|
The ABCs of Your
Child’s Healthy Lunchbox
Day camp. School. Field trips. Vacation. Your
child’s lunchbox really gets a workout! Because it’s
in constant use, that same lunchbox can be a
uniquely effective tool in maintaining your child’s
healthy weight.
We all know that childhood obesity — and its
ramifications — continues to be a concern. One-third
of obese preschoolers and half of obese school-aged
children will remain obese as adults, according to
Dr. Rallie McAllister, a family practice physician
specializing in wellness and weight loss.
As a parent, what can you do to keep your child at a
healthy weight? A few of the answers might surprise
you. In her recently released National 2006 Healthy
Lunchbox Survey on childhood obesity, McAllister
found that kids are 25 percent less likely to be
overweight if parents participate in lunch
preparation or planning. In researching and writing
“Healthy Lunchbox: The Working Mom’s Guide to
Keeping You and Your Kids Trim” (LifeLine Press,
September 2003), she also found that simple, yet
permanent changes in eating habits can produce
lasting results.
“Changes don’t have to be big, just smart,”
McAllister says. “Eliminating mayonnaise in
sandwiches is a simple way to reduce fat and
calories. Did you know that if you or your kids eat
deli sandwiches three times a week and you simply
swap out mayonnaise for French’s Mustard, you and
your kids can expect to lose a minimum of 4 pounds
over the course of one year?”
Know Your Lunchbox ABCs
A is for A+ Protein. For sandwiches or bread-less
rollups, choose lean cuts of turkey, ham, or beef.
Add thin slices of cheese for extra calcium.
B is for Bread. Choose a whole wheat bread for more
fiber and natural grain goodness.
C is for Condiment. A condiment such as French’s
Honey Mustard is not only great on sandwiches, but
can also be a finger-lickin’ dip for raw veggies or
pretzels. The mother of three boys, McAllister knows
that her children will eat vegetables if she gives
them cut-up broccoli, grape tomatoes, or baby
carrots along with dip.
So, now that you know your ABCs, take charge of
choosing good things to pack in your child’s lunch.
Also to get your kids involved and having fun,
here’s a creative lunchbox and snack idea from
McAllister. (Shhhh! Just don’t tell your kids that
these sandwiches are healthy, too!)
Cookie-Cutter Sandwiches
2 slices fat-free whole wheat bread
1 slice low-fat cheese
6 slices low-fat deli meat
French’s Classic Yellow Mustard, to taste
1 leaf lettuce
1 thin slice tomato
Cookie cutters
Let kids make their own special sandwiches by piling
on meat, cheese, mustard, lettuce, and tomato on
bread. Help them cut their sandwiches into stars,
gingerbread men, or hearts with cookie cutters –
they’re much more fun to eat!
For more great tips and recipes from Dr. Rallie
McAllister, please visit
www.frenchsfoods.com.
|
