Kids rule when it comes to lunch

KIDS are the bosses of what goes into their lunch boxes.

Scientific research shows that parents are anxious and overwhelmed when it comes to packing lunches and often cave into children who demand unhealthy treats.

The report, published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, shows mums and dads are prepared to send banned foods to school just to keep the peace at home.

“There is a lot of anxiety. It’s a bit of a minefield. If a parent puts a chocolate muffin in an otherwise healthy lunch box for a child who is very active and generally eats well, that may seem fine,” Brisbane dietitian Kate Di Prima said.

“But the problem is there are other kids around them who are overweight and parents are trying hard to keep them on a healthy died.”