It's back to school and back to a routine, which is very difficult after a summer with little routine. Now that the kids are back in school, we (including your kids) need to think and plan for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Why not involve your kids in the food preparation? That way it's a learning opportunity, parent/child communication time, dexterity skills and nutrition education. You as the parent need to set the guidelines.

One main dish or protein

One fruit

One veggie

Water and milk (milk can be chilled and put in a cooling container or purchased at school.

A snack and small sweet for fun and the calories kids need.  

 

Ingredient Ideas for School Lunches:

Main:  Wraps, bread, condiments, cold cuts, jam and peanut butter; crackers and cheese slices;  

Fruit:   Berries, apples, oranges, grapes, and watermelon cubes- remember the fruit needs to be ready to eat and prepared for kids with no front teeth

Vegetables:   Baby carrots, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, edamame which is a fun food for kids.

Snacks:   Veggie chips, pretzels, popcorn, pita chips, yogurt, cheese sticks, hummus; ranch dip and crudités. 

Sweet:   Yogurt-covered raisins, cookies, granola bars, pudding, fruit roll-ups.

Milk and water- always

Plan out the week by shopping with your kids; teach them how to make healthy selections at the store and how to assist in packing the lunch. If you kids eat at school, you can still do all these steps and review the school menu with them. 

Remember and teach your kids to   Make Healthy Choices for Life!