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Healthy Eating Bags for Children

Helping kids develop healthy eating habits starts with the food parents and other influential adults provide for them. As such, creating healthy eating bags for children to take with them to lunch or other outings is a good way to establish nutritious eating. When creating a healthy eating bag for your child, consider what they like to eat and what nutrients may be missing from their current diet.

  1. Fruits

    • Include a wide array of fruits in your child's healthy eating bag. Fruits should be already peeled and cut into manageable sizes for your child. Be sure to purchase fruits that are organically grown to ensure no harmful pesticides or hormones were used to grow the fruits you choose. If your child finds certain fruit distasteful, consider different varieties of fruit to include, such as like tropical fruits or melons.

    Vegetables

    • Some children do not enjoy vegetables by themselves, but may eat them if included with a dressing or sauce. Find creative ways to add vegetables to your child's healthy eating bag. Include a fat-free dressing on the side, or give your child peanut butter spread on celery sticks topped with raisins. Kids may also find it fun to create their own turkey and vegetable pita pocket with turkey slices and a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce and carrots. Top it with a light dressing or hummus to boost the flavor of your pita pocket.

    Crackers and Chips

    • Whole-wheat crackers and chips are a good substitute for otherwise fatty and salty snacks. Create cracker and cheese sandwiches by adding low-fat cheese on top of Triscuits or another whole-grain cracker. You may also spread peanut butter on top of low-fat rice cakes for an addition to your healthy eating bag. Children may also enjoy baked tortilla chips with a homemade bean dip on the side. No matter the snack you choose, be sure it is low in sodium and fat content.

    Drink

    • Children will be thirsty after eating the food in their healthy eating bag. Prevent kids from consuming sugary sodas and juices by including your own healthy drinks. Kids should drink water or milk with their meals, though small amounts of 100 percent juice are also appropriate. Consider creating a healthy soda yourself by mixing club soda and 100 percent fruit juice as a tasty alternative to standard sodas.

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