Operation: Healthy Lunch

Dec 31, 2013 | DIY

Every day of the school week I pack my son a lunchbox. I strive for healthy contents. I always include a fruit and a bottle of water – but most days, that’s where the healthy part stops. Until now. While scouring Pinterest®, I discovered a new way to pack lunches. All you need is a divided food storage container and healthy ingredients – think fresh veggies, fruits and low-fat options. The results are healthy, delicious combinations that are colorful and creative – sure to please kiddos and adults alike.

Kid’s lunchbox

  • Pretzels
  • Strawberries
  • Cubed cheddar and Colby Jack cheese
  • Organic, seedless cucumbers
  • Organic petite carrots
  • Turkey, cheddar, lettuce, tortilla wraps

Grown-up’s lunchbox

  • Tossed salad with Romaine and spinach
  • Red bell pepper and avocado slices
  • Special K® low-fat cracker chips
  • Red seedless grapes
  • Turkey
  • Caprese sticks (Mozzarella cheese, basil, cherry tomato, skewered on toothpick, drizzled with balsamic)

DELICIOUS, HEALTHY FOODS that are perfect for packing. On their own they are great for snacking, but packed together they make a healthy, filling lunch!

Fruit Options

  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Red or green seedless grapes
  • Orange slices (Cuties®)
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Apple slices (tossed in lemon juice to eliminate browning)

Dairy

  • String cheese
  • Cheddar cheese (cubed)
  • Colby Jack cheese (cubed)
  • Mozzarella cheese (cubed)
  • Pepper jack cheese (cubed)
  • Boiled eggs
  • Low-fat yogurt

Breads

  • Whole-wheat wraps
  • Wheat bread
  • Whole-wheat mini pita pockets
  • Fruit muffins or breads

Protein

  • Tuna
  • Turkey (rolled)
  • Chicken (grilled and sliced or shredded)

Vegetables

  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Avocados
  • Cucumbers
  • Edamame
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Green or red bell pepper slices
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Sugar snap peas

Other

  • Basil
  • Nuts
  • Pretzels
  • Low-fat chips or crackers
  • Graham crackers
  • Teddy Grahams™
  • Goldfish™ crackers
  • Animal crackers
  • Low-fat puddings
  • Sugar-free Jello

Bonus!

3 lunch ideas for the kiddos to get you started.

Club on a Stick

  • Ham, turkey, and cheese rolled up, sliced, and skewered with pretzel sticks.
  • Shelled edamame or sugar snap peas.
  • Fat-free chocolate pudding and orange slices.

Reel ‘em in

  • Tuna sandwich with lettuce on whole wheat bread, cut into fish shape with a cookie cutter.
  • Baby carrots, celery and low-fat ranch dip.
  • Whole-grain Goldfish™ crackers.
  • Grapes.

Pita Power

  • Grilled chicken strips and veggies in mini whole wheat pita pocket.
  • Low-fat vanilla yogurt and sliced strawberries.
  • Sugar snap peas.
  • Animal crackers.
Do South Magazine

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