Back To School Lunches

 Kids are finally getting back to the classroom. That means some schools will allow lunches which can be daunting to parents. The main question is what to pack? Sandwiches or a Bento box full of cut veggies and fruits. 

Keep in mind the little ones have been eating what you've been eating for the last year. That may be fast food , leftovers or freshly made hot lunches. Grade schoolers may not like the idea of a sandwich after a year of chicken nuggets and Happy Meals. They will warm to fun shaped sandwiches and fun snacks. Think about buying sandwich shapers that comes in such molds as trains, cats, flowers and hearts.As far as snacks , try to get healthy ones instead of potato chips. If they do insist on chips then try Sensible Portions Sea Salt veggie chips. These look like Pringles but are a bit healthier being made with spinach , broccoli and peas in a potato based chips. These tasty chips can only be found at Target although you can find their veggie straws in your local grocery. These also come in different flavors like ranch, barbecue and sea salt. The company even makes apple straws which make for a nice dessert instead of cookies.  Should you send leftovers to school?  Yes, if there's access to a microwave. Just keep the portions manageable.

A healthy lunch is always a good idea too. Bento boxes work well for this.if you're new to them, you can buy them at your local Target.Amazon has a wide selection too. They are microwavable and usually come with a spork.  What to put into them? Nut butters are a great idea but be careful with these. Your kid may not suffer from nut allergies but their friends could have them.If that's the case then think of cream cheese with riced veggies like cauliflower and broccoli mixed in.Half a bagel with cream cheese is another good idea. Mini sandwiches are also good. Use whole wheat or whole grain bread filled with turkey or chicken. Manageable cut veggies like carrots or celery sticks are a crunchy fun side that kids will like. As far as sweet nibbles, toss in a few grapes or sliced strawberries. You can also give them some blueberries and for an absolute eye opener gooseberries. These last are becoming popular again and their tart unusual flavor will definitely make them the talk of the classroom. You could throw in some chocolate for a sugar burst. Two or three Hershey Kisses are always a nice end but you could also M&M's or Andes Mints too.

Schools are reopening again. It's time to hone those lunchbox skills with interesting sandwiches and sides. make them fun. Make them tasty. Make them desirable so that kids will gobble them up.

Healthy Picnics

Warm weather is here and with it the urge to pack a picnic basket. The problem is some  picnic foods can be bad for you ,laden with fat, sugar and salt. The best idea is create a healthy outdoor meal that's good for you as well as being tasty .It;s pretty simple with good results.

Sandwiches have always been a picnic staple. They re easy to make and easy to pack. However most people load them up with all sorts of bad ingredients, from the bread to the condiments. Start with whole wheat or any of the grained breads. They're just as tasty as the white and better for you. Most people usually like ham or bologna as a filling. Rethink your sandwich with leftover chicken or turkey. Even left over roast beef can be a tad healthier than any processed cold cuts. Mustard is one of the best and healthiest spreads. If it;s a bit too strong then think a lower calorie mayonnaise, perhaps mixed with cumin or rosemary. Another idea is try  drizzling olive oil on your sandwiches especially if you're using a whole wheat baguette as a base.

What makes good picnic? Sides. As fun as they are on any picnic , ditch the chips. Sub in homemade kale chips or try baked potato chips like Pringles.Another fun crunchy to bring along is sliced pickles or even gherkins. Fresh veggies such as grape tomatoes, slicked cukes and carrots are another good nibble or side . Dip them in a mix of plain Greek yogurt and your choice of spices.If you still want to bring salads, then make them healthier. Use whole wheat macaroni for your pasta salads and sub in olive oil and lemon for mayo. Add herbs and scallions to give it some zing and zest. Carrot salad, that picnic staple, can be made healthy too, with adding a simple vinaigrette and sliced onions and peppers.

A healthy picnic is easy to create.Try making one the next time the outdoor calls to you. It's a great way of having good for you food while having fun.