When it comes to packing school lunches, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Registered dietitian for PowerUp4Kids, Marna Canterbury, offers these tips for fun—and easy—school lunches.
- Think about creating a healthy balance of foods. PowerUp4Kids encourages meals that include a fruit and vegetable, protein, grain and a dairy product. Instead of sticking to the traditional apple slices or carrot sticks, try mixing and matching different food groups, such as frozen berries in yogurt, shredded veggies in a sandwich, or hummus and crackers.
- Get creative to make lunches more fun and colorful. Use a whole-grain wrap instead of bread, or try packing fruit and cheese kabobs.
- Canterbury notes that how you package the food might impact how much your kids eat. Invest in Tupperware or bento boxes (see our Going Out opener, page 24, for more on this fun idea) to make lunches more visually appealing. A great way to combine all three tips is to layer vegetables in a container or jar to make a colorful salad.
POWER UP
PowerUp4Kids operates through Lakeview Hospital and offers many community outreach and sponsored events throughout the year, including cooking classes for kids. Starting in October, PowerUp4Kids will host open gym nights at local schools and community centers for families to stay active during the winter months.
