I was shopping at Whole Foods recently and noticed a fantastic handout you should all check out. It is called “Build a Better Lunch Box” with Chef Ann Cooper. Ann Cooper is nicknamed “the Renegade Lunch Lady” due to her noble and tireless efforts to revamp our children’s school lunch program. She believes all children deserve wholesome, nutrition food…Crazy idea right?

I was recent on TV discussing the same topic. Click here to see the segment on “The View from the Bay”

Remember, it takes a child 20 times of tasting a food before they decide if they like it or not. Do not give up! Continue to serve your child healthy, balanced meals and over time they will likely eat what you provide. A parent has to stay consistent with their message. If nutrition is important to them then the lunchbox must reflect this.

In order for the meal to be balanced there must be a protein, whole grain, fruit, vegetable and healthy fats present. Continue to serve balanced meals and let the child decide how much or whether they are going to eat.

Here are some ideas of all the different food components that can be a part of the lunchbox. Enjoy!

Entrees: (protein/whole grain and healthy fats)
Kidney Bean and Garbanzo bean salad
Lentil salad
Beans and Rice with tortilla and guacamole on the side
Leftover protein mixed with goat cheese and bell pepper and lettuce in a whole wheat pita
Tuna salad with apply slices and whole wheat crackers
Turkey and cheese rolls
Whole wheat pasta with olives, feta, cheery tomatoes, pine nuts and leftover protein
Peanut/almond/soy butter and 100% fruit spread on whole grain bread
Quinoa and edamame salad

Healthy Fats mixed with fruit or veggie:
Homemade trail mix of mixed nuts and dried fruit
Hummus with whole grain crackers
Fruit and yogurt
Fruit and cottage cheese
Ants on a log-celery, peanut butter and raisins

Vegetables:
Tomatoes, Snap peas, broccoli bites with balsamic dressing dip
Carrots and celery stick
Cucumber and bell peppers with ranch dressing
Green beans with soy sauce
Homemade slaw—green and red cabbage cut and mixed with a vinaigrette dressing

Fruits:
Grapes
Berries
Apple or pear wedges
Peeled orange or grapefruit
Plum, Peach or nectarine

Calcium:
Milk
Sweetened soy milk
Yogurt