Last week I wrote about how using different types of bread could make your child’s school lunch a bit more exciting. Today I wanted to offer just a few more ideas to help you with planning your child’s lunch. These ideas will not only add variety, but are healthier options than just grabbing some of those convenient pre-packaged items at your grocery store.
As you know, ensuring that your child’s diet includes fruit is very important to overall health. You could just pack an apple or a banana in their lunch. Those are good options and they are easy to transport. But, to add some variety to your child’s lunch, why not pack a small container of grapes and cheese cubes. Or, you could pack a plastic container with a fruit salad made of cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries, and watermelon.
Another good option is dried fruit such as raisins, dried cherries, cranberries, or apricots. Maybe, try creating your own snack mix that contains dried fruit along with cereal, pretzels, nuts, or crackers. I recently told you how healthy walnuts are, so be sure to include some of those along with sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. (Note: Be aware of any nut restrictions in your child’s classroom before packing this for a snack.) To sweeten it up a bit, you could add some dark chocolate chips or yogurt covered raisins. And, a great way to ensure your child will eat the mix you have created is to have them help you. Let them pick out the ingredients, mix it, and bag it for their lunch. They will love helping and it’s a great way for them to start making healthy food choices.
Along with fruit, vegetables are another component needed in your child’s diet to ensure good health. However, sometimes vegetables are not as easy to incorporate, especially with finicky eaters. Adding the “crunch” is sometimes helpful. After all, crunchy food is fun and satisfying. But, you can go beyond the baby carrots and ranch dressing or the celery stuffed with cream cheese or peanut butter, although those are great options too. How about packing a taco salad? 
Seasoned ground turkey atop crunchy romaine lettuce, sprinkled with shredded Mexican cheese and sliced grape tomatoes. That is very yummy and a nice change from a sandwich. You could also send a pasta salad that incorporates fresh veggies and cheese. How about mini vegetable quiches? And, on days when your child just wants a sandwich, try adding “crunch” to the sandwich. Thinly sliced red, yellow, or orange peppers are a nice colorful, sweet, crunchy addition. Even cucumbers will work well. I’ve had some luck with carrot broccoli slaw I buy in the produce section of my grocery store. We use this crunchy vegetable mixture on sandwiches and when I make fish tacos.
Well, those are my tips for this week. Variety is the key to preventing boredom with school lunches. And, you can incorporate a variety of healthy foods and still make snack time and lunch time fun and exciting. And remember, whenever possible, involve your child in helping to prepare their snacks and lunches.
