Is it time for a lunch reboot? If your kids (and you) are sick of the same old, same old soggy sandwiches and underwhelming sides, then try some fresh and healthful ideas. Substitute a tortilla for bread, roll it all up and getting them to eat a sandwich is a wrap! Presentation is everything for kids, so pay attention to how food looks. {relatedarticles}Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of sandwiches, and try slicing sammies into strips instead of sections. There are plenty of seasonal fall produce choices available now that are perfect for lunches. Try a crunchy apple, pear or carrots for conventional tastes. Antioxidant-rich pomegranates are in season, so send a section of tart seeds with lunch. Kids love those some-assembly-required Lunchables, but one look at the fat and sodium they contain would keep you from bagging that box.
Pack your own low-fat, low-sodium cold cuts, crackers and low-sugar sides to make it healthy. Look for healthier alternatives to prepackaged snacks, too. Annie's line of organic snack crackers and cookies are a great alternative to conventional ones that may contain more sugar and white flour. {relatedarticles}Fruit leather that contains no added sugar is a perfect choice for kids who like fruit rollups. Try cute and colorful reusable containers to reduce your grocery bill - and your impact on the environment. Remember to include the kids when shopping and prepping lunches so that they can choose their favorites. Giving them choices means less lunch traded or trashed.