I’m on News 4 Jacksonville’s River City Live with tips on how to build a balanced back to school lunchbox. I share four combinations that check all your boxes: fruits, veggies, protein, grains and dairy.
First we have a parfait party pack. Start with the Chobani® Zero Sugar yogurt. These come in drinks as well and are packed with protein with 0 total grams of sugar and lactose or preservatives. Next add whole grain granola, sliced carrots and almond butter for protein. For fruit, I have the Uncle Matt’s Organic Superfruit Punch juice box which is made with a blend of dark sweet cherries, blueberries and black elderberry so it’s packed with antioxidants, is 45 calories, and has no cane sugar or preservatives.
Next we have our muchin’ muffin box. These muffins are sweetened with dates. Dates are the only superfood that taste like candy while offering key nutrients including fiber, potassium and magnesium. I like the Rancho Meladuco Date Farm Grinders from Walmart because they are considered “imperfect dates” so they are more affordable and they taste just as delicious with that caramel flavor. Combine 1 cup of pitted dates with 2 bananas, 2 eggs, 2 cups of oats, 1 tsp baking soda and and bake for 15 min at 350 F. Serve with cucumber, hummus for protein and for dairy, the Chobani® Zero Sugar drink in Strawberry Cheesecake or Peaches and Cream which are perfect for summer and on the go.
Next we have my buffalo blast box. For protein, dairy and grains, I have the buffalo style boneless chicken bites and breaded mozzarella sticks. These snacks are kid-approved and great to have stocked in the freezer because you can throw them in the oven or air fryer and they are ready in minutes. Then add celery and peanut butter stuffed dates for more fruit and protein which tastes like a healthy snickers.
Finally, we have my twirls and tang box. These pinwheel sandwiches are made with turkey, cheese, spinach and hummus, so you are checking your veggies, protein, grains and dairy. Serve with Uncle Matt’s Organic No Sugar Added Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade juice boxes from Whole Foods. They are made with freshly squeezed organic lemons and only have up to 1 gram of fruit sugar and 10-15 calories per serving.
