Can you believe it is time for kids to go back to school? The summer flew by! My daughter starts high school on Wednesday and I have been looking at tips for her lunches and wanted to share them with you!

Nutrition is an important factor that can affect the growth and development of the brain and ultimately influence information processing and learning in children. The brain is a large and complex organ that performs many functions and helps regulate the body. It is important for children to consume the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats as well as vitamins and minerals, plus water to support brain development. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) recommend focusing on a healthy eating pattern, including a variety of nutrient-dense foods in the recommended amounts, while limiting added sugar, salt, and saturated fat intake.

With that in mind, let's get to those tips!

https://www.thekitchn.com/power-hour-veggies-first-eat-the-rainbow-22925541

*Pre-cut fruits and vegetables so they are easy to grab (cheese cubes, grapes, roasted veggie chunks). To keep the fruit, like apples, from turning brown, you can cut it and then place a rubber band around it to keep it touching.

https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/best-reusable-snack-bags-for-kids-lunch-article

*Prep baby carrots, pretzels, raisins, granola, etc. on Sundays by putting the portions in individual snack baggies so they can grab them for lunches during the week.

https://potatorolls.com/blog/lunchbox-hacks/

*Freeze yogurt and or drinks - keeps things cold and stays fresh until lunch.

https://makinglifeblissful.com/2016/03/lunch-on-stick-lunch-kabob-ideas.html

*Grab fun reusable picks/skewers for a new twist on classic favorites or change from bread to a tortilla and create roll-ups.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/nutrition-fitness/breakfast-lunches/healthy-lunches

*Include your kids in the lunch making. This gives them the opportunity to make food choices within healthy parameters. If you start them early, they can become independent in their lunch packing and choices.