For generations children have been sent off to school with a pat on the head and lunch bag with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. PB and J, as it is affectionately called, is a tradition among school lunchbox carriers across the country. It as American as apple pie but easier to eat on the run and pack in a brown paper bag. But is it a healthy lunch option?
Peanut butter and jelly on white bread is akin to poison. Peanut butter contains partially hydrogenated oil and sugar. Jelly contains high fructose corn syrup. Bread contains both partially hydrogenated oil and high fructose corn syrup. Not to mention chemicals found in each element of this famous sandwich. I am not sure about you but I do not think brain food includes chemicals, processed sugar, and dangerous oils.
What is a kid to do without a packed lunch containing the famous PB and J? As moms we can beat the system and seek out food that is healthy and contains no harmful chemicals to feed our children. You can find a variety of natural peanut butter or nut butters on the market. Jif has a fantastic natural peanut butter that is still creamy. It is also a bit cheaper than some other brands. Even Welch’s has an option for jelly without high fructose corn syrup. While, Jif and Welch’s are not organic the omission of partially hydrogenated oil and high fructose corn syrup coupled with price make this a viable option and first step for health conscious moms.
Now we need to address the bread. So sad but so many bread companies put high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils along with other chemicals in bread. The good news is you can find whole grain bread with no additives conveniently in your bread aisle. Some brands will have whole grain white bread which may be nice intro bread for children not used to healthier brands.
With a bit of creativity and searching you can make some favorite healthy and back on the “to eat” list.