How to Build Healthy Brown Bag Lunches for Kids

Ever been to an elementary school's cafeteria? If not, then you will surprised to discover that much of what the schools serve is downright unhealthy.

Case in point: Two weeks ago, I had lunch with my twelve-year-old sister, who brings lunch to school, and I noticed that most of her friends were eating cafeteria food. The choices were grim: nachos, hamburgers, and a plethora of fat and sodium-laden side dishes. Sure, the children could choose the vegetarian option, but how many children do you know that would choose a salad over chili cheese fries!

To avoid children eating these unhealthy lunches it is better to send your children off to school with a nutritious brown bag lunch. Here are some wonderful and nutritious lunches that will have your child begging for home cooked food over cafeteria junk---

Turkey and Hummus Sandwiches
  Serves 4

•   4 whole wheat bagels
•   1/2 cup roasted red pepper hummus
•   4 slices lean deli turkey breast
•   a cucumber sliced and seeded
•   2 tomatoes sliced
•   leaves of spinach

Spread the hummus on the bagels and layer the other ingredients on the bagel. Serve with a side of carrot sticks and salsa.


Updated Peanut Putter Sandwiches
  Makes 2 sandwiches

•   1/2 cup peanut butter, preferably organic
•   1/8 cup shredded carrots
•   1 tbsp sunflower seeds
•   1 tbsp honey
•   4 slices whole wheat bread

  
Quick and easy...load all of the ingredients on the bread. Serve this with an apple and some chocolate soy milk.


Tic Tac Toe Lunch

• 1/2 whole wheat pita filled with homemade low fat tuna or chicken salad
• 3/4 cup crunchy O-shaped cereal
• 1 cup raw veggies
• 1/4 cup low fat Ranch for dipping

This is lots of fun because children can eat and play a game at the same time. Send a paper with a grid on it and tell them that the raisins are X's and the o-shaped cereal pieces are the O's.

---