Strategically arrange your bread supplies, and you'll undoubtedly have a successful break-time treat.
As the new school year begins, the Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has offered valuable advice for parents on creating balanced and appealing school lunches.
A well-rounded school lunch should include daily fresh vegetables or salad, potatoes, rice or pasta, and at most once a week a serving of meat. Including a variety of fruits, whole grains, and small portions of favorite treats can make these meals both nutritious and visually appealing, encouraging children to look forward to their lunches.
Involving children in the choice and preparation of their school meals may increase their interest and willingness to eat healthily. Using divided compartment containers can help present food in separate, visually appealing sections, making healthy eating more appealing to children.
Breakfast at home, even if small, is important for starting the day. Later snacks in school breaks provide energy for mental and physical fitness. Providing enough water for children to take to school is crucial for their concentration and energy levels.
The school cafeteria or snack bar should offer unsweetened beverages, such as water, unsweetened tea, or mint-infused tap water. Good options for vegetables and fruits include cucumber, tomato, carrot, strawberries, plums, and apples. Carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and varied whole grain sandwiches are suitable snacks for school breaks.
Muesli with fresh fruit can be a good snack option, while a balanced school lunchbox could include items such as bell pepper, banana, whole grain bread, and sparkling water. Water dispensers in schools can support a healthy, low-calorie drinking culture.
It's beneficial for children to start eating healthily regularly from an early age. However, many children may prefer less healthy options like doner, donuts, and sugary soft drinks. Sweets and snacks should be limited or only occasional in a child's diet due to their high consumption in Germany compared to vegetables and fruits.
Discussing with children what goes into their lunchbox can help reduce rejection. Eating a balanced diet can affect physical fitness, concentration, and mental performance, especially during long school days.
Parents can also propose a meeting or working group to initiate changes in the school's food offerings. Making balanced snacks and meals easy to eat and taste good is also emphasized to support concentration and energy during school hours.
By following these tips, parents can help their children develop positive eating habits, fostering a healthier school environment and supporting their children's academic and physical well-being.
