Beat Lunch-Box Blues :: Food and Nutrition :: Recipes

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Beat Lunch-Box Blues
by author Fred Edrissi

I often worry about children and the many pressures they face. Parents do the best they can by teaching good nutrition, but when the school cafeteria is filled with burgers, fries and pop, how can kids resist? This month I’ve tried to come up with recipes that are healthy and tasty enough to compete with fast food, yet simple enough that young children can be involved in the preparation. Getting kids to make their own lunches can be the start of a healthy relationship with whole foods.

I always recommend including fruit in a lunchbox.

If there’s a delay in pickup, your child has something nutritious to snack on.

Granola Energy Bars

Lemon Power Bars

Croque Monsieur

Burritos Rancheros

Delectable Carrot-Date Muffins

Corn Fritters

Source: alive #227, September 2001

Granola Energy Bars

Raspberry Muffins
Muffins are a treat in school lunch boxes. If your child is allergic to wheat, try using spelt flour instead of whole wheat. You may replace raspberries with blueberries, blackberries or raisins.

Oatmeal Cookies
No lunchbox is complete without them!

Cup-A-Lasagna

Nutty Carob Squares

Fruit Nut Candies

Royal Snack Mix

Garden Snack Mix

Mini Pizzas

Chocolate and Strawberry Sandwiches
There is one guarantee with this sandwich-the lunch box will be empty when it returns home. Despite its decadent concept, this sandwich provides healthy whole grains, a serving of nuts provides good fats , and the strawberries

Alphabet Soup
School lunches can be both fun and easy when you buy a special soup Thermos for your child. Brightly coloured Thermoses are available at most supermarkets and drugstores and come in children's sizes.

Chocolate Energy Orbs
A hit with adults and children alike, Chocolate Energy Orbs can be made on the weekend to be enjoyed throughout the week. They've got lots of the protein and fat that children's bodies need for growth, along with fibre, protein, and antioxidants from the cocoa powder.

Pizza Squares
Pizza is ideal for the lunch box as you can use any combination of vegetables you know your kids will like in order to slip in some veggie servings. To add protein, try using veggie salami slices, or add pineapple tidbits for a little sweetness.