Fun with Food: Kids’ Lunches

School’s back in session, and studies show a clear connection between the belly and the brain.  A  nutritious breakfast and lunch help kids learn and retain their ABC’s and their 123’s.

If you pack lunch for your kids, here are a few nutritious, delicious and easy vegetarian items to include in their brown bags and backpacks:

Hummus with pita triangles ~ pack store-bought or homemade hummus in 4 oz. containers with lids.  Toss one into their lunch box, bag, or tote, with pita triangles, tortilla chips, or pretzel twists for dipping.

Trail Mix ~ Mix together pretzels, raisins, dried cherries, cereal, peanuts, mixed nuts, chocolate chips (or M&M’s) and put in single serving containers for a high energy fix that’s fun to eat.

Cheese and whole wheat crackers ~ cut assorted cheeses (cheddar, monterey jack, mozzarella) into cubes or small squares for your kids to eat with crackers, pita, pretzels.

Veggie Wraps ~ fill with refried beans or salad fixings.  See Veggie Wraps.

Mini Kabobs ~ Skewer veggies and fruit on toothpicks to entice your kids to eat these vitamin-rich wonder foods.

Fruit kabobs:  grapes, pineapple, mandarin orange segments, watermelon cubes, cherries, strawberries.  Serve with a small cup of fruit yogurt as a dipping sauce.

Veggie kabobs:  blanched broccoli, crisp red pepper,  cherry tomatoes, grilled zucchini, chunks of cheese.  Serve with a small container of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Pasta Salads ~ small cups of macaroni or pasta salad with veggies (celery, red pepper, black olives, peas, diced carrots, etc.).

Three Bean Salad ~ mix cooked green beans with 2 cans of garbanzo, kidney, or black beans (drained and rinsed), add bottled italian dressing and chopped red pepper.  Serve in 4-6 oz. servings.

Other lunch ideas:  pb&j sandwiches cut in triangles or other cute shapes; yummy leftovers (pizza, quesadillas, baked beans, mac & cheese); celery stuffed with cheese, cream cheese, or peanut butter; carrot and celery sticks; pieces of whole fruit (banana, peach, apple); cups of fruit salad (apple, pineapple, grapes, oranges); fiber rich granola bars; and oatmeal-raisin cookies (with or without the chocolate chips).

Healthy Drinks ~ refillable containers of water, V-8 juice, 100% fruit juices, chocolate milk or soy milk.

How do I know so much about packing lunches for kids? 

Easy . . . I’ve got a BIG kid, and he’s always hungry. 

Related posts:  Bon Appetit! * 10 Ways To Fiber Up Your Diet * Healthy Eating (Positive Parenting)