2007-09-27T04:02:16-07:00

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2007-09-27T04:02:16-07:00

Some kids are pretty picky eaters.  You may pack them the most healthy lunch you can, and they may eat one thing out of it.  Why?  After all, you have told them how important good nutrition is, reminded them that they needed to eat their lunch to sustain themselves during the school day, and told them that you pack healthy lunches because you love them.  The fact is, a healthy lunch is often times bland and unappealing to a child's eye.                           "Lunch is boring!"             Make some quick changes now.     Here are some great tips for making sure your kids get the nutrition they need and a lunch that they can enjoy:   <UL> <LI>Sometimes leftovers can make an interesting lunch for kids, especially it is from their favorite restaurant.</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Lunch-ables are a favorite for kids.  They can be expensive, so you may not opt to send them with one every day.  Make it a special treat or way to say, "I was thinking about you today."</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Subs are great.  They are different than a sandwich.  Your child can add the things he or she likes, and it is a win-win situation.</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Dress up a PB&J sandwich with sliced bananas or tiny marshmallows.</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Use pita bread instead of regular sliced bread.</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>For younger kids, cut sandwiches into shapes with a cookie cutter.</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Nachos are a big hit.</LI></UL>   Super Snacks   Just as important as the main event is the snacks that you choose. Here are some favorites by kids, that should make you both happy.   <UL> <LI>Fortune cookies</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Pudding</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Fruit with dip</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Popcorn</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Go-Gurt Yogurt</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>100-Calorie snack packs</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Vegetable sticks with a side of dressing for dipping</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Anything that kids can dip, spread, and roll are good!</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Anything that kids have to assemble before they eat.</LI></UL>   <UL> <LI>Let your child help you make a snack mix.  Here's one that we did:</LI></UL>        1 cup Kix Cereal      1 Quaker Oats chewy granola bar broken into pieces      1/2 cup mini marshmallows      5 caramel cremes (punch out the center and cut up the caramel)      1/2 cup peanuts   Brainstorm   Ask your child what they would like to see in their lunch.  Of course, the final decision is up to you, but at least having them help with the decision already makes their lunch more interesting to them.  And, here's a secret, it's okay to put a Ho-Ho or Twinkie in their lunch every once in a while!                   "Hey mom, lunch was great today!  Thanks."                                 Now That's More Like It! 8864

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2007-09-27T04:36:35-07:00