School starts soon, along with the fun of planning and packing lunches for your family. Looking for some healthy,
HEALTHY KIDS LUNCHES FOR SCHOOL:
- Applesauce - this has been a lunch staple for years and can easily be made at home. If buying from the grocery, be sure to look at the label. Look for low sugar applesauce. Our tip? Buy it in larger containers, then portion it into smaller lunch containers so it's ready for to-go lunches or snacks.
- Cheese chunks and whole grain crackers - need a way to keep them full until dinner? Cheese is not only a good source of protein, it's loaded with other nutrients. Try mixing and matching cheeses like cheddar, Swiss and string for variety. And the crackers? According to the USDA, whole grains are a great source of vitamins and minerals. So why not get them in a cracker? Divided lunch containers make it super easy to make this tasty combination ahead.
- Apple, melon or pear slices - perfect combination of crunch and sweetness, and these fruits are so healthy! Apples and pears can brown once sliced though. To prevent this, simply soak them in a bowl of water with a small amount of fresh lemon juice. Be careful not to use too much lemon or your fruit will absorb some of the lemon flavor.
- Speaking of fruit - try plain or vanilla yogurt served with fresh cut mixed fruit. Two super foods loaded with nutrients! Keep these foods at their freshest by keeping them in separate or divided containers until ready to eat though.
- Hard boiled eggs - another lunch staple that's been around for years! Eggs are loaded with protein, inexpensive and easy to prepare ahead as a time saver.
- Hummus and cut veggies - hummus is a flavor and protein rich dip for fresh cut vegetables such as carrots, cucumber and cauliflower. Don't like store bought hummus? Not a problem because this is an easy, inexpensive and versatile food to make. The primary ingredient? Chickpeas, which means it's a great source of protein and fiber.
- Baby or finger bananas - kids love bananas. They may not want a whole banana though. The solution? Try baby, or 'Lady Finger' bananas. (These are my favorite.) The perfect kid-sized fruit. A smaller variety of banana, to me its flesh is sweeter and creamier than regular bananas. The benefit? These bananas store well and easily pack in a lunch box.
- Raisins, apricots and other dried fruits - nutritious and great for snacking, dried fruits are easily stored in a cupboard or pantry. Perfect when you need a last minute addition to the lunch box. Try mixing various dried fruit varieties and storing them in small, ready to use snack sized containers for added convenience.
- Sliced lean turkey on whole grain bread - turkey by itself is too bland. Add cheese, lettuce, tomato or mustard for taste and variety. Make it interesting by cutting the sandwich in fun shapes.
- Salsa with baked tortilla chips - salsa is very easy to make, low fat and loaded with vitamins and flavor. There are literally hundreds of recipes on the internet. Try making yours more interesting though - experiment by adding fruit, corn or black beans. Baked tortilla chips? They are far healthier than fried ones, yet pack as much crunch and flavor.
