Essential Healthy Lunchbox Meal Plan

The kids are finally back to school, and you’re back to scrambling for ideas of what to pack for lunch. Here are five days of kid-friendly, well-balanced meals to keep your little ones going strong all day.

The Menu
Each day of the week offers a fun way for kids to enjoy their favorite foods. Each meal is also put together so it consists of a minimum of four different food groups. Each food group offers a variety of nutrients, and all of them together as a meal enable your kids to take in the important nutrients they need for proper growth and development. To add a nice touch, use colorful bowls, spoons, straws or napkins. Leave an “I love you” note or jot a quick joke down on a piece of paper and tuck it neatly inside the lunchbox. It’s a win-win meal for you and your child.

Monday
Mediterranean Tuna Wrap (pictured above)
Seedless grapes
Nonfat or low-fat milk
Food groups: Protein, starch, fruit, dairy

Tuesday
Prosciutto and Mozzarella Sushi or Turkey and Cheddar Sushi
Sliced vegetables like celery, bell peppers, cucumbers
100 percent juice box
Food groups: Protein, dairy, starch, vegetable, fruit

Wednesday
Taco Salad Lunchbox Bowl
Sliced melon
Nonfat or low-fat milk
Food groups: Protein, vegetables, fruit, dairy

Thursday
Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad
Strawberries
Water
Food groups: Protein, starch, vegetables, dairy, fruit

Friday
Veggie-Stack Pita Pockets
Pomegranate seeds (don’t forget to pack a spoon)
Low-fat chocolate milk
Food groups: Protein, starch, vegetables, dairy, fruit

 

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. She is the author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day.

from Healthy Eats – Food Network Healthy Living Blog http://ift.tt/1LUak6S