A Healthy Lunchbox for a Healthy Child

As the excitement of a new school year builds, ensuring your child's health and happiness is paramount. A nutritious and tooth-friendly lunchbox can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. With the children of Eltham returning to school this week, let's explore some delicious and easy-to-pack lunch ideas that will keep their smiles bright and their bellies full.

What Can I Put In My Child's Packed Lunch?

As your child heads back to school, ensuring they have a nutritious and balanced diet is essential for their overall well-being. A healthy lunchbox not only fuels their body but also supports their oral health.

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas:

  • Protein Power: Hard-Boiled Eggs, Greek Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Cheese.

  • Whole Grain Goodness: Whole-Grain Bread, Brown Rice, Whole-Grain Crackers.

  • Colourful Fruits and Vegetables: Cut-Up Fruits (Apples, Pears, Grapes, Berries), Vegetable Sticks (Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers), Fruit Salad.

  • Healthy Snacks: Rice Cakes, Whole-Grain Granola Bars, Popcorn, Pretzels.

Avoid These Items In Your Child's Lunchbox:

  • Sugary Drinks: Soda, Juice, Sports Drinks.

  • Processed Foods: Packaged Snacks high in unhealthy fats, sodium, added sugars.

  • Fried Foods: Fries, Chicken Nuggets.

  • Candy and Chocolate.

Healthy Lunch Ideas For Kids:

  • Sandwiches: Ham and Cheese, Chicken Salad, Grated Apple and Carrot, Avocado and Tomato, Egg Salad.

  • Pasta Salad: Cheesy Macaroni, Tuna Mayonnaise, Tomato Sauce, Chicken and Lettuce, Ham Salad.

  • Premade Lunchbox Ideas: Cheese Pinwheels, Savoury Muffins, Quiche, Sausage Rolls.

Puddings/Sweet Treats:

It can be incredibly difficult to reduce sugar intake in children, especially those with picky eating habits. The key is to limit sugary treats and focus on providing nutritious meals and snacks.

Healthy Sweet Treat Options:

  • Fruit-Based Desserts: Fruit Salad, Fruit Skewers, Fruit Smoothies, Greek Yogurt and Fruit.

  • Homemade Treats: Oatmeal Cookies, Rice Pudding, Vanilla Cupcakes and Banana Bread.

  • From The Supermarket: Dark Chocolate, Yogurt-Covered Pretzels, Chocolate Rice Cakes.

Remember:

  • Limit portion sizes.

  • Encourage a variety of foods.

  • Choose healthier alternatives and limit added sugars.

By packing nutritious and tooth-friendly lunches, you're not only fuelling your child's body but also supporting their oral health. Healthy eating and good oral hygiene go hand-in-hand. Regular dental check-ups are essential for children to prevent cavities and maintain a bright smile. S3 Dental Eltham is currently accepting new NHS patients, to register please contact us on 020 8850 9836.

Sooki Reeves