Back to School: Making your kid’s lunches healthier

Posted by Sarah on August 9th, 2010 at 03:11pm

Today Shine posted an article about 10 of the Worst School Foods. I looked at this and honestly wasn’t all that shocked or surprised, especially when I think about what I used to eat as a kid. But with kids going back to school and a lot of attention still on the increasing childhood obesity rate in the U.S., some schools have stepped up to do a makeover on what they’re serving in the cafeteria.

My question is, even if schools start offering healthier options, how can you be sure your child will reach for some veggies versus the bowl of mac n cheese? As parents you can teach the importance of healthy living and healthy food until your blue in the face, but in the end sometimes kids just don’t want to listen or can be picky eaters. I know what I was like when I was 10 years old and you better believe I was going for those tots!

To combat that kids will be kids, the only way you can guarantee they are eating healthier is to pack their lunches. Yes it’s a bit more time consuming, but maybe you start with packing their lunch two or three out of the five school days and go from there.

Here are some quick kids’ lunch ideas that are healthy, provide the needed protein, but go beyond just your typical sandwiches. To make these even healthier substitute the dressings or cheese for their low-fat versions when needed:

• California Roll Up and Sunshine Basil Wrap from Easy Kid’s Recipes
• Amazing Club Sandwiches
• Easy Egg Salad Sandwiches
• Healthy Vegetable Pockets
• Cheese and Broccoli Salad
• Chicken Fruit Wrap from Meals Matter

If you are dealing with a picky eater, then substituting peanut butter and jelly for a low-fat peanut butter and fresh apple slices could be a good option, or a turkey and cheese sandwich, rather than ham would be a good lean meat option. When in doubt add cheese, low-fat cheese ideally, almost all kids love cheese!

The goal is to get your kids to want to eat healthy school lunch recipes, so try making it fun. For example you could cut the sandwiches into cool shapes, or put stickers, prizes, or cheap little toys in with their lunches. It’s almost like a happy meal! Also try adding some of these 6 Fun Healthy Kids Snacks to go along with their main dish.

For even more options check out these great Kid Lunch Ideas from Kid’s Meal Ideas, which are chalk full of interesting food. Or check out these 10 Healthy Lunch Box Ideas from Healthy Eating Made Easy for more inspiration.

Finally, another way to get kids excited about bringing their own lunch is to find them a cool lunch box! I cherished my Strawberry Shortcake lunch box when I was growing up, so let your kids find one that makes them happy too.

Tags: Health, health kids foods, healthy eating, healthy foods, healthy meals, kids diets, meal planner, nutrition, what to eat

Under healthy eating Tags: Health, health kids foods, healthy eating, healthy foods, healthy meals, kids diets, meal planner, nutrition, what to eat