4 Alternatives for Healthier School Lunches

Wheat Bread or Pita Bread..NOT White Bread

That white bread that kids love so much provides nothing for them in the way of vitamins or nutrients.  White Bread is also high on the Glycemic Index.  White Bread on the Glycemic Index is a 71; a Doughnut is a 76!  Taste buds tell you one thing, but your body will utilize it the same!  I tell my clients that the Glycemic Index is so important when it comes to weight-loss! Whether your child prefers peanut butter and jelly, turkey, ham, or egg salad, making the sandwich on wheat, whole grain, or pita bread is the way to go. . They will likely put up some resistance in a move to whole grain bread if they are used to white only, but it's a fundamental switch to make if you want them eating healthier lunches at school and will lead to better habits as they get older and reach high school and college.

Veggies

Every kid could use more vegetables; I didn't enjoy salads when I was younger, of course, but try and sneak in a few carrots or broccoli.  Tell them the carrots help with their eye sight and the broccoli helps with digestion; both statements are true. 

Many kids hardly get a single full serving of vegetables over the course of the day. If you need to add a small container of ranch or other tasty dip to make veggies a flavorful lunch addition, that is fine; try a low-fat or even Hummus.

Trail Mix

Packing trail mix is a great way to add both the sufficient protein and "good/healthy" fats to your child's diet.  It's a perfect alternative to a bag of potato chips or junk food, which are both void of any health benefits.

Whole Grain Crackers

Every child wants something tasty to snack on, and whole grain crackers (i.e. Triscuits, Wheatables) are a good means of providing fiber while eliminating saturated fat and trans fats when compared to greasy chips or fattening Doritos.

- Zeke Samples -