By: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA  

Packing your child’s lunch with creative and fun foods is the best way to ensure they’ll enjoy a well-balanced meal. Whether you’re prepping a “mommy & me” lunch or packing it to-go, here are a few ways to keep it fun!

• Aim for color. Add eye catching foods like red grape tomatoes, star fruit, baby carrots & dip, guacamole & chips and whole grain breads.
• Use Bento Boxes. This framework for your child’s lunch differentiates foods in each box and makes lunch fun & exciting.
• Use Leftovers. Kids have favorite dinners that pack well in plastic containers or thermoses like pasta and meatballs or homemade soup.
• Stuck in Sandwich-ville? Wrap it up instead, make pinwheels or roll-ups with their favorite ingredients like peanut butter & banana.
• Get them in the mix! Involving your kids in lunch prep increase the likelihood that they’ll eat it!

Eat Well tip: Well-timed snacks can help prevent crankiness and irritability and help prevent overeating at mealtime.

• String Cheese & crackers– a tasty protein & energy packed snack
• Sliced apple rings with peanut butter & dark chocolate chips
• Single serve hummus cup with baby carrots
• Mini Cracker sandwiches: Two crackers filled with cream cheese & strawberries