When it comes to school lunches, there’s a growing list of foods you should steer clear of. With the alarming rise in childhood obesity and diabetes, it’s crucial for parents to prioritize healthy eating habits. As the saying goes, you can’t expect kids to develop good habits if you don’t model them. So, it’s time to get serious about those lunchboxes.
This article highlights a list of items you should absolutely not include in your kid’s packed lunch. Among the 15 offenders, four are no-brainers (candy bars, energy drinks, sports drinks, and soda), while the remaining eleven might leave you scratching your head in disbelief. Let’s dive into the forbidden items that should be left out of your child’s lunchbox, shall we?
Fruit Snacks
Next time you reach for that box of fruit snacks, take a peek at the ingredients. Spoiler alert: the first item is usually fruit concentrate, not real fruit. Surprise! While it’s not a Skittle, it’s also not a health food.
Lunchables
These pre-packaged meals might be convenient, but they’re loaded with preservatives and lack nutritional value. Saturated fats and sodium galore—definitely not what our growing kids need!
Deli Meat Sandwiches
Many parents toss deli meat sandwiches into their kids’ lunches without a second thought. But processed meats? They often come with a side of chemicals, nitrates, and added sodium. So why not whip up a whole turkey each week and slice it yourself? Just kidding… maybe.
Potato Chips
Allowing kids to munch on junk food as children often paves the way for lifelong unhealthy eating habits. While I don’t pack chips, it’s not because they’re banned in my house; I just can’t handle the judgment. #realtalk
Drink Pouches and Juice Boxes
What are you really giving your child? Flavored, watered-down high fructose corn syrup in a bright package. But hey, #teamjuicebox4life!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
Opt for peanut butter made from just nuts and a sprinkle of salt, and swap out jelly for fresh fruit slices. Sure, let’s convince our picky eaters that they’ll enjoy a fancy, health-conscious version of their beloved PB&J.
Kid-Friendly Yogurts
Yogurt can be a sneaky source of hidden sugars. Opt for plain or lightly sweetened varieties and throw in some real fruit, or perhaps we need to start packaging unsweetened Greek yogurt in colorful containers to make it appealing?
Granola Bars
You may think you’re being healthy with granola bars, but they’re often just sugar-coated junk food. If you’re really keen, you can make your own and regulate the sugar content yourself.
So, whether you decide to follow this advice and pack raw, homemade granola with unsweetened yogurt and an apple or stick to convenience foods, just know you’re not alone in the lunchbox struggle. After all, who has the time to roast a turkey every week?
For more insights on parenting and other related topics, check out our comprehensive guide on the at-home insemination kit here. And if you’re curious about nutrition during breastfeeding, visit this resource. For additional parenting advice, this site is an excellent resource to keep on hand.
Summary
In the quest for healthy school lunches, it’s important to avoid certain items like fruit snacks, Lunchables, and deli meats, among others. Instead, consider healthier alternatives that your kids might enjoy. And remember, you’re not alone in navigating the ups and downs of packing school lunches!