Better for the Lunchbox

Did you know that last week, October 15-19, was National School Lunch Week? National School Lunch Week was established by congress and our President to recognize that childrens' health and nutrition is very important and also to celebrate the positive changes that have are being made in school lunch programs across the country. Children spend a large portion of their day in school and schools provide a good percentage of kids meals. It is important that these meals help provide your kids with the healthy nutrients their growing bodies need.

Despite these changes that are being made in our schools there is still much that needs to be done. All you need to do is look at your child's school lunch menu to see that. Why not make an effort to look at your childrens' menu everyday and if you see something that doesn't sound the healthiest pack your child a lunch for that day. I love packing lunches for my little girl and filling them with healthier alternatives. Fruits and veggies, nuts and olives, whole grains and skip the sugary sweet juices and soft drinks. You can even find special lunch treats to put in there that your child will love but are not just empty calories.

I was given two "Better for you" easy to pack lunchbox options to review. The first one is for the older kids who are drinking soda and even energy drinks. Yes, energy drinks, loaded with caffeine. I can't believe kids are actually getting their hands on these things! A great alternative is Sparkling ICE.

Sparkling ICE combines mountain spring water, natural flavors, fruit juice, vitamins, and antioxidants. The outcome is a delicious lightly carbonated beverage that also happens to be zero calories. It comes in 8 flavor varieties like Coconut Pineapple, Kiwi Strawberry, and Lemonade. One of the flavors I tried was Orange Mango and I loved it.

The other product I was given to review is something younger kids will enjoy seeing in their lunchbox. I know mine does!

 

Welch's Fruit Snacks are fun treats and a great alternative to candy or a sugary dessert. These little "gummies" as my girl calls them, are made with real fruit and contain 100% the daily recommended Vitamin C and 25% Vitamin A and E. They are fat free, gluten free, and come in 10 varieties. The 80 calorie packs are perfect for throwing in a lunchbox.

 

There are so many other things you can fill your child's lunch with to make sure they are eating a well balanced and nutritious meal when they are away from home. Want some lunch packing ideas? You can check out some of the bento lunches I pack for my little girl. Get creative so your kids will enjoy filling their bodies with healthy foods while filling their minds at school.  

 

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.