When it comes to eating healthy away from home, it’s all about preparation. Your kids’ lunches do not have to consist solely of sandwiches, chips, and a juice box, and you can pack food that’s not frozen and/or wrapped in plastic. Get creative and think outside the box. It may help to bring your kids to the grocery store with you so they can help pick out their favorite healthy food items. If your children eat a school lunch, go over the menu with them and discuss what selections are healthy and would make them feel great and grow strong. Listed below are some of my favorite lunch ideas for kids and adults.

For the kids:

• Pack a lunch that kids can stack or dip
  • Whole grain crackers, low-fat cheese, and deli meat
  • Vegetable sticks and hummus or low-fat ranch dressing
  • Fruit and yogurt
  • Celery sticks and natural peanut butter
• Make colorful shapes and designs with the food
  • Use cookie cutters to make sandwiches into their favorite shapes
  • Use fresh ingredients (fruits and vegetables) to make a bright-colored lunch
• Use “mini” items which can be fun for your kids
  • Frozen banana and peanut butter sandwiches (sliced banana with peanut butter in between)
  • Sandwiches cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Mini quiches made in a muffin tin
  • Cover blueberries with yogurt and freeze on a cookie sheet
• A twist on the basics (recipes from Nosh and Nourish blog)
  • Sweet potato and carrot fries
    • Slice fries and sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and 1 tsp. salt. Bake on 425˚F for 25 minutes.
  • Apple sandwiches
    • Cut two apple slices (horizontal) and spread with natural peanut butter
    • Sprinkle oatmeal and raisins on peanut butter
    • Make into a sandwich

For the adults:

• Whole wheat pita sandwich
  • Stuff with sliced rotisserie chicken (skin removed), sliced tomatoes, lettuce, shredded carrots and Dijon mustard
• Salad topped with canned tuna fish, chopped veggies, and a splash of olive oil and vinegar
• Healthy leftovers
  • Make an extra batch of dinner and save for later
• Nutritious sides like edamame, fresh fruit, yogurt, veggie sticks and whole grain crackers