Back to School Lunches Parents and Non Parents

It's that time of year again.. Back to School!!! Are you prepared to help your child succeed? What do I mean by that? Do you make sure they eat a nutritious breakfast before school? Do you make sure they get an adequate nights sleep? What about school lunch? Do you pack for them or let them buy? If you let them buy, please make sure the lunch of the day is a healthy one. Because let's be honest, school lunches are not healthy by any stretch of the imagination. Fried whatever served with french fries and corn does not a healthy meal make! Oh, and let's not forget the chocolate or strawberry milk as a drink option. You might as well serve your child/teenager 15 servings of sugar! What is a parent or guardian to do? Wake up and demand your school's have better lunch options. You, the tax payer, pay school tax. That means you have a say. What is considered a healthy lunch? A baked, broiled or grilled protein, steamed fresh vegetable or salad, a grain or sweet potato and a piece of fruit. Wraps filled with vegetables and lean protein and a piece of fresh fruit. Drink options: water, plain skim, almond, soy or rice milks. These are just some examples of a healthy lunch.

Packing Ideas:
Leftovers for lunch
Wraps filled with lean protein, veggies and avocado
Lean protein wrapped in Romaine or Bibb lettuce
Tuna, Chicken, Egg or Turkey salad filled inside of a tomato or pepper

Snacks:
Fresh fruit with peanut, almond or sunbutter for dipping
Sliced veggies with hummus
Tortilla chips and salsa; especially black bean salsa
Almonds with fresh fruit

Note: Can't have nut butters in schools or workplace because of food allergy?  Try making a fruit cream cheese dip. Take 1 brick of 1/3 Fat Cream Cheese (Neufschatel) and 1 8oz jar of your favorite All-Fruit Spread and beat with electric mixer until well blended. Two ingredients that take only seconds to make.

These are just some suggestions. Be creative. Have fun with your food. No one says you have to have the same ole' thing everyday! Try new recipes. Have your kids help you prepare lunch supplying healthy options. Let's stop obesity in it's tracks!!! Childhood obesity is on the rise and climbing everyday. Choose heart healthy choices and foods that supply a great supply of energy! Don't have children? That's okay. Apply the same rules to yourself! Make sure you eat breakfast and have a good night's sleep. Exercise is important too! So get your body moving (your kids too for those that have them)!

What I've written does not apply to just children. Make small healthy changes in your life. Let me help you! Have suggestions on healthy lunch? Let me and the world know... We can do this!