It is easy to trade the usual lunch-box standbys for something just as appealing, but so much healthier. Here are three fruit inspired upgrades your kids will love.
Instead of: A fruit roll up
Trade up with: A clementine
Clementines are succulent and super sweet citrus fruits that are easy to peel and eat.
They are just as lunch box friendly and fun as a fruit roll up, but with all the benefits of whole, unprocessed fruit, with fresh taste, juiciness, fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium and antioxidants.
Instead of: Gummy Fruit Snacks
Trade up with: Dried Cherries
Dried cherries are a chewy treat bursting with sweet-tart flavor. Their deep, ruby red color of cherries signifies that it is high in an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which has been shown to protect your heart and reduce inflammation. They are also rich in vitamin A and fiber. Fruit snacks are basically candy with little or no actual fruit in them.
Instead of: Grape flavored sports drink
Trade up with: Grapes and a bottle of water
There is no better thirst quencher than water. If you want extra flavor, spike it with a splash of juice or some citrus slices for added flavor. Grapes are bursting with antioxidants plus fiber and water, which together, help promote a feeling of fullness. Eight gulps of a sports drink have the same calories as 15 grapes! It is always more filling and satisfying to eat your calories rather than to drink them.