As a parent, you want your child to be eating the foods they need to grow, develop and learn. That’s why the lunches and snacks we pack them play such an important role in their nutrition and mental clarity. A healthy lunch can help your child stay focused and ready to learn. Here are some of the benefits, plus a few lunchbox ideas to get your inspiration flowing.

Improved mental and physical health

A healthy school lunch is essential for your child's overall health. A nutritious meal can provide them with the essential vitamins and minerals they need to grow and develop as the fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein included can help boost their immune system, reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, and help them maintain a healthy weight.

Better concentration and mental clarity

A healthy lunch can help your child concentrate better in class and focus on their homework after a long day. Foods that are high in added sugar and trans fats can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and inflammation, leading to a crash in energy. A balanced meal that includes whole foods, protein, and healthy fats can provide your child with sustained energy and help them stay focused throughout the day.

Improved mood

Excess sugar is known to cause mood swings, which can add to the stress that already challenges your child at school. Opting for foods rich in protein and healthy fats, however, boost your child's mood and stabilise their hormones to prevent stress and anxiety.

Kids’ lunchbox ideas

Providing your child with a healthy school lunch doesn't have to be a chore – take a look at these delicious ideas:

1. Chickpea and cheese wrap: Spread hummus on a whole-grain wrap, add chickpeas, cheese and salad veggies, then roll it up.
2. Tofu salad: Mix roast tofu with plain Greek yogurt, olive oil and salad greens.
3. Pumpkin pasta: Cook whole-grain pasta, and add pumpkin and other veggies, then add olive oil and a bit of feta. 

The most important thing is to steer clear of added sugars – a high-sugar diet can also cause spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash, leaving children fatigued and moody. This is not ideal for their school years as they juggle complicated maths problems with sports, tests and homework. Sugary foods can leave them struggling to concentrate and falling behind in their studies. It may also lead to the development of mental health conditions like anxiety, so you’ll want to keep their intake to a minimum.

Need a little help? That’s what we’re here for.

It’s no secret that a sugar habit is a tough one to beat – wherever you go, sugar is there. Unlike ditching alcohol, there are few places where sugar is unwelcome. From birthday parties and functions to the office pantry, Sunday markets and the supermarket. Is it any wonder that so many of us find it hard to quit the stuff? That’s why it can also help to join a program like ours – our 8-Week Program is based on accountability, support and providing the essential resources to set you up for success. We’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health.

With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We’ve also got nutritionists, personal trainers and naturopaths in our team of experts, and they understand what our bodies need and how to best arm ourselves against those cravings. So, if you’ve been having a little trouble keeping that sugar addiction at bay, we’re here to help. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!