August is officially here which means summer is coming to an end and the back-to-school madness is right around the corner. It’s back to the lunch-packing grind for parents; many may be wondering what’s new in healthy options for their children?
It’s an important question, as each lunch offers an opportunity to improve your child’s diet. These choices can make a big difference toward the daily and weekly totals of calories, fat, saturated fat, fiber, sugar, and sodium your child consumes.
How your child eats today will have a large impact on their health throughout childhood as well as adulthood. Consuming nutritious food helps children and teens develop, grow, do well academically, and feel good about themselves. Child and teen eating disorders, obesity, dental cavities and iron-deficiency anemia can be prevented with good nutrition.
Twenty-five percent of all children between the ages of 2 and 18 years old are overweight according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children who are overweight and obese have a greater risk of developing major health issues such as; high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, joint pain, and heart disease. We need to teach our children good nutrition habits to decrease the likelihood of them becoming overweight. Helping your child choose nutrient-dense foods over empty-calorie foods, such as cookies and sodas, can help prevent childhood obesity, and provide your child with a higher quality of life.
Parents must find a balance between packing healthy lunches and lunches their children will actually eat. Getting your child involved in preparing, choosing and packing his own lunch will make him more likely to eat it–so it’s great to let him lend a helping hand. CarbEssentials offers lots of healthy alternatives to the usual snacks you might be packing in your kids’ lunch.
Dr. Powell’s Sneals® increase satisfaction, decrease hunger, protect muscle mass, stabilize blood sugars and insulin levels, all while increasing energy levels. A Sneal® is a single serving food that ranges between 60 to 250 calories, that is quick, convenient, portable, great tasting, and has an equal protein to carb ratio and is as lean as possible.
So what's in your child’s lunch when they go back to school? Here are a few ideas;
IPS Chips
- A chip that is so incredibly light, crispy, and delicious, you won't believe you're getting healthy egg white protein in every bite. In fact, each one-ounce serving of IPS Chips contain 7 grams of protein, the equivalent of two egg whites. How's that for a satisfying SNEAL? And with half the fat of leading fried potato chips and fewer carbs than the leading baked potato chips. IPS Chips are the first chips that you don't need to feel guilty about giving to your children. IPS Chips come in four delectable flavors that will leave your kids reaching for more! BBQ, White Cheddar, Cinnamon and Sea Salt and Black Pepper.
Quest Protein Bars
- Quest protein bars were designed for anyone who cares about good nutrition and weight management. These protein packed bars are irresistible, with 20-22 grams of protein. They will keep your kids feeling full longer.
Simply Snackin’ Jerky
- High protein, low calorie Simply Snackin' gourmet dried meats are the preferred choice. Simply Snackin’ products deliver an experience unlike any conventional jerky bite after bite of moist, lean, savory chicken breast, beef sirloin or venison paired with flavorful mangos, apples, blueberries and other artisan ingredients. Both lean, tasty and with no MSG or trans fat.
Nuero Drinks
- Each Neuro is Vegan, Gluten Free, Kosher, and offers you the best ingredients to help your body get what it needs. All at only 35 calories per bottle. It’s time to exchange those sodas and high sugary drinks for beverages that serve a specific purpose, to help you nurture your body, mind and overall well-being.