THE DIRT
Childhood obesity is on the rise, additives in kiddies snacks have been linked to everything from cancer and asthma to ADHD and learning difficulties. Recent media reports have found that even some of our 'fresh foods' may have been sitting in cool rooms for up to 12 months before we purchase them. In an age when the body has more environmental toxins to deal with than ever before, Organic food can be a healthful option for the whole family. To read more on the benefits of organic food, Click Here.

Here are my top 5 Tips for making healthy lunches for kids (and adults!).

1) Go for organic produce - the taste is far superior and kids respond to good taste in a very strong way. Many children, who won't eat  conventionally grown fruit and veggies are converted once you try them on organic varieties. It is worth a try!

2) Eat low on the food chain by using raw organic fruits, veggies and wholegrain breads. You will be avoiding unnecessary additives which can be harmful to your child's development.  It's all about eating things in a state that is as close to nature as possible.

3) Opt for healthy organic treats and snacks such as organic apple juice, organic flavoured milks, organic bars, organic pop corn and organic sultanas. Organic processing standards allow a choice of only 30 or so safe additives and preservatives, compared to the 500 odd allowed in conventional processed food. Visit www.additivealert.com.au for more details on food additives.

4) Pack the box well by avoiding plastic wrap, which can leach endocrine disrupting 'phthalates' into your child's food. Wrap food in wax paper and string - it looks great and the sandwich won't get soggy.

5) Encourage the kids to sip water throughout the day  and save plastic bottles by opting for a permanent and very groovy drink bottle such as SIGG, bottles available at Biome, who currently have HAPPY FEET bottles in stock! Unlike disposable soft plastic bottles which have been found to leach various chemical compounds into our water, SIGG bottles have a baked on lining which has been thoroughly tested and has been found to be non-toxic.

G SPOT
One question I almost always get asked when speaking at schools is some simple ways to make healthier lunches that kids will eat!

If you have any ideas or suggestions, please contact us.


COME CLEAN

Here are some ideas to help you 'go organic' for the kids...........

Visit your local Macro Wholefoods for some fantastic organic snack ideas that won't break the bank.  Getting kids to eat well at school has never been easier with organic fruit strips, organic pop corn, organic flavoured milk and the Whole Kid range of organic snack foods for kids! They also have a great range of delicious organic food for kids in the Macro cafes. Visit the Macro website to find you nearest store.

An Organic Experience will home deliver all your Organic goodies for Perth residents. Owner Carolyn is a Mum who knows the value of good organic food - so you will only find the very best. You can also drop by the new shop at 5 Adalia St,  Kallaroo.

The Organic Collective offer a weekly delivery in the Fremantle to Mt Pleasant and Nedlands regions. Ph: (08) 9331 5590

Access Organics delivers fresh organic products around Cairns.

Visit the Biological Farmers of Australia  website to find out where to buy organics in your state and town.

In the London, we loved our weekly delivery from The Organic Delivery Company.