We regularly see sports stars spruiking the health benefits of muesli bars - after all they usually contain ingredients that may, on the face of it, appear healthy enough. But our comparison between a muesli bar and an apple below may get you thinking twice before you throw another bar into the lunch box.
Compare the nutritional difference between a medium apple and one of only three "healthier" muesli bars that met all the nutrition criteria laid down by Choice in their review of lunch box snacks.
The comparison involves selecting a medium size apple for the lunch box three days of the week OR one of the "healthier" muesli bars Choice identified for one 10 week term.
Over the course of one term, compared to an apple, the "healthier" muesli bar provided:
Apples contain no saturated fat while the muesli bar contributed 42 grams during one term.
If we look at an entire school year, the differences become even more concerning with the muesli bar adding almost 25,000 extra kilojoules!
Plus - this comparison doesn't even take into account the significant antioxidant content of apples!
We know eating health food helps children concentrate and learn, so swap a muesli bar for an apple in your healthy kids lunch box today!
A good healthy lunch box contains the following:
Starchy energy foods:
Sandwiches are ideal and try using different types of breads - wholemeal, white, rye, rolls, pita, bagels, focaccia and rice cakes.
Protein foods:
Healthy Drinks:
