'lunches' posts

Han•gry [ háng gree ]

1. feeling very annoyed because you are hungry
2. a combination of hungry and angry

We’ve all experienced it: the short temper that comes from being hungry, better known as being “hangry.” Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life, eating can become a secondary priority. Unfortunately our brains and bodies aren’t meant to function without food and so we get hangry. Low blood sugar and a grumbling tummy can turn us into less than pleasant parents, partners and coworkers. So in spite of all the messages out there saying eat less, hear this message instead: Eat sensibly when you’re hungry. Here’s why (and how)...

There are two truths most of us have to live with on a daily basis:

1. We have to eat to survive
2. Life is busy

These two truths together often mean that we grab for processed foods (chips, cookies, crackers) when we feel hungry. Other times, it’s just easier to order take-out or fast-food in between meetings, classes or appointments. Of course, these foods often have less nutritional value and more calories. With the New Year underway and many of us aiming to shed pounds or improve our nutrition, why not make a resolution to pack your lunch at least 3 to 5 times per week?

Packing your own lunch has many benefits including...

Jingle bells may no longer be ringing in your ears, but the constant barrage of New Year’s resolution pressure probably is! Yet for all the commercials that promise the next great way to shed pounds or get more physically active in the New Year, children are left out of the resolution discussion. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that they shouldn’t be involved in setting healthy goals. Why not turn your New Year’s goals into a family affair?

For children, the goal shouldn’t be “pounds lost” but “healthy habits made.” Set an example for your children by not trying every fad diet but instead making a more concerted resolution to live a healthy lifestyle. Here are some fun ideas to involve your kids in your healthful resolutions...

In order to be successful in school, our children need fuel. School lunches can be tough. We have to balance what is healthy and what our child will eat. There’s also the distraction factor.  They have 20 minutes and a cafeteria or gym full of other kids who are all talking and eating.  The distraction is enough to delay nutritional intake past the time when lunch is over. (To see what I'm talking about, Try to fit in a lunchtime visit to your child’s school sometime. Prearranged with your child and the office. You'll be amazed.)

So, we need something tasty and quick and easy to prepare, but nutritionally sound and easy for our kids to eat quickly.