Today I share three healthy back to school lunchboxes on FOX Chicago. Build a healthy lunchbox by choosing 2 veggies and 1 food from each food group: grains, protein, fruit and dairy.
Lunch Box for picky eaters
Start with grapes on a log! California grapes are the ultimate portable snack – no need to peel, cut, core, or slice; they are always ripe and ready to use and Studies suggest that grapes help maintain a healthy brain. For the second veggie, add Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips – they are made with heirloom non GMO sweet potatoes, coconut and avocado oil, salt and and spices and come in 5 flavors including Carolina BBQ and sea salt – all vegan, gluten and grain free with no artificial ingredients. For dairy add cheese and popcorn for grains.
Grab and Go lunchbox
Start with one serving of 100% orange juice – this contributes to total fruit intake in children and is a nutritious substitution for sugar-sweetened beverages. Each 8 oz. serving contains key nutrients that may help support a healthy immune system and overall diet quality, including vitamin C, folate, thiamin, and potassium as well as vitamin D and calcium in fortified OJ. For protein and whole grains –add 1 Bob’s Bar – these come in 5 flavors and are a made with a short list of clean ingredients including a base of whole grain gluten free oats, peanut butter and organic honey with up to 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per bar. For dairy, add yogurt and sliced veggies.
Brain-building box
For fruit – I add the Brainiac Brain Squeezers which are applesauces packed with brain nutrients including Omega-3 DHA fatty acids and choline. There’s mega apple, apple cinnamon and apple strawberry all with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. Find them at Walmart, on Amazon and Thrive market. Then add antioxidant-rich produce like broccoli and tomatoes, whole grain pasta, salmon and cheese.
