Logo
Peppermint Perfection

Although peppermint is a traditional flavor eaten around the holidays, it is usually in very sweet treats like cookies or ice cream. Balance out the sweetness with some dark chocolate, which also has great health benefits due to its antioxidant and mineral content. Try making this delicious dark chocolate peppermint bark recipe with the whole family; the kids will love being able to stir and sprinkle the candy canes on top!

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Immune-Boosting Foods

As germs spread in schools and activities, nutrition can support kids’ immunity. To strengthen your family’s immune system this winter, the following nutrients will be important to include:

· Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach

· Vitamin C: oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, kiwi, and broccoli

· Vitamin D: milk, fortified cereals, egg yolks, and fatty fish (salmon)

· Zinc: beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and meats

· Probiotics: yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods

 

It’s always better to get these nutrients from whole foods, as supplements can have harmful additives or toxic amounts of certain ingredients, so make sure to consult your pediatrician before giving specific immune-boosting supplements. Balanced meals, hydration, and good sleep are just as important for staying well and avoiding sick days!

Shorter Days Call for Smarter Snacks

With less sunlight, kids may feel more sluggish or moody during winter months. Although sugar and caffeine may help give us short-term energy, they tend to cause bad “crashes” and worsen mental health long-term. Good nutrition can help support focus, energy, and mood – especially omega-3s, vitamin D, and complex carbs. Pairing these with regular activity and good sleep helps kids feel their best even on the darkest days.

Good nutrition can help support focus, energy, &mood
Creative Approaches to Picky Eating

Mealtime battles can feel exhausting, especially around the holidays. Sometimes, small shifts—like serving on colorful plates or fun utensils, adding garnishes or sprinkles, or letting kids help with food prep—pulls attention away from the food and reduces intimidation and pressure. Offering choices (“carrots or cucumbers?”) gives kids some control while ensuring each meal has variety. Remember, it often takes many, many tries before a new food is accepted, so patience is key.

About HotLunch.com

HotLunch.com is the only web-based system of its kind

HotLunch.com is used by schools across North America! With HotLunch.com you can easily manage school-lunch administration, publish lunch menus online, receive payments, and reduce time spent on managing parent transactions, including fundraising, after-school care, volunteering, and much more.

See For Yourself!
Request a Software Demo
Call 1-888-376-7136, or email [email protected]
Logo
HotLunch.com Now Available in Spanish & French

Our school lunch software is now available in Spanish and French, making it easier for schools around the world to utilize our school lunch system. This update allows more families to reap the benefits of HotLunch.com.

Hotlunch.com partners to educate unprivileged girls  

We are proud to partner with Ainiti.org, an organization that empowers and educates underprivileged girls through technology. Thanks to you, profits from Hotlunch.com will be used to support girls in need. 

PARTICIPATE
FOLLOW US
About the author
Abbie Hebron, MS, RD, CSP, LD, CNSC

Abbie Hebron is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in pediatric nutrition (Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition). She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Missouri State University, and then attended the University of Rhode Island where she earned her master's degree. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and was the recipient of South Carolina's Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award in 2022. In her free time, Abbie enjoys baking, traveling, hiking, and playing tennis with family and friends.

CONTACT US

Mail  :  [email protected]
Call Us  :  1-888-376-7136
Call Us  :  1-310-530-8261

ABOUT US

Simple, Fast, Accurate solution for Schools, Food Service Providers & Offices
www.hotlunch.com

© 2025 Hotlunch.com All rights reserved.