Ah, yes, it’s that time of year again. Hectic, early mornings and packed schedules all week long. So how do you not only find time to pack your kids lunch but make sure it’s healthy too? Check out a few simple tips & tricks that will save you time while making you look like a culinary hero to your kids!
- Kids love variety & surprises – Instead of the standard sandwich on white bread, step it up! Try using bagels, wraps, tortillas and other fun varieties. Also be sure that the breads you are using are made of while grains like whole wheat, multi-grain, omega 3 or flax. This way you know your child is getting a rich source of fiber, vitamins, antioxidants while having a new spin on lunch every day.
- Leftover lunch surprise! – Cook once, eat twice! Make meals that leave you with enough leftovers for a few more meals in addition to leaving you with some room for creativity. For instance, Rice & beans from the night before can be rolled into a tortilla with some tomatoes, lettuce & cilantro for instant burrito. The possibilities are endless with just a little extra planning.
- Get the kids in the kitchen – Having your kids play an active role in their lunch making process is a great way to teach them skills they will need for years to come. In addition, it’s a perfect way for them to see where food comes from and helps them appreciate the cooking process. Not to mention, kids love to play with their food & their creativity soars. Help them build pita pocket sandwiches or put together their own healthy “lunchables”. This way when the lunch bell rings, they are excited to devour their creation with a sense of accomplishment! Get creative with colors, textures & ingredients (all of which can be found in plant based foods)
- Dip it good – Dips are a fabulous way to make lunchtime fun. Fruit and veggies can be dipped into a vast array of sauces and dips. Healthy chips and salsa, veggies & hummus, strawberries and soy yogurt, the list could go on and on.
- Snack attack – Let’s face it, kids eat breakfast at 7 am, lunch at 11am and then they don’t eat again until they get home after 3. Always include healthy snacks for kids to eat at recess to fend off bad food cravings on the way home from or once they arrive from school. Trail mix, nuts, fruit, whole grain cereals and other finger foods are quick and easy as well as nutritious.
- Slippery when wet – Parents, don’t make the mistake of tossing a soda or sugary juice in your kids lunch box. Water, nut milks and 100% fruit or veggie juices are the only way to go. What they drink is just as important as what they eat. Also, be sure your child has a bpa-free water bottle handy to get them in the habit of keeping properly hydrated.
Making sure your children are eating well at school is one less thing you have to worry about. Now about all that texting…
