“The day is long for many children and a healthy and well-balanced lunch is vital for children’s development, and consistent concentration and energy throughout the school day,” said Khan to a group of guests invited to attend the workshop at the Nestle head office in Bryanston.
According to Nestlé’s 2014 Tuck-Shop Truths survey, school pupils between six and 12 years old are not eating the healthy food that they require to grow mentally and physically.
She encouraged parents to make sure that they packed a nutritional and balanced lunch containing Vitamin A, protein, fat, fruits, vegetables and some dairy.
“Packing a balanced lunch box, which includes elements of lean protein, starch, vegetables, fruit, dairy products and water, should be a main priority for parents,” she explained. “Not only for break time but for after school activities as well.”
These ideas will assist in making lunch time more appealing for children:
•Try and change the type of starch in lunch boxes to keep meals exciting. Consider items such as wholewheat bread, pita pockets, English muffins, rice cakes, tortilla wraps or mealie meal.
•Leftover pap can be rolled into the size of a golf ball, and had together with tinned fish or vegetables.
•Make a pita pocket with assorted fillings such as grilled chicken, ham, chicken or turkey slices, peanut butter, egg, tuna, cheese, cottage cheese and fresh vegetables.
•Make a fruit salad using apples, bananas and pineapple slices. To stop the fruit from going brown, squeeze a bit of orange juice over them.
•Pack carrots, spinach, cabbage or sweet potato with leftovers such as a chicken drumstick and rice for a well-rounded meal.
•Make an exciting homemade trail mix with dry cereal. Toss in a few raisins, dried cranberries and sprinkle in the recommended portion of Nestlé smarties.
Khan added that parents needed to realise that the nutrition their children received now was an investment for their future health. “We cannot stress the importance of good nutrition for children enough and the need for forming healthy eating habits for South Africa’s children remains high,” she added.
“Placing treats in your child’s lunch box is absolutely normal, however try and keep them small, and only include them on an occasional basis.”
Details: www.bateleurbp.co.za.
