Packing the Perfect Lunch

Peanut butter and jelly - the classic sandwich combo conjures up happy lunchtime memories for some, but to your child this old standby has probably come to represent a serious lack of creativity on Mom's part! What can you do to break out of your meal planning rut? Packing a lunch that won't be traded for someone else's cookie requires a bit of planning, but it is possible to fill that lunchbox with fun foods that engage your child's hands and appetite!

Dipping
Kids love to dip food, and the simple addition of a favorite dipping sauce can encourage picky eaters to trudge through some not-so-favorite foods. You don't need to get too fancy here - peanut butter, salsa, and hummus are all ready-made options that are healthy and kid-pleasing. Pack small cups of favorite dips along with pretzel sticks, fresh fruits and veggies, or low-fat crackers. Flavored yogurt makes a great dip for fruit and graham crackers, and many children who would never dream of having salad for lunch will enjoy raw broccoli and baby carrots with low-fat salad dressing on the side.

Sandwich Makeovers
Now that you've added a fun twist to a side dish, see what can be done to add pizzazz to the sandwich portion of the meal. There's a good chance that your kids are a little bit bored by the nice sturdy white or wheat squares that you've been dutifully filling with lunch meat or peanut butter. Pita pockets, bagels, and flatbread all make great substitutes, and come in a variety of flavors. Borrow a breakfast favorite like frozen waffles or English muffins; simply toast, then spread with peanut butter or cream cheese. Tortillas can be spread with just about anything, and rolled up for an attractive sandwich that's fun to eat. Is bread even necessary? Your kids might enjoy going the low-carb route with ham and cheese roll-ups, or cubes of cooked chicken and string cheese. Meat free options include cottage cheese and yogurt, flavored or plain.

Don't Forget Dessert!
Is dessert necessary? Of course not! Is dessert fun? Your child will likely answer with a resounding Yes!, but you can satisfy a sweet tooth without resorting to processed or sugary concoctions. Fruit salad made from eye-catching favorites like berries and kiwi is easy to prepare, and choosing which fruits to include is a great way to involve your child in lunch preparation. For an even more enticing presentation, use a clear plastic container to layer fruit with yogurt or pudding, sprinkle granola on top, and your child will enjoy a healthy parfait (don't forget to pack a spoon!). For kids on a tight schedule, or who might need a finger-friendly snack, it's easy to make trail mix using favorite foods. Dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, almonds and any favorite breakfast cereal make a nice combination, but the possibilities are endless. Play around with various combinations of dried fruit, nuts, and cereal, and each day will bring a new flavor to savor.

Don't forget to pack all the essentials your child will need to enjoy your creations. Add some color to lunch by using patterned napkins and plastic spoons in eye-catching colors. If you are packing anything perishable be sure to include a cold pack or a frozen juice box or water bottle to keep everything at a safe temperature until lunchtime rolls around. Creativity goes a long way in warding off boredom for both you and your kids, so be sure to keep experimenting with new presentations and new foods.