Finding foods to put in a lunch box can be challenging if you want your child to be happy. Most kids won't be thrilled with a bag of raw vegetables, a piece of lean meat and a plain piece of fruit. They want something flavorful and interesting. Even adults enjoy lunch boxes packed with flavor, so while you're packing your child's lunch, make double the amount so you can treat yourself to the same healthy, delicious foods.
Savory Sandwich and Fruit
Instead of packing a plain bread sandwich with the same old boring meat, lettuce and tomato, change things up. Start with an artisan multigrain bread or a whole wheat pita pocket. Add colorful lettuces that are packed with more nutrients than iceberg. In addition to slices of tomato, insert some sliced olives or green bell peppers. If your child loves cheese, there are many varieties of low fat cheese in the dairy aisle. She may enjoy low fat Swiss or Monterey jack. To add extra flavor to fruit, give her a low fat yogurt dipping sauce. Include a bag of low fat animal crackers for dessert.
Confetti Salad
Some kids love traditional salads, but others won't touch them unless prodded by their parents. However, a colorful, confetti salad may entice them to eat healthy. Mix 1/2 cup of whole wheat spiral or bow tie pasta with lean diced ham, diced green bell pepper, diced red bell pepper, black olives, chopped celery and a tsp. of low fat mayonnaise. This can be kept cold in a thermal lunch box with a freezer pack. A fruit salad with sliced kiwi, mandarin oranges, melon and strawberries will add even more color to the lunch. A half dozen low fat vanilla wafers finish off this delicious, low fat lunch.
Sweet Turkey Sandwich
For the child who loves holiday meals with all the trimmings, pack a lean turkey sandwich in whole grain bread with a small amount of cranberry sauce instead of mayonnaise. Some celery and carrot sticks to dip in yogurt and a low fat pumpkin muffin should satisfy her hunger and keep her energized throughout the day.
Barbecue Sandwich
If you have meat left over from dinner the night before, slice it thin and put it in a whole grain bun. Pork tenderloin is ideal for this, but any lean meat will work. Include a small container of barbecue sauce for her to dip the sandwich. Her favorite raw vegetables and some low fat pudding make this a complete meal.
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