Ahhh, the dreaded packing of a gluten free sack lunch for school. Nothing but a pain in the you know what. Really though, it’s not that hard.
It’s not easy finding ways to fee a child that’s in need of being gluten free. Especially when it comes to packing lunches for school. But thankfully, there are lots of ways to pack healthy gluten-free school lunches. One of the best things you can do is to involve your child in the planning of the lunches. Let them get involved and give them as many choices as you can when it comes to picking items to pack. Giving them the opportunity to be a part of the decision making process of what is actually packed in their lunch could greatly enhance the chances of them eating what’s actually packed.
Providing good complex carbs, healthy fats, and proteins are vitally important to any attempt of improving a child’s diet. Combining those attempts with going gluten free can only enhance your efforts of packing gluten free school lunches. Your child must not trade any food items with other kids or students. There is way too much risk involved. It’s vitally important that your child sticks to the gluten free diet at all times.
Here are a few pointers on how to make packing gluten free lunches easier for you and your child.
- Start with healthy protein that is found in high quality gluten free deli meats, cheeses, and cheese spreads.
- Chicken and turkey salads are good.
- Gluten free peanut or other nut butter and jelly sandwiches.
- Yogurt that is gluten free and flavored with fruits.
- Smoothies made out of healthy protein powder and fresh fruit.
- Fresh vegetables and fruits provide good complex carbohydrates.
- Gluten free pasta dishes.
- Whenever using oil for anything, use olive oil
- Gluten-Free flours and brown rice.
- Don’t send sugary sodas or juices.
- Gluten free crackers and corn chips.
- Gluten free condiments, including mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard.
- Change the daily food items up. Gluten free kids need/want variety as non gluten-free kids do.
You’re now well on your way to providing a quality gluten free lunch for your child. Make it fun for them and involve them as much as possible. It will definitely pay off for you and your gluten free child in the long run.