8 Healthy Lunch Box Ideas

Back to school is a hectic time. Kids are anxious about their new grade, their friends, what will happen at school and what to wear. Parents are worried about making lunches healthy and nutritious without having to deal with sighs, complaints or eye rolls from kids. Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring or gross. It’s just a matter of getting a little creative!

Gloria Tsang, RD, founder of HealthCastle.com, has eight healthy suggestions for your kids this fall.

Kids, like adults, want variations and surprises in their meals. Instead of using the same white bread everyday, try using various kinds of bread such as whole wheat bread, multi-grain bread, omega 3 or flax bread. Try whole grain bagels or dinner rolls. It’s amazing how different ham and cheese can look on a bagel.
Instead of using processed deli or luncheon meats every day, try creating a healthy lunch idea by using leftover meat from the night before. Try chopping up leftover chicken to make a chicken salad sandwich. You can practically make any kind of sandwich with leftover meat dishes. A teriyaki chicken breast steak sandwich or a grilled salmon fillet sandwich can be delicious!
Give your kids something to do with their food. A burrito or pita pocket they can assemble themselves can make a fun and healthy lunch option. Prepare shredded vegetables, meat, and a sauce in baggies or small containers. It’s kind of like being able to play with their food!
Prepare diced or julienned produce to go along with a small container of dipping sauce. Or simply pack easy-to-pack fruit and vegetables such as apples, pears, bananas, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and grapes. Low fat yogurt or sour cream, hummus or tzatziki are healthy dip choices.
Think about canned fruit cups in water or dried fruit for lunch. They’re fun to eat, and while they’re not as fresh, they’re still healthy and nutritious.
Try preparing a portion-controlled healthy trail mix as snacks with nuts, crunchy whole grain granola or cereal and dried fruits like raisins, apricots and prunes.
Several yogurt companies are making smaller, portable sizes now. These offer a good source of protein and calcium. If possible, choose one with active live bacterial cultures (probiotics) to maximize the health benefits.
Water and milk are the recommended beverage choice for kids. Another healthy lunch box choice is soy milk in tetra pack. If you pack juice boxes on occasion, make sure they are 100 percent fruit juice. If possible, avoid sugary drinks such as fruit drink, fruit punch and soft drinks.

Kids lunches don’t have to be dull, for you, or for them! Mix and match, see what else you can find that fit into a healthy lifestyle and your kids will thank you.

HealthCastle.com is the most comprehensive nutrition community run by Registered Dietitians on the web. We are passionate about spreading the goodness of nutrition and health. For more information, please log onto www.HealthCastle.com.

For more information or to speak with Gloria Tsang, RD, please contact:

Tracey Johnston

Source: http://www.HealthCastle.com/

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