Children across the US are preparing for the new school year, with many already taking first-day photos in August.
Parents and children are also planning packed lunches filled with delicious foods.
Chef and nutritionist Diane Hendericks appeared on “Fox & Friends” this week to discuss ways to change kids’ typical lunch habits this school year.
Three chefs share their favorite after-school snacks — healthy bites for kids that take just minutes to prepare.
The New Jersey-based chef shared why it’s important to change up kids’ daily lunches by utilizing an interactive approach and healthier food options.
Diane Hendericks shared her lunchbox tips on “Fox & Friends” this week. (Tom Briglia/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
“The most important thing is to find out what they like first,” she said.
“We start by finding out what kids like – protein, vegetables, fruit – and then we build around that,” she said.
After the kids share their favorite foods, Henderix says it’s great to make lunch interactive – getting the kids involved in making the meal.
Stay healthy: Ease your kids’ back-to-school anxiety with expert tips
“My youngest son was not a sandwich-eating kid… he liked to make his own sandwiches. So, [them to school] “When it comes to eating the whole sandwich, you can just let your kids do what they want,” she says.
Henderix suggested packing bread, sandwich meats, cheese and other toppings and letting your child pack their own lunch when it’s time to eat at school.
As an interactive twist, Hendericks suggested packing make-your-own sandwich treats for kids. (Fox News)
“Make your own sandwiches rather than buying ones that are already made,” she said.
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Another lunchbox idea is to make shrimp cocktail on the go for your fancy kids.
“My oldest son loves shrimp cocktail, and so do my other kids,” she says. “It’s so easy!”
Another way to ensure your kids are getting quality protein and veggies in their lunchbox is to make a big salad.
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Henderiks suggested trying “a hearty salad with grilled chicken, croutons, ranch dressing and a few toppings.”
Chef Diane Hendericks shares some healthy recipes for your kids’ back-to-school lunches. (Tom Briglia/FilmMagic/Getty Images via iStock)
The dietitian recommended keeping hot foods in a thermos and warming the container in the morning before having your child take it to school.
She said, “Okay, by lunchtime. [occurs]It will warm up in about an hour.”
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Overall, Henderix said people should give kids what they like so they don’t come home with packed lunches.
Plus, “there’s nothing wrong with having a cookie every now and then,” she says. “Everything in moderation.”
