As we settle back into a school routines, the question always seems to come up; “How can I feed my kid(s) better this year?”
I’ve put together a few ideas for getting more healthy yummies into your kids’ tummies. Here are a few great snack/lunch ideas you may not have thought of yet:
- Kale, apple and/or root veggie chips – just slice thinly and either dehydrate or low temperature roast them at low temperature (about 200 degrees) on a cookie sheet in your oven until thoroughly dried. Before cooking, add unrefined salt, and/or herbs/spices your child likes. You can make loads at a time and keep them sealed in the cupboard for easy access.
- Smoothies – just throw a few fruits/veggies with some milk/yogurt/alternative in the blender and viola – a great snack or small meal. Pack in a wide-mouth thermos or water bottle.
- Homemade trail mix – raw nuts, seeds, dried fruit. Easy-peasy. Change it up if they get bored of it and use things like (unsweetened) coconut/mango/banana chips, dried blueberries/cherries, dark chocolate chips (just a little), pumpkins seeds. (Note: always buy nuts & seeds raw and if you prefer the roasted flavour, do it yourself at a lower temp and without the refined salt and cheap vegetable oils. Much healthier for you!)
- Homemade parfait in a mason jar – layer plain yogurt, low sugar jam or pureed fruit, whole fruit, chia seeds, apple sauce, pumpkin puree, etc. Have fun creating new ones with each season. Your child will feel like they’re getting a special treat
- Note: You can put a sleeve or sock over it to protect it from breaking in their school bags.
- Apple or pear ‘sandwiches’ - spread nut butter between and sprinkle with coconut or oat flakes and/or fresh fruit (ie: pomegranate, sliced grapes, kiwi)
Please avoid including anything with white sugar (or high fructose corn syrup), white flour, food colouring, artificial sugar/flavouring in your child’s lunch. These all impede optimal learning and can lead to poor immune health if eaten regularly.
All the best from my family’s kitchen to yours.
