Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

"It's bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children's health than the pediatrician." ~Meryl Streep

Obesity Rates Doubled for Adults and Tripled for Children According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the latest studies indicate that in the past 20 years overweight and obesity rates have more than doubled for adults and tripled for children. So why the sudden expansion (pun intended)?

	Green salad with grilled chicken- cut leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to a salad of romaine lettuce, grated carrots and other veggies. In small seperate container, make simple vinegarette with olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano. Add a touch of sugar or honey for sweetness.
	Veggie dip- use packet of organic onion dip mix, instead of sour cream, use plain yogurt. Cut up variety of veggies- be creative! In addition to celery and carrots, try zucchini, broccoli, snow or sugar snap peas, green beans
	Put line of mustard on slices of turkey breast and roll. Instead of bread, use pita triangles or whole grain crackers.
	Fruit salad-cut into bite-sized pieces, apples, pears, oranges. Make dressing of 1part honey to 2 parts lemon juice and a dash of cinnamon. The lemon juice will keep the fruit from turning brown.
	Less expensive than the individual fruit snacks, make homemade applesauce on the weekend for use in lunches. Peel and dice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and add a small amount of water and cook on low heat, stirring and "mushing" apples often.
	Think outside the typical peanut butter and jelly box- use whole grain english muffins or pita bread and instead of jelly, honey.
	Homemade soups in a thermos- soup is a great way to "hide" good veggies that my kids won't eat otherwise. Sweet potatoes help to thicken the broth. I also throw in peas, parsnips, barley. Use your imagination!
	I've learned over the years that parents are the ones concerned with variety, not kids. As long as the nutrition is sound, don't be afraid of sticking with a few favorites. It's not necessary that each day of the week hold a different lunch.

Healthy Snack Ideas!