| Parents are always on the look-out for ways to | | | | for the diner. Taco-sized are fine for many |
| get their children to eat more healthfully. School | | | | younger children, but older diners or those with |
| lunches can be especially problematic, since | | | | bigger appetites might prefer the burrito-sized |
| parents have no control over what is served in | | | | variety. The process is simple: spread a tortilla |
| the cafeteria. One smart approach is to fill lunch | | | | lightly with mayonnaise or cream cheese, and |
| boxes with foods that children will actually eat, | | | | layer with choice of luncheon meat and/or |
| and that will keep them away from the lunch line | | | | cheese, lettuce and tomato, and roll up. Rolls can |
| and the vending machine! | | | | be sliced into 1-inch sections and secured by |
| Packing some fun into a lunch box can certainly | | | | packing tightly together in a sandwich container. |
| make a parent's "nutrition mission" that much | | | | The pinwheel idea is also very good with |
| easier to accomplish. Making lunch fun is easy with | | | | non-meat options. Try tuna, egg salad, or |
| a few guidelines and a little creativity. The most | | | | hummus with thinly-sliced cucumber. Yum! |
| important requirement is knowledge of the | | | | Since children love to "dip" (one of the few times |
| individual child's likes and dislikes. If someone hates | | | | it's okay to play with their food,) parents usually |
| corn every time it's served at home, it's doubtful | | | | can't go wrong adding a dip-able to the lunch box, |
| he'll be happy to see it in his lunch box. | | | | whether as entree or dessert. Some popular ones |
| Those pre-packed boxes found in the deli meat | | | | include: |
| case are favorites of children everywhere (you | | | | - the timeless favorite of carrot and celery sticks |
| know the ones, with the sugary drink and candy), | | | | with a small container of Ranch dressing; |
| but don't exactly qualify as health food. | | | | - chicken nuggets with BBQ sauce or ketchup; |
| Homemade versions of Lunchables are not difficult | | | | - sliced apples with a small side of caramel sauce; |
| to put together, and children can help prepare | | | | - strawberries, sliced peaches, kiwi, or apples with |
| them. This can be a fun activity in itself. Use | | | | vanilla-flavored yogurt for dipping. Depending on |
| favorite luncheon meats and cheeses, and cut | | | | age appropriateness, fruit kabobs are also a nice |
| with cute cookie cutters to the approximate size | | | | treat. All it takes is a wooden skewer and melon |
| of crackers. Stars, circles, and squares are popular | | | | balls, pineapple, and strawberries (or any fruit of |
| choices. These can travel in separate containers, | | | | choice that stays on the skewer.) Simply |
| and assembled at school. Add a drink and dessert, | | | | alternate fruit pieces on the skewer, pack, and go! |
| and lunch is good to go. | | | | So you see how simple it can be to make lunch |
| Sandwich pinwheels made with tortillas are easy | | | | fun for children. Along with the ideas given here, all |
| to assemble, and they make an attractive | | | | it takes is a little planning and creativity to end the |
| presentation. Choose tortilla size as appropriate | | | | lunch box blues for good. |