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Packed lunches need not be boring anymore
You are probably
already bored with making school lunches, and your kids are tired of
eating what you pack. Just because my kids are grown hasn't stopped
me from thinking outside the lunch box. I offer some alternatives to
the usual peanut butter and jelly. When I was packing for my kids, I
had a plan that helped me break the boredom. I share my ideas to
help you get out of the rut you may already be in:
Packaging:
Lunch bags and boxes are made of insulated materials that keep foods
safe at the proper temperatures. Make sure you invest in one of
these totes. Then get some small ice packs to ensure your kids are
eating food that is wholesome. I also get packages of washable
plastic containers sized to hold individual servings. These can be
reused.
Sandwiches:
My kids' mouths have never touched white bread. At least not white
bread I packed for them. There are so many other varieties out there
to use for sandwiches. Think about wraps,tortillas and pita too.
Wraps: Try
filling wraps with avocado, hummus, flavored cream cheese or cashew
and almond butters. Combine creamy spreads with shredded carrots,
crisp romaine, hard-boiled eggs or English cucumber slices.
Try an updated PB & J with almond butter and some great preserves on
a cinnamon wrap. If your kids are vegetarian, try one of the baked
tofu squares available in natural food stores. I slice them thin and
put them in a wrap with hummus and field greens.
Salads: I
use small containers filled with chopped salads and then top the
base salad of greens and veggies with egg salad, avocado or tuna
salad. Dressings can be packed in reusable 2-ounce plastic
containers to add just before eating.
If you don't like the idea of washing the plastic containers or
don't think your child will bring them home, you can buy dressing in
single-serve packets. My kids used to enjoy getting a salad a few
times a week.
Snacks:
There are many healthy items available such as whole-grain cookies
that are lightly sweetened with alternative sweeteners. Trail mixes
made with nuts and sun-dried fruits abound in bulk stores and even
come packaged. And even crispy snacks are available that are
healthy. I never thought I would see the day a Cheez Doodle-like
snack would actually be healthful. But they are.
Fruit: Pack
something seasonal. In the fall, cut an apple in half, scoop out the
seeds and fill the cavity with a bit of almond or cashew butter.
It's a great power treat. Or break the monotony by offering a kiwi
cut in half with a plastic spoon for scooping out the pulp. A sliced
star fruit is a real
Florida
treat.
Drinks:
There are so many alternatives available today that weren't around
when I was raising my kids. But you can't beat good old water.
Especially now that we have access to reusable safe "bottles." Get
your kids into the eco-friendly habit of refilling bottles instead
of recycling them. |
