Experts dish secrets to getting kids to eat healthier school lunches – KRIS Corpus Christi News

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Experts dish secrets to getting kids to eat healthier school lunches – KRIS Corpus Christi News

Parents face a lot of decisions while packing a child’s school lunch. You have to take into consideration types of food and portion sizes. Here’s some meal preparation tips.

If you’re trying to get your kids to eat vegetables, the key is getting kids into the kitchen.

“Being able to walk them through the culinary steps to it, makes them more engaged in the process,” Kate Hilliard, Dietitian for the Food Bank of Corpus Christi.

Giving kids foods from different cultures also makes healthy foods more interesting. Hilliard got creative and used a history lesson about Vietnamese culture to teach kids how to make vegetable spring rolls.

“I didn’t think my kids would eat vegetables and here they are scarfing it down, because they made it,” she said.

To save money on fresh foods, shop for what’s in season. “It’s going to help cut down on costs, where you can do in bulk as well. And you’re making that investment in your kid’s health,” Hilliard explained.

Some other easy tips? Switch to yogurt based ranch dressing, or hummus. Chop vegetables in different ways, making them easier to dip. 

Bell peppers have vitamin C, which helps prevent flu and colds. Carrots are packed with vitamin A, which is good for the immune system, skin, and eye sight. Spinach has vitamin K, which helps with blood health, preventing bruising.

And to make healthier quesadillas? Look for 100% whole wheat flour or whole grain on package labels, and use low sodium beans for fiber and protein. 

For sweets, choose canned fruits with low sugar, or no added sugar. Or unsweetened, natural apple sauce, sprinkle some cinnamon to add flavor. You can also give kids a small handful of dried fruit like raisins.

If you’re short on time to make these meals every day, or think it’s too expensive, it takes about five minutes to make the meals Kate Hilliard prepares. And each costs about $ 2. 

Kids will go from low energy and difficulty focusing, to having a better school experience.  “Kids are ready to go,” Hilliard said.

As for what to drink, cut out juices, because they have too much sugar. Don’t drink sports drinks, they’re strictly for sports. Keep it simple, and stick to water to keep you kids hydrated. 

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