Over the last couple of years, WakeMed’s Families First publication has offered lots of great back-to-school tips for parents and kids. In anticipation of back-to-school, we will share this timeless information with you from sleep training to vaccinations to packing your child’s lunch to how to know when your child really is too sick for school.
Packing your child’s lunch (and yours) is a good way to ensure they’re getting the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.
Check out these ideas from Julie Paul, MS RD LDN CDE, dietitian with the WakeMed Children’s Diabetes Program:
- Instead of the same type of bread every day, try whole grain rolls, bagels, buns, pita pockets, English muffins, flat breads or crackers.
- Try bean spreads, nut butters or vegetable strips instead of meats for a sandwich stuffer.
- Use leftovers from dinner the night before (salad, pasta salad, chicken breasts).
- Pack an assortment of raw or grilled vegetables (carrots, celery, bell pepper strips, snow peas, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower) with dipping sauce.
- Make kabobs with fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Try vegetable juice instead of fruit juice.
- Make your own trail mix with whole grain cereals, pretzels, raisins and nuts. To help mornings go smoother, pack lunches the night before.
