Extol Sports September 2017 | Page 47

during the week. Trail mix and homemade granola bars are also a great item that you can mix up quickly on a Sunday evening and then pack along for school each day.” After talking with Tarah, I feel more motivated about the lunches I’ll be packing this school year. As a busy and often overextended parent, I’m sure that the meals I send won’t be completely natural, free of sugars and flawlessly nutritious. I do, however, know I can make a few changes from my normal routine to ensure that my brood is eating sustaining items at the school lunch table. Don’t Stress About It! We asked a handful of Southern Indiana kids what is their favorite healthy food item to bring in their lunchbox. Their responses were simple: “My favorite two snacks are sliced apples and cherries. They’re easy to eat at lunch or even in between classes.” – Justin, Floyd Central High School “I like granola bars because they have oatmeal that I love, and chocolate chips, too!” – Meradith, Silver Creek Elementary School “Bananas. I eat them so I don’t cramp up at football practice.” – Deke, Charlestown High School Don’t stress over packing interesting and unique foods all the time. It seems the classics are kid-pleasing favorites! CrossFit LeanX Community Here’s my plan : School mornings are hectic around here (that’s an understatement), so I’ll have more time to be mindful when packing lunches if I do them the night before and stow them in the fridge. I read labels at the supermarket, but more with an aim toward family dinners than lunchbox fare. Now, I’ll be putting extra effort into the lunchtime items when shopping so that I’m more prepared when packing. I used to feel guilty when sending the same thing two days in a row. From this point, if I know it’s a healthy item the kids are currently enjoying, I’m going to stock up and send it often...even everyday if it’s working for us. I’m going to prep a few things on weekends to add to lunches that can made ahead of time. Trail mix and energy bites should be great for this, and those are items my kids really enjoy. Now, am I going to judge the Lunchable and snack cake packing crowd in the lunchroom? Absolutely NOT! Chances are my own kids are still going to be eating cafeteria food on days when I haven’t gotten to the grocery. And I’m sure there’ll be plenty of times they’ll still have items inside their lunchboxes that are less than nutritious. But with some conscious effort, I plan to make the most of the time and items I’ve got on hand. My kids’ brains and bodies will benefit! Don’t forget to visit www. ExtolSports.com to check out the FamFitter newsletter. This e-post section is your quick link to great recipes, family tips and fun exercise ideas you can use to make your own family fitter. GET STARTED WITH 2 WEEKS FREE! TM s t reng thing fam ilies from within 45 322 Mount Tabor Rd, New Albany www.fourbarrelcrossfit.com | 502.509.3801