The Happy Lunchbox: Pack the Rainbow

Children should be eating a variety of foods for optimum nutrition, but this isn’t an easy task to accomplish, especially if they’re picky eaters. The best strategy to establish healthy eating habits is to offer children a variety of foods and give them the opportunity to explore. They’re likely to reject vegetables, especially those that are really good for them. The key is to keep offering and keep modeling healthy eating behavior. Another important thing to do is to talk about healthy foods in a positive light. If we make it sound like it’s a chore or an obligation to eat healthy food, they will see it the same way.

We love a school lunchbox that incorporates all food groups, is delicious, and affordable.

The USDA recommended food groups can be easily incorporated into your little one’s (and your) lunchbox:

• Vegetables: Cut up- carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, and cauliflower florets work well for little hands

• Fruits: Cut up- apples, pears, small tangerines, grapes, blueberries, and bananas

• Protein: Hard-boiled egg, chicken breast cut into cubes, beans, tofu or fish

• Grains: Choose whole grains for bread, tortilla, and pasta

• Dairy: Milk, whole yogurt, eggs, and cheese

✿The most affordable place to find locally grown fruits and vegetables is your local farmer’s market. Find one near you at Ecology Center Farmer’s Market Finder.