From Texas tailgating to back-to-school lunches: How do we prepare to stay happy, healthy and hydrated as temperatures soar to triple digits today?
It’s going to be a very hot week!
This is as more kids head back to school this week. So it got us thinking...
What should you eat while tailgating in the hot Texas sun? And what about your kids as you send them back to school? Heat and certain lunch boxes don’t mix! Not to mention, some popular grab-and-go items for a quick lunch box fix, end up costing you more when it comes to health, hydration and focus.
Lunch boxes and heat:
Plastic lunch boxes are dangerous because over time they breakdown and leak chemicals.
Chemicals like BPA and Phthalates that disrupt hormones and are linked to asthma and may harm the brain.
Not only do we want to be mindful of what type of lunch box we choose with the Texas heat - but to be mindful of how the weather can play a role in how it can play a role in our attitude as well.
“Studies indicate that excessive heat triggers feelings of anxiety, agitation, irritation, and cognitive difficulties,” said Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic.
Experts say you should look for stainless steel, glass, silicone or safe plastics 2,4, or 5. Even Glass containers depending on the age and how responsible your child is with their lunchbox.
In this Texas heat, it’s so important that we hydrate! According to Catherine Kruppa a registered dietitian, drinking water throughout the day promotes BETTER:
- Hydration
- Sleep
- Digestion
- Energy levels
So when it comes to drinks for your child - you want to skip the sugary drinks and caffeine. Drinks with large amounts of caffeine, such as energy drinks, can be dehydrating because they make you urinate more.
You want to pack water, sparkling water and even milk can help you stay hydrated in the triple-digit heat. If you are going to drink juice - look for 100% fruit juice on the label to ensure you’re selecting the best juice for kids.
And what about the popular easy pack-and-go options for your student? Is it worth it? Are they even healthy?
The biggest mistake parents make when packing lunches is filling lunch boxes with too many processed foods and insufficient protein.
Processed foods are convenient for parents to toss into a lunch box but they do not give long-lasting energy to the student.
And don’t be afraid to give your child leftovers instead of pack-and-go items with little to no nutritional value.
Items like this are great options when it comes to packing lunches:
- Turkey, ham or chicken wrap or sandwich
- Cheese, crackers, egg and fruit
- Leftover pasta with chicken or meatballs
While we all love something a little crunchy - popular choices like Doritos aren’t the healthiest option.
“Processed foods are loaded with added sugars, fats, and other harmful ingredients that contribute to cancer and other chronic diseases,” said Dr. Neal Barnard, the President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, as per Brio-Medical Cancer Clinic.
While real food is always the best option - food like celery and apples are always going to be the best option - even popcorn can be a great choice over Doritos.