Healthy Lunch Lineups

As summer winds down and the school year cranks into gear, it’s time to start packing — fun and flavorful lunches, that is. Give your kids balanced, filling foods for an all-day energy boost:

Start with whole grain sandwiches or cold pasta dishes for fiber-rich complex carbs.

Add lean protein, such as chicken, eggs, or tuna.

Go green. Add fresh zucchini, bell peppers, celery, baby carrots, and other seasonal veggies for a bounty of flavor and nutrients.

Dessert, naturally. Fresh fruits like bananas, grapes, oranges, or apples are portable, sweet, and healthy.

If your child opts for cafeteria cuisine, read the school menu together to help them make the right choices — baked instead of fried, low-fat milk or water over soft drinks, pretzels vs. chips. Don’t see nutritious choices on the menu? Talk to the principal or head of the cafeteria to encourage more whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, and fruits.