Home > Women's Corner > Healthy Back to School Lunches

Back

Healthy Back to School Lunches

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

A healthy lunch is essential for your child to have a productive day at school.  But let’s face it – when you’re putting a lunch together, it’s a lot easier and convenient to throw in pre-packaged chips, cookies and whole meals.

Well here are some better options to make a lunch with a punch. 


Say NO to:

processed lunch meat

Say YES to:

unprocessed meats, like turkey breast.  Use whole grain bread or tortillas.  There's even a great tasting mayo substitute called Veganaise that has no dairy and no eggs.


Say NO to:

fruit cups that are full of sugar and preservatives

Say YES to:

fresh fruit like blueberries, grapes, or strawberries.  For fun, freeze grapes or mango pieces.  They are usually a big hit with kids.



Say NO to: 

potato chips

Say YES to:

rice cakes, baby carrots, celery sticks, whole grain pretzel sticks



Other healthy packable snacks are string cheese, cut up veggies with ranch dressing, nuts (almonds, cashews and walnuts are good choices), raisins, banana chips and low fat yogurt.


As you are doing your back-to-school shopping, don’t forget to pick up a small thermos.  Chicken noodle soup with whole grain crackers makes a great lunch.  Other ideas for the thermos are leftover rice and beans or stir fry veggies. 




Do you have other healthy ideas for packing a lunch?  Let us know - we'd love to hear from you!

 

Add a Comment

* Comment
   
* Enter security code as seen below.
   
 
   
SUBMIT »