Social media is currently embroiled in a heated debate over what constitutes as a healthy kid’s lunchbox after an influencer shared her minimal approach to a packed lunch.
Whether you call it lunch, dinner, or some version of confusing regional slang, the afternoon meal is scientifically proven to be vital for our health. Unlike the importance of the meal, what makes a well-balanced lunch is still up for debate though, with some choosing to have a sandwich and others opting for a full-cooked meal.
The healthy kid’s lunchbox gained traction on social channels
At the start of the week, influencer Sarah Stevenson (@sarahs.day) posted what her son, Fox Ocean, was taking to preschool alongside the caption: “Let’s make my 5-year-olds healthy lunch box for preschool!”
While most kids would be happy with a Lunchable and an apple, which will undoubtedly be returned to the fruit basket at the end of the day, Sarah opted for what was dubbed a “fancy” lunch by one of her followers. At preschool that day, Fox was set to chow down on curried eggs, sticks of cucumber and carrot, Babybel cheese, avocado, and a single five-seed cracker.
For dessert, he was provided with a low-sugar high-protein blueberry yoghurt, pumpkin seeds, and fresh fruit.
“This is everything he eats in a day at preschool, the only change next week is no Babybel cheese,” she said as she packaged the array of goodies inside of a handily named lunchbox.
Sarah divided her followers
While debates surrounding lunchboxes are not unheard of, Sarah’s case was particularly interesting given the clear division of her followers. Though some have celebrated the health-packed food choices, some have suggested she is “withholding” treats like crisps, sweets, and other foods kids typically enjoy.
One person said: “This is what every lunchbox should look like! No packets, no highly processed foods. Awesome job mumma.”
“Definitely worth a try, I wish I could eat like that,” someone else said.
In contrast, one person argued: “At some point, he’s going to be exposed to normal ‘kid food’ at a party. In a few years, he’ll be making decisions on his own when away from you. Your job is 2 teach about moderation, not withholding it.”
“I am not trying to judge you, I am really curious. Are you actually giving 4 eggs for lunch to your 5-year-old?” another person said, as someone else added, “Delish. Just wonder why there are minimal carbs for a growing boy?”
