The Best Alternatives to Packing Juice Boxes in School Lunches #MakeItMonday

For optimal health, you gotta stay hydrated. Every single part of our bodies depends on water to function properly. And since we're more than 60% water, we can easily get dehydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

We think what kids drink during lunchtime is important, their drink needs to replenish and rehydrate them after an active morning. Whatever beverage is packed in their lunchbox should provide nutrients and not be an onslaught of pure sugar that merely provides a quick sugar rush and brings them crashing down an hour later.

We love to fill this Klean Kanteen 12oz stainless steel water bottle with hydrating and healthy beverages when packing school lunches.

6 HEALTHY BEVERAGE LUNCH BOX IDEAS

1. WATER! Water is the ideal for packing with school lunch. 

2. Fruit Infused Water: One of the easiest ways to give water a twist is by infusing it with fruits, herbs, even spices! It’s an easy way to up the health factor of your water and so much better for you than the flavored water at the store. Plus, your daily water intake just got a whole lot more delicious...and beautiful. Visit our Healthy Living Blog to learn 18 ways to infuse water.

3. Milk + Non-Dairy Nut Milk: Get a shot of essential vitamins and nutrients when you drink a glass of nut milk. Those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy have long known about the benefits of nut milk, one of the main ones being that it’s simply delicious and refreshing! Nut milks (and nut butters) are loaded with vitamins and minerals, they're an excellent source of omega fatty acids and are high in fiber. Not only that, they're also naturally sugar and cholesterol free. Visit our Healthy Living Blog to learn how to make your own homemade nut milk.

4. Coconut Water: Coconut water has the ability to rehydrate you very quickly because it is readily absorbed into the body. In fact, coconut water is recognized as more hydrating than pure water. Coconut water is known for helping to ease an upset stomach (lots of potassium) and great for replenishing electrolytes. And it tastes delicious!

5. Herbal Iced Teas: If your children are accustomed to a sugary fruit juice, try brewing a fruity herbal tea like peach, raspberry or apple. There's so much flavor in berry teas without all the extra sugar.

6. Yogurt + Kefir Drinks: Drinkable yogurt and Kefir provide many nutritional benefits and are easy to pack in reusable bottles for lunch. They're rich in protein and calcium and provide a serving of dairy not to mention an added gut health boost. 

What do you pack to drink in your child's school lunches?