18 Sep Back to School Lunch Foods for Eye Health

We’ve all been told, “Eat carrots because they are good for your eyes.”

But carrots aren’t the only good food for eye health. The best foods for eye health are full of nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, Zinc, Vitamins C and E, and Lutein.

Now that we are few weeks into the school year, here are just a few ideas how you can sneak all around healthy foods into your kids’ lunches (foods for healthy eyesight) without them even knowing it!

Green Smoothies – Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, green spinach and kale are superfoods known to promote eye health and possess a bounty of other health benefits. Sneak some spinach or kale in a fruit smooth and send in a small thermos for your kids to have at Recess or at Lunch.

Egg Pinwheels – Eggs are packed full of protein, vitamins, and nutrients. Lutein and Vitamin A in eggs can specifically help promote eye health and function. Rolling egg salad in a whole wheat tortilla shell is a creative alternative to the boring egg sandwich.

Fruit Salad – Make a fun concoction full of citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits along with small berries. Fruit salads are all full of Vitamin C. Why not include your kids when deciding what 3 or 4 fruits to try?

Veggies and Hummus – Cut up carrots, bell peppers and other favorite vegetables, and send along with hummus for dipping. Yellow, orange, and red vegetables are rich in carotenoids thought to help decrease the risk of many eye diseases. The chickpeas in the hummus are full of Zinc which helps the liver release and drive Vitamin A to the retina.

Tuna and Crackers – Tuna is not only convenient to have on hand but it is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that protects against dry eyes, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Your kids will also like to spread their own tuna on each cracker.

Remember that your children’s eyes work hard at school while reading books at their desk, working at the computer, and reading information from the board or projector. It is important to pack lunch foods that not only promote eye health but also keep them fuelled throughout the day.

To book a back to school eye health appointment for your child please contact Unionville children’s optometrist by calling 905-477-4488 today.

Read more about when to get your children’s eyes tested.