Healthy Lunches for Kids

With our schedules getting evermore hectic and families spending less time around the kitchen table, making sure your kids are eating well can be challenging. One way to ensure they are getting the nutrition they need during school is to send them off with a healthy lunch each day.

Here are some fresh and fun ideas to make lunchtime healthy and enjoyable.

Involve the kids. Get feedback on what your children like and don’t like. By engaging them you’re letting them know that their opinion counts. Involve them in the process of making lunch – not only are children less likely to trade items they had a hand in creating, they learn to make responsible food choices as well. These good habits will serve them for a lifetime.

Creative combos. Experiment with different types of breads, such as pita, bagels, or whole wheat buns to give classic sandwiches a new twist. Add a festive touch by crimping sandwich edges with a fork or using a cookie cutter for fun shapes. Instead of a sandwich try tortilla roll-ups – they’re easy to make, pack well, offer a variety of flavors and kids love them.

Fruits & veggies. Fruit and vegetables are the original snack food-fast and easy to prepare. Send a pre-packaged box of raisins or make your own trail mix with a variety of dried fruit and nuts. Apples are also a great choice for lunchboxes. They are already wrapped and offer a great source of Vitamin C and fiber. Entice kids to eat their veggies by pairing with tasty dips-baby carrots and ranch dressing or celery and peanut butter are some classic examples.

Think drink. Most nutritionists agree that the best all around beverage choice is water. Get your child into the good habit of drinking water by including a small bottle in their lunchboxes each day. Try freezing the bottled water and placing it in the bottom of the lunch box to keep food cold and fresh. 100% fruit juice can be mixed with water for splash of flavor.

Don’t forget dessert. Most kids feel their lunch isn’t complete unless there’s a treat inside. Include a few cookies, homemade rice crispy bar, mini muffin or whatever dessert your child enjoys, just control the portion size. Consider fat and sugar-free puddings or 100-calorie packs of cookies and crackers – their small sizes and smart stats are sure to satiate.

Looks good, tastes good. First impressions count and even an old standby like PB&J takes on a new appearance when wrapped in brightly colored foil or plastic wrap. Make eating more fun by adding a festive striped napkin or primary color utensils. Mix it up by packing the kids lunch in a variety of translucent, tinted or colorfully graphic gift bags. With a little imagination, the possibilities are endless.