Lunch Box Makeover
Kids are headed back to school and that means it is time for packed lunches. How many sandwiches will you make this year? Packed lunches are often mundane. Try mixing things up with a lunch chart. Allow your child to pick a food from each column for endless variety. This will ensure a nutrient-rich meal to fuel their brain and body throughout the afternoon.
Fruit or Vegetable | Snack | |
Deli Chicken Roll-Up | Apple slices | Zucchini Muffins |
Protein Bites | Strawberries | Yogurt |
Hummus & Boiled Egg | Pepper slices | Trail Mix |
Pizza Roll-Up | Dried fruit | Popcorn |
Pasta Salad with chicken | Baby carrots | Granola bar |
Tuna Pouch | Cucumber slices | Crackers |
Greek Yogurt | Berries | Almonds |
Meat & Cheese Skewers | Grapes | Rice Cakes |
Burrito Bowl | Cherry Tomatoes Avocado | Tortilla Chips |
Tips for successful lunches:
- Involve your kids. When a child is involved in selecting and making their foods they are more likely to bring home an empty lunch box!
- Pack lunches the day before. Avoid the morning rush, pack lunches after dinner for the next day.
- Keep it cool. Add an ice pack to your child’s lunch box to help prevent foodborne illness.
- Bring home food that was not eaten. Learn what your child is eating and what they are leaving behind. This will help you understand their food preferences.
Recipes
Protein Bites - https://nwcolumbus.macaronikid.com/articles/5e387068ef65847b677b4b3c/no-bake-recipe-easy-to-make-energy-bites-are-filling-and-delicious - These are so easy to modify. I add protein powder for even more protein and change up the mix ins.
Pizza Roll Up - http://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/249873/pizza-roll-up/
This article is from an older edition of Macaroni Kid and think it offers some great tips! I'm currently using some of them. But we could not find the current information that this article was originally linked to. but it appears to have been written by Eileen Henderson, Registered Dietitian @eat.nourish.thrive.rd.
