Limit school lunches to once a week to keep up healthy habits

We all know school lunches aren’t the most healthy option, even if they taste great to the kids. It’s hard to monitor what our kids eat when they are eating school lunches every day. So, instead of eating a school lunch every day, let your child eat a school lunch on Fridays only. Monday through Thursday pack their
lunch. It’s a great compromise.

It may get harder to convince them as they get older, but for elementary and middle school, this seems to work well. They may want to eat school lunches more often, however stick to your guns, only Fridays or no days at all. They will more than likely agree again to the Fridays and any negative comments should stop. This could be one small step toward helping your child becoming healthier. 

So now the question becomes what to pack in their lunch that will keep them happy and satisfied throughout the day. Steer clear of sugary, processed snacks like fruit rollups and Little Debbie snacks. These are not only full of sugar they will not help sustain their appetites and will have them eating you out of house and home when they get off the bus. Instead pack a whole wheat peanut butter and all-natural jelly sandwich with some homemade or all natural granola, their favorite fruit, and for a sweet treat, some chocolate-covered almonds or dark chocolate chips. You could also try some Greek yogurt with fruit instead of regular yogurt. The protein packs in the Greek yogurt packs a punch and has significantly less sugar.

Try this energy-packed homemade granola. Feel free to add mini chocolate chips or some M&M’S for an added touch of sweetness.

Preheat oven 350 degrees

2 Cups Oatmeal

1 Cup Raisins

2/3 Cup Chopped Almonds

1 Stick of Smart Balance Butter Blend

3 Tablespoons Cane Sugar

2 Tablespoon Honey

2 Teaspoons Cinnamon

½ Teaspoon Salt

¼ Teaspoon Nutmeg

Melt butter in a small sauce pan. Add cane sugar and stir until thick. Remove from heat. Combine all ingredients except the honey. Pour onto baking sheet lined
with parchment paper. Spread out granola mixture and spread honey over the
top.  Bake for 6-10 minutes until golden brown. Cool and store in airtight container
for up to 5 days.