Lunch Ideas
Tortilla Wraps
Food is much more fun for kids if it's wrapped up in a tasty tortilla. Cundith recommends filling tortilla wraps with lean lunch meats and cheeses for the perfect lunchbox meal. Cut up fresh fruit or easy-to-eat baby carrots or grape tomatoes to complement the wrap for a healthy midday meal at home or school.
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Taco Bar
Give your child plenty of options with a taco salad bar, designed to let her make healthy choices. Cook and season lean ground beef and set out shredded cheese, salsa, salad greens, tomatoes and black beans for your child to mix together for the perfect meal, suggests Cundith. You can also prepare a taco bar in to-go containers for a school-day lunch with a spicy kick.
Peanut Butter Alternatives
For kids who like peanut butter but aren't allowed to pack nuts in their lunch sacks due to allergies, try sunflower or sesame seed butter, says Bridget Swinney, Texas-based registered dietitian and author of "Healthy Food for Healthy Kids." "Sunflower seed butter is very rich in vitamin E, a nutrient kids are often missing," she says.
A Healthier Hot Dog
Swap out the franks for a healthier option that your kids will love at lunchtime. Spread low-fat or fat-free cream cheese in a whole grain hot dog bun, drizzle with honey and top with a small banana, recommends Swinney. This alternative to the traditional hot dog is an excellent source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese and potassium, not to mention protein, calcium and fiber.
Salmon Rollups
Boost your child's brain and immune system with omega-3 fats that are tasty and rolled up into a fun finger food for lunch. Simply make a creamy salmon salad using canned or leftover salmon with low-fat cream cheese, says Swinney. Roll up in a whole grain flour tortilla with fresh spinach leaves and grated carrots and slice into pieces.
Lunch on a Stick
Make lunchtime meals creative with meals on a stick or a straw. Serve up shrimp, meat balls or grilled chicken strips strategically placed on a kabob stick or straw to get your little one excited about his meal. "This is an especially good way to get kids to eat their protein foods if they aren't big meat eaters," says Swinney. "Provide different dipping sauces, such as ranch, ketchup or hoisin sauce."
