If you pack your children’s school lunches, finding new and interesting selections can be a challenge. While lunchmeat can make for a simple meal, you may be concerned about the nitrates they contain and whether they are safe. Your kids may also find that eating sandwiches five days a week can be a bore and they may even end up trading their lunches away for sweet or fattening snacks that might adversely affect their health. If you are faced with packing your kid’s lunches daily, here are a few selections that can kick sandwich boredom to the curb.
1. Corn Tortilla Quesadillas – If your kids are tired of white bread, then give their lunch a kick by adding corn tortilla quesadillas to the menu. These are simple to make and you can use almost any kind of cheese, from cheddar to swiss, to satisfy your kids’ preferences. Corn tortillas are generally lower in fat and calories than the flour kind, and they can be eaten hot or cold. Try adding extras like tomatoes or shredded baked chicken to increase flavor.
2. Vegetable Wraps – Packing veggie wraps into your kids’ lunches can give them that afternoon boost of energy they need without risking the sugar crash and possible weight gain that can come with sweet or sugary foods and drinks. To make these vitamin-packed wraps, dice cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, and bell peppers and wrap them in large lettuce leaves. Season them with a mix of pepper and all-natural sea salt or include a dressing dip in a separate container. Try to choose vegetables that will remain crisp until lunchtime to avoid sogginess.
3. Hummus Dip – Most kids love finger foods, so making a lunch from food selections they can dip into something, like hummus, is a great cure for lunchtime boredom. Either make your own hummus or buy an organic brand that is low in salt and preservatives. You can then add a variety of dipping foods such as apple slices, baby carrots, bell pepper strips, or even cheese cubes. This lunch selection can be made easier by purchasing Kid’s Lunch Boxes that feature built-in compartment trays and can help to keep dip and dipping foods fresh and separated until your kids are ready to eat.
4. Sunday Leftovers – Some foods taste great on the second day, and Sunday leftovers in your kids’ lunchboxes are no exception. Roasted chicken pulled off the bone, cold meatloaf slices, and raw veggies with your child’s favorite dip on the side are all ideal lunchtime leftovers. Because many of today’s lunch boxes keep food colder thanks to thermal insulation, you can choose a wide variety of meats and veggies to give your child a protein-packed meal that can help keep him or her energized for the rest of the day.
Making a departure from plain old baloney or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for packed lunches can be fun for your kids and give you peace of mind as a parent. Not only can you offer your child more nutritious selections, variety will keep them happy and more likely to eat what you have packed for them, from the first day of school to the last.
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