The start of the school year is right around the corner and we all know what that means: time to pack lunches again!
Whether you pack for your kids or they opt to buy from the cafeteria, there are a few foods you’ll want to make sure make it into their lunch box or bag each day. These foods are so packed with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that nutrition experts have dubbed them “SuperFoods”.
Take note and make sure you have these on hand and ready to go.
Blueberries. This little blue fruit ranks highest for antioxidants. They are delicious on their own but also taste great mixed in with yogurt or tossed in homemade muffins.
Watermelon. Loaded with vitamins A and C, this fruit will also keep kids hydrated, a must no matter what the weather. The start of the school year is a great time to pack it, though, since it’s still in season.
Bananas. This fruit is a great option for busy students to grab on the go. It’s high in potassium which can help build strong bones, a must if you have a child who is active in sports.
Oranges. This citrus fruit is rich in vitamin C, making it a perfect choice to help ward off germs during cold and flu season.
Purple grapes. A tasty addition to any lunch or easy to reach for when you need a fast snack, purple grapes are full of antioxidants. When you’re shopping, look for deep purple ones, which contain more flavonoids.
Avocado. This fruit is good for more than just guacamole. You may know it’s good for your skin and your hair, but this is also a heart-healthy food. Avocado contains monounsaturated fats and more than a dozen vitamins and minerals.
Hard-boiled eggs. This SuperFood packs a big protein punch. Hard-boiled eggs are great for a quick breakfast, are a good topping to a salad or an after school snack. Omega-3 eggs contain higher amounts of fatty acids proven to benefit skin, allergies and brain function.
Yogurt. If you need to sneak more dairy into your child’s diet, yogurt is a healthy option. A good source of protein and calcium, this SuperFood also contains bacteria that is good for gut health. Just be sure to check labels for sugar content, especially yogurt marketed to kids, since some brands contain a lot.
Hopefully, a lot of these SuperFoods are everyday staples in your house. Make sure you add to your grocery list to keep a steady supply on hand. This can help with the “what to pack?” lunchtime dilemma. Here’s wishing you and yours a healthy school year!