating? That’s a good thing! Adventurous eaters grow up to have a palette which leans towards healthier items, so encourage it! Try something different for lunch like stuffed baked sweet potatoes. Whether you fill it with buffalo chicken and drizzle on some blue cheese or make a cheeseburger variant with lean ground turkey, the more advanced meal will have them bragging to their friends. If you do go with a buffalo sauce, make sure to include a glass of milk with a low-sugar Sipahh flavored straw to balance out the heat! Even the kid-approved quesadilla can be made into a healthy lunch with the addition of lean chopped chicken and hidden veggies. Add some guacamole for healthy fats and let them tuck in!
Back to school lunches aren’t complete without healthy snacks
Every kid loves a good snack! Let’s toss out the classic ants on a log for a bit and get creative. Healthy snacks are what curb cravings throughout the day, ultimately leading to a healthier weight and more energy. They can be extremely easy to prepare, such as tossing in a Sipahh flavored straw to amp up a cold glass of milk on a hot day. With a fraction of a teaspoon of sugar per serving, you’ll feel good knowing your little one’s lunch box is getting them all the calcium they need. You can build onto this feel-good, tasty snack with fresh fruits and veggies to ensure they’re getting all the vitamins they need. A good rule of thumb when packing a back to school lunch is to keep things colorful! The more fruits and veggies included, the better. Add bright, fresh strawberries or crisp apple slices to get fiber, Vitamin C, and plenty of other nutrients! For more healthy options and activities for your kids visit https://sipahhstraws.com/blog/.
