Lunch at Forward Leap: Make It Easy and Nutritious!

Lunch is an important part of the day at any school. This is because children being nourished helps them learn and function better in the classroom. We also encourage that the food is nutritious as that is important as well.

In this post we will go over what makes a healthy lunch and provide you with some ideas that you can consider packing for your child.

Essential Elements

To make a healthy lunch, there are essential elements that should be included. They are as follows:

• Protein- This is made up of amino acids and helps to keep us full. It also keeps us energized and plays a huge role in the growth of children. Types of protein include chicken, beef, turkey, black beans and salmon.

• Whole grains- These provide a healthy source of carbohydrates. They contain essential nutrients and provide energy. Some examples include oats, quinoa, brown rice and popcorn.

• Fruits and vegetables- These contain lots of nutrients and antioxidants. Also, the various colors make for an appealing look on your plate!

• Healthy fats- Fats are not bad like many people think they are. In fact, they are very important for brain development and overall health. The healthy ones include avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds (i.e pumpkin) and eggs.

10 Delicious Lunch Ideas

There is a wide variety of healthy lunch options you can prepare for your child for when they are at Forward Leap and at home! Here are some great ideas:

Bento box lunches are always fun for kids. You can get really creative with the way the food is presented or just plop it in the compartments. Things to add in would be little sandwiches, cucumber slices, cut up fruit, cheese sticks and more. The sky's the limit!

Sandwich wraps seem to go over even better than regular sandwiches with kids. Pair these with some fruit and you have got a well-balanced meal for your child to take to Forward Leap!

Does your child like vegetables?! A salad could be a great option to assemble for them. You could put some chicken on top of it, put dressing in a small container for them to pour on top and send a whole grain roll for on the side.

While peanut butter isn't allowed at Forward Leap (allergies)- Sunbutter is! This spread made from sunflower seeds offers a delicious alternative. Spread it on some whole grain bread, top with bananas and pack some veggies with it (i.e. carrot sticks or cucumber slices) for on the side.

Got leftovers such as a casserole or stir-fry? Send them with your child! They can make excellent lunches. Everything is reheated to 165 degrees here (food gets checked before being served) so you don't have to worry about them getting sick.

These are just a few ideas out of MANY. Click here for a great web page detailing 90 other lunch ideas.

Everything In Moderation

Eating everything in moderation is a sensible approach one's diet. It means that you don't restrict what you eat and allow foods that are not considered healthy to be consumed once in a while or in small portions.

I am not here to preach about being completely healthy 100% of the time- my family and I definitely aren't when it comes to food. However, I do think practicing moderation is a great way to live (going beyond just food).

All that to say I will not be judging you for anything you pack your children for their lunches and snacks.

I am required by law to have you pack food that has certain components in it. If they don't include the right ones, I will have to provide the ones that are missing (which they might not like). So please make sure to put in meat/meat alternatives, fruit/vegetable, grain and fluid milk alternative (if necessary).

Other Tips for Parents

Here are some practical tips for you as you begin to start packing lunches for your child:

• Prep Ahead- Sunday meal prep can make your life easier by saving you some time during the week. This can include assembling the lunches for a quick grab and writing out what you are going to pack them each day of the week.

• Involve Your Children- Letting children help pack their own lunches causes them to develop more independence.

• Use Reusable Containers- Using these types of containers are healthy for the environment and your child.

In Conclusion

Remember, a well-balanced lunch isn’t just about nutrition; it’s also an opportunity to foster positive eating habits and support your child’s overall well-being. By including the different food groups and involving your child in the lunch-packing process- you’re setting them up for success both in and out of the classroom.

Are you interested in this alternative educational option for your child? Contact us and we can discuss more about it!