ADD COLOR, ADD CRUNCH, GIVE CHOICES AND WATCH THE LUNCHES DISAPPEAR!

Getting children to eat the nutritious lunch you pack for them is just as tricky as packing it. The choices are endless of quick and convenient though not always healthy fast pre-made lunches. Give children healthy choices and watch them enjoy making decisions. Try making lunch fun and watch them eat it all.

*Color
*Crunch
*Sandwiches
*Soups
*Drinks
*Treats

COLOR
Make a rainbow in the lunch box. Red, green, and even yellow can help to brighten up the lunch box. Celery, carrot sticks, apples and even cheese add color to a lunch box.

CRUNCH
Some kids just love to make noise. Put fresh veggies in the lunchbox instead of the potato chips for the crunch kids love to hear.

Apples crunch and have a sweet taste. Instead of the cookie stick an apple in for desert. Maybe even a cup of yogurt, it's sweet and you can add fresh fruit such as blueberries to it for added flavor.

Instead of potato chips what about adding celery or carrot sticks? Cut them in bite size portions and put some dip in a reseal able and reusable container.

Dips come in a wide variety now. Not all are fatting and unhealthy. Dressing can be used in place if your child would prefer.

SANDWICHES
Sandwiches are usually the main part of a packed lunch. Make sure you pay attention to what you put on your child's sandwich. Even the bread can be healthy if you get them into the habit of eating it.

Try cutting the sandwiches into finger sizes so they can play with their food so to speak. It's easier for the smaller hands to pick up the smaller pieces and they won't come home wearing as much of it.

SOUPS
In the colder months pack a thermos full of homemade soup in the lunchbox. You made it yourself so you controlled what went in it. Meat, vegetables and even sodium content is all up to you. Make sure to send some crackers and a spoon though.

DRINKS
Try freezing a juice box and putting it in with cold lunches instead of an ice pack. Include a bottle of frozen water if room provides. By the time lunch gets around they should both be thawed out enough to drink. Milk is also good but make sure it will stay cold all day to prevent it from souring. You can also give your child some change to buy a carton of milk as most schools will sell the cartons without having to purchase the entire lunch tray.

TREATS
Every now and then children deserve a treat. Once in a while include a cookie in the lunch box. (Even these can be healthy now and they won't know the difference.) A box of raisins or some yogurt will work for a treat as well.

These are just a couple of ideas to the tiniest picky eaters to eat there vegetables and start out with healthy eating habits. Make sure to include the kids in the process and things will be a whole lot easier on you.

Learn more about this author, L. Beall.
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