We were pleased to provide 20 snack suggestions for you on our Facebook page yesterday! As a follow up we thought our audience would like to know what types of snacks these might include and what the best options would be when it comes to purchasing local and organic.
Health Inspiration NW Calgary
Hard Boiled Eggs – these are a GREAT protein option especially when schools are a nut free and zone. You can find free range eggs at your grocery store now or you can buy at the farmers market from local farmers, (which is ALWAYS the best.)
Dips – The average bottle of Ranch Dressing is a chemical, by-product loaded zone but there are some EASY options to give your kids in their lunches to go side by side with their veggies! Follow this link for some homemade dressings that will have your kids asking for MORE!
Meats/Cheese – If you have not already heard lunch meats are chemical laden and are NOT the best option when making sandwiches or making pigs in a blanket. But more and more companies are coming out with lunch meat and rolled meats that have ONLY natural ingredients sans nitrates. We encourage you to find those options and choose those for your kids. Follow this link to help you choose healthier lunch meat and 6 key ingredients to AVOID!
Popcorn and Other Dry Goods – what seems to be fiber filled and easy to grab snacks can also be the worst for GMO’s, processed ingredients and high calories. When in a pinch and need to grab cereal, popcorn or pretzels always look for GMO free and the least amount of ingredients. Community Natural foods has AMAZING choices when it comes to these types of foods. Follow this link to find the store near you!
Fruits and Vegetables – as ALWAYS these are the best choice to include in your child’s lunch! They are sweet and crunchy and easy to pack and easy to eat! But when it comes to choosing what the best are for you it gets tricky. You have heard about the dirty dozen of fruits and veggies when it comes to pesticides and chemicals so we encourage purchasing local organic produce when available. Calgary has some of the most AMAZING farmers markets and you can be sure you are not only get high quality product but supporting these growers will result in better food to continue to be produced. Click this link to find a FULL list of farmers markets in your local area!
If you are still at a loss and unsure where to start on changing your families diet call our nutritionist to assist you! She would be happy to meet with you and work out a plan to keep your family healthy and happy as you plan out lunches and family meal times that keep everyone smiling! Click this link to find out more about how you can create a healthier lifestyle for your family!
If you are interested in our services or you have any health concerns, just give us a call at 403.452.6262 today!