Do you have trouble thinking of healthy ideas for your children’s lunchboxes? You’re not alone. Giving kids variety in their lunchtime meals can not only keep them interested in food, but it can have many benefits when it comes to their learning, concentration and moods. It might also mean it doesn’t return home at the end of the day!
Keep reading for how a low-sugar, fresh-food lunchbox does for your child.
1. Better behaviour
Check out this video from the UK program The Food Hospital. Children were divided into two groups, with half of them fed sugary snacks and the others fed healthy snacks. Researchers noted 720 incidents of meanness, physical aggression, and hyperactive behaviour in the group who ate the sugar, compared to just 120 in the other group.
By sending a low-sugar lunchbox to school, you’re helping them sit still, focus, and learn in the classroom. You’re also helping them save time and heartache dealing with the disciplinary and social consequences of sugar-fuelled poor behaviour.
TRY THIS: Low Carb Lemon and Blueberry Cupcakes will satisfy any sweet tooth. With less than 3 grams of carb per serve though, blood glucose levels will remain steady as a rock!
2. Avoiding malnutrition
It seems counterintuitive that a well-fed, or even overweight, child could be suffering from malnutrition. But it is common for kids who consume too much sugar to not get enough of other important nutrients. Essential minerals like magnesium and calcium are used by the body as it processes sugar, so a high-sugar diet can result in deficiency.
A low-sugar lunchbox allows your child’s body to absorb the nutrients you’ve provided, giving them the nutritional tools they need for optimum brain development.
TRY THIS: Instead of chips or bags of popcorn, try a snack box of Dr Brukner’s Low Carb Muesli. Need something nut-free? No sweat! Replace the nuts with the same quantity of seeds and extra coconut flakes.
3. Keeping teeth healthy
It’s no secret that sugar causes tooth decay. And painful teeth, combined with time missed for dentist trips, will make it that much harder for your child to keep up in class. Studies have even shown that children with poor dental health are more likely to get lower grades at school.
A low-sugar lunchbox will help your child avoid tooth decay and keep their school attendance high. This, in turn, will give them a much better chance to learn.
TRY THIS: Sandwiches can still be a staple of a low carb diet! Make a loaf of our member-favourite, Low Carb Three Seed Bread and you can enjoy your beloved sambos every day of the week.
4. Avoiding sugar crashes
Sugar consumption causes your child’s blood sugar to spike. But just as quickly, their body will produce insulin to process the sugar, and their blood sugar levels will become low. This ‘sugar crash’ is common in children who consume high levels of added sugar. It can cause shakiness, sweating and poor behaviour, which will not help them thrive at school.
TRY THIS: Instead of a sugar-crash, ensure your kids are protein-powered. Our Low Carb Protein Power Muffins have a whopping 17 grams of protein per serve, keeping them satisfied and fuelled until the bell rings.
So, by providing a healthy lunch, you will help to keep their blood sugar levels steady and their learning and social development on track.
