Tucuruí Polyclinic guides families on healthy lunchboxes for children during summer

With the intense heat of July and school holidays, trips to rivers, resorts, and freshwater beaches become frequent during the Amazon summer. During this period, maintaining a balanced, healthy, and safe diet for children is essential to ensure their well-being.

Nutritionist Alynny Rayla de Sousa, from the Lago de Tucuruí Polyclinic — a unit of the Government of Pará, managed by the Institute of Social and Environmental Health of the Amazon (ISSAA) — shared practical guidance on how to prepare smart lunchboxes for outdoor leisure moments.

"Cut fruits like watermelon, grapes, apples, and mango are refreshing, practical, and very well accepted by children. We also recommend options like mixed nuts, whole grain cookies, homemade cakes with little sugar, baked sweet potato chips, and natural sandwiches with light fillings, such as shredded chicken with carrot," explains the nutritionist.

The professional assures that these foods provide energy and help maintain satiety throughout the day, in addition to avoiding excessive consumption of industrialized products rich in sodium and sugar.

Storage

Alynny Rayla warns that care with food preservation should be doubled in the heat. "The ideal is to store snacks in thermal boxes with ice or in thermal bags. It is also important to use well-sealed containers free of BPA, thoroughly wash the fruits before storing, and always bring clean napkins and hand sanitizer for hand hygiene," she advises.

Regarding the nutritional composition of snacks, Alynny recommends a balance between food groups. "For a snack outside the home, a good proportion is 50% carbohydrates, 30% proteins, and 20% healthy fats. A simple example would be a whole grain sandwich with shredded chicken and a drizzle of olive oil or avocado in the filling," she suggests.

In addition to solid foods, hydration should also be a priority. "Water should always be the main choice. But natural juices without sugar, coconut water, and iced teas like hibiscus or fennel are also good options. The important thing is to avoid sodas and very sugary drinks, which do not hydrate efficiently," emphasizes the nutritionist.

To avoid ultra-processed products during outings, Alynny reinforces the importance of homemade preparation and reading labels. "Planning ahead and bringing ready snacks from home ensures more control over the ingredients. When it is necessary to buy something ready, it is important to choose products without artificial additives, colorings, and preservatives," she states.

The nutritionist's guidance also takes into account the typical climate changes of the region. "In the heat, it is essential to maintain hydration and offer light and fresh foods. On colder days, snacks can be more substantial, such as breads with boiled eggs, fruits with peels, and warm drinks in thermal bottles," she recommends.

A common concern among parents is that snacks spoil the appetite for main meals. Alynny explains that this can be avoided by offering food in smaller portions. "Offering small portions every three hours and avoiding excess is the best way to keep children's appetite balanced. Additionally, respecting usual lunch and dinner times helps the body maintain its natural rhythm of hunger and satiety."

With planning and attention to food quality, it is possible to provide children with a healthy and safe diet during leisure days, without sacrificing flavor and practicality. "The important thing is to maintain balance and ensure that the little ones are well-fed and hydrated to enjoy outings with health and energy," concludes the nutritionist.

Service:

The Lago de Tucuruí Polyclinic operates from Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 7 pm. The hemodialysis service also operates on Saturdays, in two shifts. The unit is located at Avenida Raimundo Veridiano Cardoso, No. 1008, in the Santa Mônica neighborhood, and operates 100% free of charge through the Unified Health System (SUS).

Text by Roberta Paraense