As a parent, you may find it challenging to make lunches that contain nutritious foods your kids actually want to eat. Whether you're preparing lunch for the school week or a weekend at home, your children need to refuel throughout the day to stay healthy and energized. Inject a bit of creativity and variety into your kids' lunches so they get the vitamins and minerals they need while enjoying every bite.
Fish Theme
Make lunch fun to increase the odds your children will eat it. Incorporate themes into your kids' lunches, suggests "Parents" magazine. For example, the fish theme includes low-calorie -- yet nutritious -- foods that contain whole grains, fiber, fruit, vegetables and protein. Make a tuna sandwich with low-fat mayonnaise and lettuce on whole-wheat bread. Cut it into the shape of a fish. Serve carrot sticks with low-fat ranch dressing for dipping. Add a serving each of fresh fruit and whole-grain fish-shaped crackers.
Chicken Strips
Children seem to love chicken when it comes in nugget or strip form. Unfortunately, fast food and frozen varieties often come loaded with fat and preservatives. Make chicken strips at home to give your kids food they enjoy while controlling the content. Dip chicken strips in olive oil, Worcestershire sauce and whole-grain or whole-wheat breadcrumbs, recommends Parents Connect. Don't fry the chicken. Bake it in the over at 350 degrees until crispy on the outside and cooked on the inside. Add green pepper slices, carrot sticks, fruit and whole-grain crackers for a complete meal.
Vegetable Soup
Soup provides a convenient way to get veggies into your kids without them realizing it. Add chicken to vegetable soup for a low-fat, nutritiously sound meal that gives your children plenty of veggies, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Serve whole-grain bread and fruit on the side to round out the meal. Don't limit this lunch option to an at-home meal -- pack soup in a hot thermos for school lunches.
Pizza Party
While kids and pizza often go together, commercial restaurant or frozen varieties usually contain loads of calories and excess fat. Design your own pizza at home for a low-calorie weekend lunch. Get your children to help out; even younger kids can add toppings. Use traditional crust made with whole-wheat flour, whole-wheat pita bread or even a whole-wheat tortilla. Add organic, low-sugar tomato sauce. Top your pizza with part-skim mozzarella cheese and your children's favorite vegetables.
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