While a Medifast diet plan may not be ideal for a child, we have used some of the Medifast products as a source of nutrition. When kids are on the go, or need something to eat after school but before football practice, we have a Medifast bar in their lunch so it's there for some decent nutrition. If there was one thing that I can look back on and be thankful for as a child, pertaining to a healthy diet that is, it would be the fact that my mother almost always packed a lunch for me (99% of time). In retrospect, it was not only about a budget - afterall, buying lunch gets expensive if you're doing it each day - but about a balanced meal: a sandwich, a piece of fruit, a cookie (or 2!), milk. Today, we have to resort to other products to help get enough antioxidants and healthy nutrition into the kids's systems. Medifast is just one example, although fruits and vegetables are a constant emphasis.

The lesson bestowed on a child when you pack their lunch goes a long a way. First, you're taking your time and effort to care enough to make them a meal.  You can say it's about saving money, but in reality it's more about their health.  Your child is going to be happier if they don't have to spend an extra 15 minutes of their lunch time in line waiting for a pizza role or a pretzel. And obviously, they're going to be satiated, feeling good, and likely to do better with their school work.

One other thing that we added to the lunches we made for our kids - a supplement. We figure that we're not with them for each of their 3 meals and/or snacks, enough of the time that we better add some nutrients to their diet. Not only that, but get them in the habit of taking a supplement each day, considering the depleted quality of our food supply. The supplement we give them is Juice Plus+.  Just put a couple of vegetable capsules in the brown bag (they get the fruit capsules in the morning), and they take 'em.  Now if you have a child that is too young to swallow capsules, you might want to get the Chewables.

Here's more on the importance of packing a lunch, and why getting your child involved in the process will teach them respect; respect for the time it takes, respect for the health of their body; respect for taking the time to do things right.

It's Day 2 of the new school year and for many parents the thought coming up with nutritious lunch box ideas that kids will actually eat can be a daily challenge.

And we all know the scenario: you barely have time to get your children out the door in the morning, let alone think about packing a superb lunch.

Lunch is an important meal; it fuels kids' bodies properly and keeps their energy levels up for the rest of the afternoon so they can learn. Improving the quality of food children eat is essential to their growing brains and bodies.

Kids can miss out on an assortment of nutrients by not finishing their lunch or not eating it at all. Start the Process -In order to get your kids eating their boxed lunches you need to involve in the process of putting together a "power lunch."

Start by taking your children to the grocery store or farmers' market at least once a month to see what foods they might like to have in their lunch, but also to see what fresh vegetables and fruits are in season. Kids as young as five can make lunches. If you put together lunches the night before they can be involved in the preparation and there will be less stress in the morning. read more...

Bottom line: When you get your kids in the habit of spending that extra few minutes to prepare something healthy, be it packing their lunch, a snack, or any other meal, you're lending a lifetime lesson not to take their health for granted. It will become second nature to them to always grab a piece of fruit on the way out the door if they're in a hurry; or, to throw together a salad for a quick cold meal that doesn't require baking or cooking. The lesson of health is not one that you should skimp on. Make it important to them and it will be.

HWI

If you are interested in a source of nutrition that is better than letting kids grab a soda or eat candy, chips, or cookies, you may want to choose some Medifast foods. Click here - Medifast - to learn more and browse the selection of foods.

Help your kids get more nutrients from fruits and vegetables. If they aren't eating enough, add Juice Plus+ to their diet. Diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of degenerative diseases like heart disease and stroke, diabetes and cancer. Click here to learn why eating fruits and vegetables is especially important, and how you can benefit from adding Juice Plus+® to your diet. Juice Plus+® is the most thoroughly researched nutritional product in history.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.