Lunchtime should be simple, but packing your kids' lunches might have you believing otherwise. As a parent you fight against picky eating habits, boredom and the unending allure of "But Jimmy's lunch is better!" in order to get healthful food into your kids in the middle of the day.
Know the Formula
Packing lunch is always easier with a plan in mind. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture rolled out My Plate, an easy illustration of meal portions, and this is perfect for lunches. Using the My Plate guidelines, half of your child's lunch should be fruits and vegetables and the other half should be equal parts whole grain and lean protein. Add a serving of low-fat milk or cheese to round out the meal.
Get Input From Children
White House assistant chef Sam Kass notes in "Web MD: The Magazine" that kids are more excited about eating something when they have a role in preparing it. Take advantage of this by asking kids what they'd like to see in their lunch box. They can help pick out fruits and vegetables, make sandwiches and roll ups and choose a yogurt flavor. Guide them to healthy choices by asking "What veggies sound good?" rather than just "What do you want for lunch?"
Make It Fun and Easy
Break out of the sandwich-and-an-apple routine to keep lunch fresh and interesting. Wrap low-sodium lunch meat in a tortilla with veggies and pickles and send hummus for dipping. Cut up fruit into bite-sized pieces and pack with yogurt dip. Leftovers such as veggie sushi or a bit of casserole kept warm in a thermos are a nice change. Consider adding a treat to each lunchbox -- this can be anything from a favorite fruit to a small piece of candy -- to offset the urge to trade healthful food for junk food.
Stay Safe
Even the healthiest lunch can go bad if it gets warm. Pack lunches with reusable ice packs to limit bacterial growth. Frozen kid-sized water bottles do double duty as an ice pack and a lunchtime beverage if you need space in the lunch box. Preheat thermoses by pouring hot water into them and letting it sit for a few minutes. Pour the water out, add hot food and seal the thermos immediately to keep it warm until lunchtime.
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