Do you often hear this, soon after the kids return home from school: “I am starving?” Or they will not say anything, but their actions give the same message. They have their heads in the refrigerator and their hand in the cookie jar. You say, “Wait until after dinner!” But what if they are truly hungry? What if the lunch and snack you packed does not actually satisfy their real nutrition needs?
Isn’t it interesting how much harder it is to place a meal in a box than it is to serve at the table? A school day requires a lot of energy from both mind and body. Rest can replenish it, but not without good fuel. Here is a trick to help you decipher your kids’ hunger.
For a few days, pack a lunch for yourself that is an exact replica of what you placed in your child’s lunch box. You may increase the portions to accommodate your slightly larger stomach, but all ingredients must be identical. Try to do this for a week.
How do you feel each day and as the week progresses? If the food satisfies you, perhaps what needs extra attention for your child is the presentation. If you feel tired and hungry, or find yourself craving carbs in the form of sweet treats, you may want to reconsider the composition of your child’s lunch.
Another question to ask yourself, especially if your child barely touches what you placed in their lunch box, is this: Is there anything in the presentation or choice of foods that could make him or her feel uncomfortable when comparing with the lunch of classmates? Perhaps your child has outgrown the crust-less bread and animal-shaped rice mold! He may not tell you, for fear of hurting your feelings. Or does a classmate eat something different and healthy they she would really like to try?
Does you child get teased about his food? There is a fun way to resolve this issue. Add a few extra home-made cookies to share. Better yet, add a couple of portions of that home-made applesauce she gets teased about so that your child can share some. Do not be surprised if you receive a call from mothers asking for your recipe… or to borrow your Squeezo! Parents of foreign heritage use this strategy when their children are teased due to the unfamiliar foods they bring to school. It can really turn things around.
#1 by thekalechronicles on 08/23/2012 - 12:01 am
I had jury duty today, Granny, in a part of a neighboring town with no good lunch options, so I had to bring a packed lunch. I packed peanut butter on raisin bread, celery sticks, an apple and a small handful of Cheez-Its. Plenty of food, I would have thought. I drank water all day. And I made a point of eating slowly and mindfully. It did not feel like enough food at all and I was tired by 3 PM. I probably should have added a thermos of milk for more protein. But what I really missed was my afternoon tea (my only caffeine infusion of the day).
#2 by Granny on 08/23/2012 - 9:42 am
Good morning Sharyn. Good to hear from you. I love my daily peanut butter, bread and apple mid-day snack. It is one of life’s simple pleasures. I suspect that jury duty is a rather involving process for the mind. This can be as draining as a day of physical work, if not more. Since the brain is fueled by carbs, I wonder if perhaps a higher carb content might have sustained you. I am not an expert, of course. Could you have brought a thermos of hot water to make tea?
#3 by thekalechronicles on 08/23/2012 - 9:48 am
I think protein was lacking, Granny. Carbs make me sleepy and I get sleepy in the afternoons anyway because I get up so early. And — no, I could not make tea with hot water (See the Tea Rant).
#4 by Granny on 08/23/2012 - 9:56 am
Alright. Protein it is then. I think perhaps the carb idea stems from my sweet tooth! I also thought I remembered a tea rant as I replied to your comment and that somehow tea in court was not on the menu.