Today I shared how to build a healthy back to school lunchbox for kids on CBS WSPA Your Carolina. Start by choosing foods from each food group: 2 veggies, 1 fruit, 1 protein, 1 grain and 1 dairy food.
Taco Box
Real dairy milk is the perfect lunchbox essential since it provides 13 essential nutrients for kid’s growth. In fact, milk is the number 1 food source for 3 out of the 4 nutrients of concern: calcium, vitamin D & potassium, for children age 2-18 years. Serve shelf stable white or chocolate milk boxes alongside a taco lunch box. Natural hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Gouda and Parmesan naturally minimal amounts of lactose. Add a whole grain tortilla, turkey, lettuce, salsa and fruit. Salsa is a great way to add flavor, nutrition and get in a serving of vegetables. The Fresh Cravings Salsas are refrigerated not jarred and made with just a short list of clean, ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers that are never cooked or pasteurized. Find it chilled in the produce section Walmart and organic at publix in restaurant style and chunky in a range of heat levels.
Brain Food Box
The USDA recommends that kids and adults, eat seafood twice a week so I started with the Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon which is the largest wild salmon run in the world. It comes from the sustainably managed waters in remote western Alaska. It has amazing flavor, a beautiful ruby-red color, and is one of the best sources of omega-3 fats important for brain health. You find it at Publix, Harris Teeter, Target and more – visit bristolbaysockeye.org to find a store near you as well as recipes.
10 Minute Lunchbox
For parents short on time but want to pack something that kids will like, try my 10 minute lunchbox. For veggies I added the Farm Rich Breaded Zucchini Sticks which comes with a side of tangy marinara dipping sauce and are ready in 6-7 minutes in the air fryer.
I also add a few of the Farm Rich Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks for dairy. Farm Rich makes these super convenient snacks items that are ready in minutes – find them in freezer aisle at Publix, Harris Teeter, Walmart and more. Check the product locator at FarmRich.com.
