Rethink That School Lunch

Now that its' the official start of the 2009-2010 school year it's time to rethink lunches. What do you want to give your budding (or big if you have teens) foodie? Do you cave in and fill it with their favorite snacks? Or do you give them something healthy? Whats the right mix and the best mix?

First of all study their eating habits. if your kids love snacks, you may want to substitute healthy ones like orange or peach slices or popcorn to go with their lunch. Apple chips are fun too. Another aspect is what are their favorite meats and veggies. If they like a particular meat like turkey, make wraps and sandwiches for them using it. Vary it with chicken every now and then. Salads are fun too. You can pack enough plus an extra plate so that it can be shared with friends. Another healthy but really fun choice packing veggies and a low cal dip. Kids love the idea of dipping anything, from the dreaded broccoli spear to green beans.


Remember that it's your kid's lunch not yours. You should include them in the shopping stage all the way through to the creating stage. Teach them to know what's a good fruit as opposed to bruised rotty, ones as well as what's considered organic. Let them browse through your supermarket's deli section and explain which meats are high in nitrates and preservatives. Buy ingredients such as oil and vinegar along with low fat plain yogurt so they can make their own dressings and dips. Have them choose the bread for their sandwiches, but steer them towards whole wheat and rye for better nutrition and fewer calories.

School lunches can be a combination of tasty and healthy it;'s a matter of one, conferring with your student about what he or she likes and then finding the right foods. Making them the perfect lunch will be easier than getting them to do their homework! Trust me!