Healthy living begins with the right lunch box
Marcelle le Grange, a dietician at LiveWell dieticians, says parents must try to encourage children to make decisions about what they eat and explain to them the importance of healthy eating.
LYDENBURG – The first few weeks of school can be a challenge for parents, especially if it’s the first year they have to pack a lunch box.
Marcelle le Grange, a dietician at LiveWell dieticians, says parents must try to encourage children to make decisions about what they eat and explain to them the importance of healthy eating. “Parents must let their children choose the type of fruit they would like to eat at school. Letting them choose will encourage them to eat and they will choose something they like.
“When selecting food products, include low-GI (glycaemic index) foods such as wholegrain sliced bread, wholemeal bread rolls, or wholemeal pita bread or tortilla wraps,” she said.
“Low-GI foods help to maintain stable blood sugar through the slow release of sugar into the bloodstream and keep you satisfied for longer,” she explained.
Use lean meat in sandwiches or peanut butter without syrup.
Parents should add lettuce, cucumber and tomato to sandwiches. You add extra vitamins, minerals and fibre when you do.
For fluids, you can provide water, low-fat milk, sugar-free cordials or “light” ice tea or homemade ice tea. Fizzy drinks, sports drinks and fruit juices must be avoided.
“Fruits are sweet and tasty, and are a much healthier alternative,” she added.
Children should be offered fruits that are easy to eat such as grapes and cherries.
Le Grange said that parents must include one green leafy or yellow vegetable for vitamin A and also one vitamin C-rich fruit, vegetable or juice.
LiveWell dieticians visit the Lydenburg Medical Centre once every three weeks to assist residents.
