[the revolutionary lunch box]
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Okay, so maybe not revolutionary, but certainly ‘out of the box’ so to speak. Our goal here is to get you thinking about your kid’s mid-day meal on the go in a whole new light. Sure, there is still a place for your standard lunch-box fare—peanut butter and jelly and raisin boxes, but we also need to make room for other healthy soon-to-be favorites: carrot, raisin and peanut butter sandwiches on whole grain (sound gross? Just try it), berry-peach smoothies and pita with hummus. Most kids like hummus’ smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor. And, because it’s made with chickpeas, it is full of fiber and protein, a can’t beat combination. Below, find some simple lunch box ideas that are sure to elicit some “Mmmmmm”.
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- Hummus. Store bought hummus is usually equally as good as its homemade counterparts. Wrap in a pita or serve with crunchy crackers or bagel crisps.
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- Mexican bean wrap. Another high-fiber, low fat treat. Grab a tortilla, fill with refried beans (look for those made w/o lard) and child’s choice of fillings (lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, chesse) roll up and store in cling-wrap.
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- Fresh mozzarella sandwiches. Give the orange, processed cheese slices of yesteryear a rest. Especially good on foccacia or other specialty bread, fresh mozzarella has a mild taste and pleasing texture kids love. If your child has a more adventurous palate, spread pre-made pesto on the bread instead of mayo and top with tomato.
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- PB, Carrot and Raisin Sandwich. Traditional, no. Yummy, yes. Shred a small amount of carrot on one slice of whole grain bread. Top other slice with peanut butter (really yummy with the chunky variety) and sprinkle with raisins. A great way to get veggies into your little one.
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- Berry-Peach Smoothie: In blender, puree 8-10 ice cubes, 1 peach, 5-10 strawberries and any other berries in season (frozen fruit can be used as well) mix with 1/4 -1/2 cup of orange juice. Obviously, one powerhouse of a drink and a fun surprise for your child’s thermos.
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- Go fresh, not processed. Just like the processed cheese needs a vacation, so does processed deli meat. If you had chicken the night before, turn it into a chicken salad sandwich or just package it to eat with string cheese and crackers. Same thing with left-over pork. Shred it and mix with barbeque sauce and package it in a sesame bun. Yum!
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These lunches are yummy enough to even make you want to trade in your purse for a Dora lunchbox. Enjoy!