ItB次元官网网址檚 time to start thinking outside the brown bag!

As children and teens head back to class they will need more than just books and pens to have a successful year; they will also need healthy, nutritious and interesting snacks and lunches.

Parents and guardians should be sending children to school with a water bottle for hydration along with healthy snacks and a well-balanced lunch to feed their kidsB次元官网网址� active brains and bodies.

B次元官网网址淐olour is the most visible indicator that your childB次元官网网址檚 lunch will successfully support learning,B次元官网网址� said Areli Hermanson, Island Health dietitian. B次元官网网址淕reen and orange vegetables, blue and red fruit, we can tell by just by looking at them that they are packed with vitamins and nutrients.B次元官网网址�

Hermanson said snacks are also an important addition to the B次元官网网址減ackedB次元官网网址� lunch.

B次元官网网址淒onB次元官网网址檛 underestimate the value of a great snack,B次元官网网址� she added. B次元官网网址淪nacks can keep younger children from being cranky between meals. For teens and picky eaters of all ages, snacks may be the only guarantee your kids are getting any nutrients while theyB次元官网网址檙e away from home.B次元官网网址�

Power lunches:

B次元官网网址� Pack protein - meat & alternatives (i.e. chicken, eggs and lentils)

B次元官网网址� Choose single-serving lower-fat milk, plain yogurt and cheese (not processed)

B次元官网网址� Substitute sandwiches with whole grain crackers, tortilla, naan or mini pitas

B次元官网网址� Warm-up leftovers that your kids love and make sure they stay warm in an insulated thermos

B次元官网网址� Send home-made soup with a whole grain breadstick or a bun

Super snacks:

B次元官网网址� Fresh fruit

B次元官网网址� Crunchy vegetables (send along salad dressing if it makes the veggies more appealing)

B次元官网网址� Granola bars (preferably homemade but store-bought can be healthy too)

B次元官网网址� Nuts in classrooms where there are no allergies. (Spreads like Wow Butter are excellent substitutes for peanut butter.)

Visit the page on the Island Health website for more including best start breakfast.