School comes with a lot of work – packing backpacks, making lunches, and checking homework can keep parents busier than they ever thought! Lunch, though, should be a no-brainer. Check out these tips for making your child’s school lunches healthy, quick, and delicious!
Sandwich Substitute: Whole grain bread, wraps or bagels packed with lean cuts of meat or hummus for protein is the way to go. Whole grain breads are packed with fiber and protein that keep away afternoon hunger pangs! Don’t forget the mustard, which is loaded with antioxidants. Tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers are delicious ways to add crunch, fiber, plus vitamins and minerals.
Think Beyond Bread: When sandwiches lose their luster, consider salads and skewers instead! Perhaps a pasta or taco salad loaded with veggies will spice things up. Another idea would be to skewer 1-inch cubes of cheese and lean lunch meat with grape tomatoes, lettuce and pickles for a sandwich on a stick!
Snack Switch: This may be the most important part of the meal because it’s a kid’s favorite. Stay away from greasy, fried potato chips and artificially flavored cheese curls. Baked, all-natural snacks with less fat and calories are a much better alternative. You shouldn’t need Google to read the ingredient list! We like Pirate’s Booty – a gluten-free crunchy snack that’s great for little ones – no grease!
Drink Exchange: Avoid sugary fruit drinks loaded with calories and little to no nutritional benefit. Rehydrating with water or low-fat milk makes the grade!
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