Pack a Healthier Brown Bag Lunch

There’s no reason why a packed lunch can’t be fun AND provide good nutrition too. Here are some of the basics to a good brown bag lunch. Including a choice from each food group will get the most nutrition into your child to fuel them for their busy day. Here are some of my suggestions for keeping lunch interesting and healthy too:

SANDWICHES: Don’t get stuck on just making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or sandwiches with just one favorite meat. Switch the ingredients around. Add special toppings. Just think about all the toppings you see at sandwich shops. If your child asks for cucumbers or green peppers on their sandwich at Subway, surprise them with a similar sandwich in their lunch! Look for sandwich rolls at the grocery store, cut them part way through and then wrap with plastic wrap to hold everything in.

NOT FANS OF SANDWICHES?: My daughter likes the components of sandwiches but not sandwiches themselves. She prefers to have a roll, a few slices of turkey or ham, and a slice or two of cheese, all eaten separately. Do whatever works for you!

HEALTHY TREATS: A fun alternative to potato chips is Pirate’s Booty made by Robert’s American Gourmet. It’s a tasty snack made with puffed rice and corn that comes in flavors like Aged White Cheddar, Barbecue, Sea Salt & Vinegar, and Veggie. New products from Pirate’s Booty include Smart Puffs which are flavored with cheddar cheese, Tings which are a crunchy corn snack sort of like an unflavored Cheeto, Cannon Balls, and Pirate’s Booty with Golden Caramel. A baggie or container of these is sure to be a hit!

VEGGIES: Make it as easy and tasty as possible for kids to get a veggie serving in at lunch. If they don’t like veggies on their sandwich, send along sliced cucumber, baby carrots or whole carrots peeled and cut into small sticks, tiny grape tomatoes, small sticks of celery, whatever they like. Include a small round container with dip if that’s what they like. Dip suggestions include lowfat Ranch or other salad dressing, hummus, and a tablespoon or two of peanut butter.

FRUIT: It’s easier for younger kids to eat fruit if it’s already peeled or sliced and ready to eat. We like to do sliced Gala apples (they don’t seem to turn brown by lunchtime), grapes, or canned peaches or pears packed in extra light syrup or juice. For canned fruit, drain it and pack it in a small round storage container with a fork or spoon on the side. Those fruit cups are convenient but expensive, and they can be messy and hard for younger kids to open.

LEFTOVERS: What did you have for dinner last night? Leftovers can make a great lunch. My kids love a slice of cold pizza (I wrap it in foil) or a piece of leftover chicken in a storage container. I suggest packing napkins or wet wipes for greasy fingers!

What are your child’s favorite lunch foods? Share them in a comment!