Revisiting the School Lunch Box - How to Pack a More Healthful Meal

In our fast paced society, the hand-packed school lunches complete with an apple and a note from Mom or Dad is largely becoming a thing of the past. It is being replaced with fast fixes such an overly processed snack set with low nutritional value. There are some quick fixes for parents who want their children to have balanced meals at school so that their kids have the energy to maximize learning from the moment they get off the bus in their uniform polo shirt to the time they walk in the door that afternoon.

One way that many parents are maximizing healthy school lunches is by cooking enough dinner the night before so that it can be taken the next day for lunch. For a family of four, it's easy to throw another chicken breast for everyone on the grill and then pair it with slices of low GI bread, vegetables and mustard the next day for chicken sandwich. The leftovers might be so delicious that parents will have to add a bib apron into the lunch box in case of emergencies.

Another way parents can encourage better school lunches when the lunch box from home is not an option it to speak to the cafeteria staff. These men and women are identifiable by work clothes, often resembling a housekeeper uniform, and are often willing to make dietary adjustments. Nutritional-related issues are also often the subjects of parent-teacher organizations.

Some grocery store chains are even offering pre-packed lunches made daily that are both healthy and delicious and offer children a wide variety of lunch choices from sushi to tuna wraps. Although this can be a more expensive option, there are still many low cost options available. Parents can plan school meals just as they would weekly meals, incorporating vegetables and fruit, lean meat, cheese and yogurt and whole grains as a staple. Try and avoid high sugar and sodium items such as potato chips, cakes, candy, jams and fatty meats. Preparation is also a good time to review with children the importance of portion control. Make lunch making time a fun time. Parents can turn on some music and join in the fun. Many older children can also assist younger children with preparation. And what should children wash down the lunches with? Many juice drinks advertised as healthful options have almost as much sugar as a can of soda. Water and milk are still the best choice.

Parents might have to give their children a bib apron to protect their school issued uniform polo shirt once they start devouring more healthful lunches. Or they may have to wear a housekeeper uniform to keep up with the laundry and dirty clothing after the children enjoy a school lunch that tastes good and is good for them.