Shine Fm Blog

Healthy Lunches - that kids actually like!

How's that lunch-making coming along?  Struggling for ideas already?  You're not alone.  Check out these yummy ideas from the Calgary Herald:

"Instead of bread, shake it up a bit; try rice cakes with almond butter; Melba toast with cheese; bagel with flavoured cream cheese or muffins with apple butter. And, she says, try to involve the child in selecting something from different food groups; not only will it teach them about balanced eating, but improve odds they'll eat their lunches.

For snacks, try fresh cut fruits, pita with humus, avocado or nut butters; shelled edamame; shredded cheese; yogurt with berries; a homemade muffin, cookies or biscuits with milk.

The current buzz in children's nutrition is around salt. 'A recent Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation survey shows they're getting twice the amount of salt they need,' says Joanne Saab, registered dietician. 'And it also showed that 70 to 80 per cent of kids don't get enough fruits and vegetables.'

She suggests using herbs and spices for flavour in place of salt. 'And use salt in the cooking water rather than adding it after the fact.'

She urges families to eat dinner together as often as possible."

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