The individuals who create The Balancing Act have a lot of children headed back-to-school. With busy schedules that include work and family, the show’s production team struggles like most parents to find quick and nutritious solutions for packing their youngsters’ lunches. After learning that one out of every four kids either trades or throws away lunch, the team asked Cheryl Dolven, Director of Nutrition and Kellogg, for help. She gives viewers a lesson in the ABCs of packing a lunch that is delicious and nutritious:
A. Ask your child to help plan and prepare what goes into the lunchbox. His or her input will ensure that it is appealing and therefore won’t go to waste.
B. Bargain with your little ones. If they choose treats, teach them that one treat is ok but needs to be balanced with healthy choices that have nutritional value.
C. Cater to their taste buds. It’s ok to pack a treat if it is small and sensible. Kids like ready-to-eat treats, small snacks, dips and crunchy foods.
Pre-cut and packaged apples slices with a peanut butter dip are the perfect way to solve a child’s craving for something sweet without mom and dad feeling guilty. Other options that combine something crunchy with a dip include baby carrots with ranch dressing and pretzels with honey mustard. The single-serving packages of Rice Krispy Treats, Cheez-Its and Zoo Crackers are also great options to include in a lunchbox. Dolven recommends that parents stock up on their child’s favorites at a warehouse store such as Sam’s Club because buying in bulk is typically more affordable and the single-serving packages are convenient and longer-lasting.
For after school snacks, Dolven recommends that parents take the same ABC approach. Sweets and treats are ok in moderation but they should be small and sensible. By having a variety of snacks in the refrigerator and pantry, parents can help their kids learn to make smart choices. For more information on optimal nutrition, go to www.kelloggsnutrition.com.
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