The Separation Anxiety Lunch box

And we’re here again…lunch box time! For some it’s same old, same old but for many this is new territory! What do you pack? Will my child miss me? Will I miss them? What if….? One of the big things I see every year is the wee ones struggling to leave mum’s side. It’s overwhelming and tough for everyone! There are a few things you can do food wise to help and it starts with breakfast.
Breakfast: start the day with porridge or muesli. Oats contain tryptophan which is the precursor to serotonin- our feel-good hormone. They are also going to release energy more slowly than a sugary breakfast keeping your child’s energy, and emotions, more stable.
Another option is eggs with wholemeal toast or avocado as it’s a protein rich meal, that again, will stabilise blood sugar levels helping your child remain calm. Also rich in tryptophan! Win win!
The lunchbox: things can come unstuck here so if time is an issue pack it the night before. Basically, include fruit, a protein snack, a protein rich lunch with good fats and maybe a homemade healthy sweet treat. Steer clear of bought treats like muesli bars as they are loaded with sugar which create unstable blood sugar triggering big emotions!

• Other tryptophan rich foods beside egg and oats include yoghurt, cheese, salmon, poultry (think chicken and turkey), nuts and seeds so add those in the lunch box.
• Pumpkin seeds and banana are potassium rich with could help with anxiety as well. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc which is super for the areas in the brain dealing with emotions.
• Fermented foods help keep our bowels in tip top condition AND we also look after our mental health. Start adding ferments in ASAP. There is a clear gut/brain connection that is becoming more apparent as the research goes deeper. Fascinating!
• Homemade jellies and jubes sweetened with fresh fruit and a drop of raw honey rock here! Gelatine has glycine which is, amongst other things, a neurotransmitter that can have a calming effect. Get your Google on and do a search for a recipe!

Rock the lazy lunchbox by making dinners full of the above things and send as leftovers the following day. Make big batches of healthy snacks and freeze those. And suddenly the lunch box is full before you know it! Phew! And mum and dad….hint hint…these foods are good for you too! 

The information given here is general in nature and not intended as a diagnosis nor should it be taken as such. It is in no way intended to take the place of advice from your chosen healthcare professional or specialist. If symptoms persist, or you have further concerns please see your chosen health care provider. 
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