Think Outside the Lunch Box

Packing your child’s lunch is a great way to ensure that they’re getting a healthy meal that will help sustain their energy throughout the schoolday. Plus, buying lunch everyday can reallyadd up, so brown bagging is also easier on your wallet. The best brown bag lunch for kids is one that’s not only healthy but one that they’ll actually eat. There’s nothing wrong with the tried-and-true combo of a sandwich and a piece of fruit, but to really get kids interested in lunch, sometimes you have to “think outside the lunchbox.” Here are some ideas to get you started, plus a few lunch-box basics.

The basics
The three most important basics are: keep it healthy, keep it convenient, and keep it kid-friendly. Here’s how:

• Pack easy-to-eat foods that don’t require peeling or special tools since lunchtime is often short. If you use packaged foods, make sure they’re easy to open.
  
• Younger kids have smaller appetites so pack appropriate portions.
  
• Make it fun. Add stickers and notes to your child’s lunch.
  
• Children are less likely to trade lunches if you’ve filled their lunchbox with healthy versions of their favorite foods. So go ahead, pack low-fat macaroni and cheese or peanut butter and low-sugar jelly on whole grain bread with baked chips.
  
• Let them help. Kids are more likely to accept healthful foods if they’ve had a hand in preparing them.

Sneak some nutrition into lunch

• Make your own version of packaged snack mixes by combining whole grain cereal, dried fruits, unsalted nuts, and baked crackers.
  
• If you use deli meats, stick to lean meats like turkey, roast beef, and chicken. Or simply choose reduced fat versions of other deli meats.
  
• Top sandwiches with reduced fat cheese
  
• Use healthy condiments like low fat mayo, mustard, or hummus.
  
• Use spinach instead of iceberg lettuce in sandwiches, or use sliced veggies such as zucchini for extra crunch.
  
• Pack bite-size pieces of raw or lightly steamed veggies with a small container of low-fat ranch dip.
  
• Pack home-baked desserts rather than packaged. By making your own, you can sneak in whole grain flours or oatmeal or add dried fruit or raisins to increase the fiber and vitamin content.
  
• Pack baked tortilla chips and salsa, hummus, or bean dip.
  
• Pack pasta salads or vegetables marinated in a reduced-fat dressing mixed with cheese and/or meat cubes as a sandwich alternative.

For more tips, information and healthy recipes, visit the health and wellness section of ShopRite.com.