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There are some really cute containers out there to pack
kid's lunches in, such as some that are brightly colored, round, and divided
into 3 sections -- one section holds 1/2 sandwich perfectly, and then the other
two sections can be filled with grapes in one and goldfish crackers in the other
(or what ever else you can think of).
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Younger children like surprises. Cutting sandwiches into
different shapes can be fun. A deep cookie cutter works great for this. Be
creative in using different types of bread to put the sandwich on, such as pita
pockets, bagels, hoagie or sub rolls. Try a variety of sandwiches, such as using cheeses, jellies, and of course peanut butter.
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Vary
the bread offerings from plain sliced bread to raisin bread, pita
pockets, dinner rolls, flour tortillas, or mini-bagels.
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Children like to handle their food, so pack finger-type
foods that can be easily picked up and munched on. Baby carrots and other
vegetables are great for this. But so are fruit slices, cheese cubes, and
crackers. Avoid chips, as even the lower-fat varieties are pretty much empty
calories.
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For dessert, avoid the sugary, high-fat deserts. Yogurts,
puddings, jell-o, fruit-filled cookies, and fruit-snacks are much healthier
choices but can also be fun. Jell-o jigglers can be cut into a variety of
shapes. Pudding, such as vanilla, can also can be colored, or chocolate pudding
"mud" can have surprise gummy worms in it.
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Granola
bars and fruit newtons will satisfy that sweet tooth, but be sure to read
labels. Some are not as healthy as they'd like you to think.
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If your
child likes cold pizza, send it along for lunch! Pizza is actually not a
bad choice.
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Mini-muffins are the perfect size for kids' lunches. Use your favorite
recipe, but smaller tins, and bake 12-15 minutes.
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A
thermos of hot soup is perfect for cold days, along with crackers.
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Make
your own trail mix at home using your child's favorite cereal, raisins,
nuts, and mini-pretzels. Toss in a few fruit gummies as a surprise.
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Mix
cream cheese with raisins and a dash of honey to spread on graham
crackers.
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Mix
shredded carrots with raisins, unflavored yogurt and a bit of honey for a
crunchy salad.
Make fruit kabobs of cubes of favorite fruits using thin strips of celery for
skewers.
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An old
favorite is Ants on a Log. Fill celery sticks with cream cheese, sprinkle with
grated carrot, and push in raisons for ants.
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Bean
dip and baked tortilla chips make a fun protein-filled addition.
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Cut
veggies into finger food-size, and accompany with seasoned cream cheese for
dipping.
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Popcorn
is always a welcome treat, and the low-fat microwave versions make it easy to
pop up quickly to send along. Be sure to put it in a sealed baggie to retain
freshness.
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Ask your child what he or she likes, make a list, and make
sure at least there is one thing from that list in his or her lunch. But most of
all: Be creative.
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Cereal is standard breakfast fare, but it's an unexpected
treat when served for lunch. Pack some nutritious cereal in a lidded bowl-shaped
container, and your child can add milk or soy milk to it when it's time to eat.
Teamed with a banana, this makes a filling meal.
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Hearty muffins--homemade or store-bought--can be a
welcome change of pace from sandwiches. Pack a wedge of cheese or a container of
yogurt (or their soy alternatives) and some fresh fruit to go along with it.
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Salads in pita bread appeal to
kids with more adventurous palates. Augment these salads with chickpeas, chunks
of baked marinated tofu or grated cheese. Keep pita sandwiches fresh by wrapping
first in foil then in sandwich bags.
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Expand your PBJ horizons by exploring other nut butters
(such as cashew or almond) and no-sugar-added fruit spreads or apple butter.
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Pasta salad is an appealing lunch option. Use fun
shapes, such as wagon wheels, small shells or tiny tubes. Small shapes pack best
into containers. Add your child's favorite veggies--mine like steamed broccoli,
black olives and carrots.
