25 July 2023 , 17:07
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Whether you're quickly putting a sandwich together in the midst of the before school chaos or you're wrapping it up before bed after a long day, putting a lunchbox together for your child is just one of the endless jobs to be done before school.
You'd like to think what you're sending your child off with is nutritious and will get them through the day, but did you know there are certain foods that deter concentration and should be avoided in the midday meal.
Nutrition expert Jenna Hope has shared the lunchbox do's and don'ts that will help to avoid the afternoon crash.
The food you give children has a huge impact on their development, and Jenna advises parents should be packing kids up with a mixture of protein, healthy fats, and different fruits and veggies.
Also warning that loading kids up with sugary snacks will cause as mid afternoon slump, she suggests lunches should be a 'well-balanced packed lunch.'
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She advises that something such as an egg sandwich, carrot sticks with hummus, an apple or natural yogurt are perfect foods to pack.
She also explains that you should always opt for wholegrain bread over white bread for the best nutrition.
If eggs are a no go, she also suggest cheese sandwiches are a winner as well as fresh foods such as berries, tomatoes and cucumber.
Speaking to Femail, the nutritionist also claims: "High sugar foods can contribute to causing blood sugar spikes and crashes in children which can impact concentration and behaviour at school. As a result, high salt, high sugar snacks such as crisps and sweets should be kept to a minimum on a day to basis."
"The way in which we speak to children about food is vital and can have a knock on effect on their relationship with food later on in life. As a result, these foods shouldn't be labelled as 'treats' or 'bad foods'."
Although, she says that you shouldn't completely ban these treats, and 'occasions such as birthdays, they should definitely still be allowed.'