momAgenda Blog

School Lunch Help

September 28, 2007 11:33 AM

Packing the kids' school lunches may not be a parenting challenge of epic proportions, but it is one of those things that many of us wish we could get done via magic wand! I know for me, busy mornings are hectic enough without worrying about 4 healthy lunches, each individually customized to my child's specific tastes.
I just found this great article on one of my favorite sites, www.kaboose.com. It offers tons of healthy school lunch ideas, as well as great tips and advice on making it easier. Music to my ears! Here are some tips you might enjoy:

* Avoid the morning rush by preparing lunch the night before and chilling it in the refrigerator.
* Instead potato or corn chips, pack a healthier alternative like veggie chips, bagel rounds, or baked tortilla crisps.
* Round out the meal with kid-sized veggies—baby carrots, celery sticks, or broccoli florets—and a low-fat or fat-free dip.
* Low-fat, high fiber mini muffins make a great dessert alternative to cupcakes or high-fat cookies.
* Use a cookie cutter to transform a plain square sandwich into something unique.
* Turn a container of low-fat yogurt into a complete meal by sending along some stir-ins like granola, trail mix, unsalted chopped nuts, or whole grain cereal.
* Consider alternatives to sandwich bread like burger buns, pita rounds, soft tortillas, and large lettuce leaves (for a no-sog wrap for savory fillings).

I especially like the cookie-cutter idea. I know my kids will be more likely to eat their sandwich if it is shaped like a dinosaur.

Check out the whole article here: http://recipes.kaboose.com/BTS-Lunch-Recipes.html

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