Lunch is often overshadowed by breakfast as the “most important meal of the day,” but it plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being.
Regarding children, lunch is arguably the most important meal of the day. Children have growing bodies and minds that require proper nutrition to function at their best, and lunchtime is a crucial opportunity to provide them with the energy and nutrients they need. Here are just a few reasons why lunch is so important for children:
- Provides essential nutrients for growth and development: Children require a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to support their growth and development. Eating a healthy lunch can help children get the essential nutrients they need to thrive.
- Helps with concentration and learning: Eating a healthy lunch can improve children’s focus and concentration in the classroom, allowing them to absorb better and retain information. Studies have also shown that children who eat a healthy lunch perform better on cognitive tasks than those who skip lunch or eat an unhealthy meal. (Anderson, Gallagher, & Ramirez Ritchie, 2017)
- Improves physical activity: Children who eat a healthy lunch have more energy and are better able to engage in physical activities. Eating a nutritious lunch will give them the energy they need to play sports, run around, and have fun during recess.
- Helps with weight management: Packing a healthy lunch can help prevent children from becoming overweight or obese. Children who eat a healthy lunch tend to have a healthier body weight than those who skip lunch or eat an unhealthy meal.
- Promotes healthy eating habits: Packing a healthy lunch for children can teach them the importance of eating a balanced diet and healthy food choices. By involving them in the process of selecting and packing their lunch, parents, and caregivers can help children learn about the different food groups and what makes a balanced meal.
- Sets a tone for the afternoon: Eating a healthy and balanced lunch sets a tone for the rest of the afternoon and provides the energy and nourishment to do the rest of the activities planned for the day.
Packing a healthy lunch for children doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming; follow my Lunchbox Method. Simple and nutritious options like chicken drumsticks, veggies, and hummus or a fruit container with yogurt can make great lunches. It’s important to involve children in the process of selecting and packing their lunch, so they can learn about healthy eating and develop good habits that will last a lifetime.
In summary, lunch is an important meal that should not be skipped for children or adults. It plays a crucial role in providing essential nutrients and energy that support their growth and development and helps them concentrate and learn better. Eating a well-balanced, nutritious lunch can help improve physical activity and weight management and promote healthy eating habits. Make sure to involve your child in packing their lunch and help them learn about healthy eating and good habits so that they can thrive.
