Luvin' Lunchbox Ideas

I like menu plan ideas, but often find they are not realistic, in that every meal requires a whole different set of ingredients. We'll outline different ideas in this section, and I suggest you focus on just one or two per week. Hopefully, that helps keep the ingredients as more of a "mix and match", reducing your waste and keeping an eye on your budget. Also, time for preparation is kept in mind as well - none of the ideas we offer in this section should take more than 5 minutes. Not a bad investment - you get all the benefits of time management, attention to budget, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing you've done a very good thing for your child!

An 8-ounce container of yogurt topped with a snack pack plastic bag portion of granola or high fiber cereal and fresh berries offers a vitamin-packed lunch.

Sound Bite - A low fat mini muffin from the bakery department makes a great mid-morning snack or lunch time dessert.

2 slices whole wheat bread

2-3 thin slices any Healthy Deli, Thumann's, or Dietz and Watson Healthier Lifestyle deli item

1 Tbsp no sugar added fruit preserves (raspberry on turkey or ham-yum!)

Sound Bite - snack pack of crunch sweet baby carrots

	One high fiber flour tortilla (La Tortilla Factory, Mission Carb Balance, etc.
	Spread 1 Tbsp of Allouette or other light, flavored cheese spread
	1 large lettuce leaf (dark lettuces are higher in vitamins and antioxidants!)
	2 Tbsp julienned carrots (already chopped in our produce section)
	2 thin slices Healthy Deli, Thumann's, or Dietz and Watson Healthier Lifestyle deli items
	Roll for a wrap, or roll and slice for pinwheels (roll-wrap in plastic wrap to keep the shape)

Sound Bites - Small box of raisins

	One cup of higher fiber, low sugar trail-mix type cereal - add in a tablespoon each of dried fruit and sunflower seeds
	2 low fat cheese sticks
	1 bunch of grapes (consider freezing � they will be likely only partially thawed by lunch time!)

Sound Bite - pudding cup with made with real, low fat milk

	1 slice whole grain white bread
	1 slice whole grain wheat bread
	Natural peanut butter (if allowed, check allergy policies)
	1 Tbsp apple butter
	Cut sandwich into 6 squares and flip 3 pieces to create a checkerboard!

Sound Bite - Cucumber slices with low fat ranch dip

	Pepperidge Farms whole grain hot dog bun or Country Kitchen whole grain light hot dog or hamburger bun
	2 Cheese Slices
	Thin apple slices
	Place cheese slices on each side of the bun with apple slices between for a fun sandwich!

Sound Bite - 4 oz yogurt/spoon