Healthy and Happy: School Time Recipes

Summer is stepping out the door and autumn is about to walk in. For parents and their children the change of seasons means only one thing- the start of yet another school year. Though it's a time nobody like's to face, there are a few hurdles that simply have to be overcome by parents and their children. With Summer and all its junk food taking its leave, it's time for parents to start supplying their kids with some nutritional, tasty meals. How can you keep your child healthy and happy this school year? No problem! Here you'll find suggestions for before, during, and after school!

Breakfast

The key to breakfast? Something healthy yet appealingly sweet.

Banana Oatmeal

Requirements: Water, 2 Bananas, Oatmeal Mix, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon

Time: 10-13 Minutes

How-To: Pour the oatmeal mix into a bowl with hot or cold water- depending upon preference. Slice one of your bananas into fairly thin coin-like pieces. If the oatmeal is prepared hotly, disperse banana slices into the mix before boiling it. If prepared otherwise, you can either mash the bananas into the oatmeal instead of cutting them or simply bury the slices in the mix. As the oatmeal nears completion, add a spoonful of brown sugar to the mix. Upon returning it to the bowl, add a pinch of cinnamon as well as the second banana slices. Yum yum!

Lunch

The key to lunch? Make it filling and mouth-watering!

Little Hero

Requirements: Turkey or Ham, Lettuce, Cheddar Cheese, Pickles, Tomato, Mustard, Italian or French Bread Loaf

Time: 8-11 Minutes

How-To: This one is fairly customizable. The groundwork of the recipe is as follows: gather the appropriate contents of your child's dream sub. Slice a four-inch long pair of Italian or French Bread slices and separate them. Begin by spreading a thin layer of condiments over the bottom bread slice- mayo, mustard, etc. Next lay out the lettuce, pickles, and tomato slices. Arrange them neatly before adding the lunch meat- turkey, ham, or whatever your child might like. The cheddar cheese can then take the top spot before sealing the 'little hero' with the other bread slice.

After School Snack

The key to the snack? Something light to look forward to!

Little Dippers

Requirements: 2 slices of Bread & Honey or 3 Carrots & Ranch dressing, Milk or Juice (grape, orange, apple, etc...)

Time: 3-5 Minutes

How-To: This one is interchangeable and can be done differently on different days of the week. The first version requires bread, honey, and milk. First lightly toast the bread. While doing so, pour a modest amount of honey onto a plate. Chill a glass of milk or heat up it up- depending upon the child's preference. When the toast is ready, have your child dip strips of it into the honey. The second version uses carrot sticks and ranch dressing. Spread 3-4 carrot sticks on a small plate with a modest side of ranch dressing for dipping. Because milk doesn't fit this snack version as well, it is best to go with your child's favorite fruit juice.