Research has shown that students are able to learn better when they're well nourished. Eating a healthy and nutritious diet has been linked to better memory and alertness, improved mental health,and enhanced cognitive skills like concentration and memory. This can result in better academic performance.
You only have to look inside a kids lunch box to understand that the industrialisation and commercialisation of our food chain has a strong hold on this next generation. Processed foods are sadly the norm and it can be tough to convince your kids to eat ‘real’ whole foods at school or kindy.
So how do you make wholefoods appealing and pack a nutritionally balanced lunchbox? Here are a few tips:
- Add fruit – two small serves.
- Always include protein – this is what fills them up and provides them with the fuel they need to be able to concentrate and focus (and run and play). Leftover cooked meat, eggs and canned fish are good choices. Just make sure they are packed safely using insulated bags and ice bricks to keep cool.
- Add some vegetables/salad. If there are any veggies your kids like, please include them.
- Dips are great for the lunchbox. Try pesto or hummus or even a little natural yogurt with tahini and sea salt mixed in. Throw in a few veggie sticks and crackers to scoop it up.
- Include low sugar, whole food treats. Make double batches of your kids' favourite snacks and freeze in airtight containers. Then you can pack them frozen and they are ready to eat come morning tea.
Try to avoid packaged or convenient foods which don’t contribute to your child's nutrition and just pack real food!