Witchling 12 has gone off crisps! The queen of all things deep fried and salty has done a complete u-turn and is now demanding carrots and chunks of cucumber as snacks.   Her packed lunch this morning consisted of 2 raw carrots, a large chunk of cucumber, a chicken mayo sandwich and a yoghurt.  She took a banana and a cereal bar as snacks.  I am a proud mum today!
It got me thinking though, about how tricky it can be to send the witchlings off to school with a healthy lunch.  Witchling 12 came to us with an eating disorder. She couldn’t tell if she was hungry or full and as a consequence wouldn’t eat, or when she did eat, would eat vastly too much and make herself sick.  I never let Tobes forget the incident of the cookies in the night!  As a result we are very focused in our house on healthy eating and balanced diets.  Thankfully Witchling 12 is no longer fussy and it would seem is finally embracing the concept of nutrition!
So what makes a healthy packed lunch?  The British Nutrition Foundation offers the following guidelines as to what should be included in a healthy packed lunch.  The guidelines are based on the nutritional requirements of your average 5-11 year old.
•    1 portion of a starchy carbohydrate food such as pitta bread, cooked pasta, cold rice, or wholegrain bread.
•    1 portion of protein rich food such as lean meat, chicken, tuna, egg, or beans.
•    1 portion of dairy such as yogurt , semi-skimmed milk, low fat cheese (ie: Babybel light or reduced fat cheddar) or fromage frais.
•    Lots and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Satsumas, bananas, cherry tomatoes or sticks of cucumber and carrot are always popular. A handful of grapes or fruit salad (in juice NOT syrup) are good too.
•    Plenty to drink.  Steer clear of fizzy sugary drinks or diet drinks.  Go for fruit juice, smoothies, semi-skimmed milk or a bottle of water.
So it looks as though the Witchlings are on the right track and long may it continue!
What am I having for lunch? A sausage roll, a cup of vegetable soup and a bar of chocolate washed down with diet coke if you really must know.  What the Witchlings don’t know won’t hurt them!

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