Nutritious Back-to-School Treats

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

02 Sep 2009 06:35 PM

Healthy doesn't have to mean horrible tasting. Of course, trying to explain to your 8-year-old why you are filling his lunchbox with carrots and celery sticks instead of chips and chocolate (for the 18th time in less than 24 hours) isn't without its challenges.

Instead of battling with your child over what's inside his lunchbox, consider experimenting with nutritious snack options that taste great, such as:

*Popcorn (pop your own - it's cheaper and healthier)

*Dried fruit

*Trail Mix or GORP

*Peanut butter or cheese crackers

*Fruit muffins

*Banana bread or carrot and nut cake

*Granola bars

*Pancakes made with rolled oats and bananas

*Toasted cheese sticks (Spread leftover bread with butter and sliced cheese and bake in the oven until crunchy. Great for kids who don't like sandwiches.)

*String cheese

*A box of raisins

*Fruit Roll-Ups

*Fruit and granola bars

*Nuts

*Pretzels

*Applesauce

*Baked chips

Along with the aforementioned healthy snacks add some carbohydrates such as bread, pasta or rice. Don't forget to include some protein, fruit, vegetables and a bottle of water in your child's lunchbox as well. In regards to the protein, it doesn't have to come in the form of a plain turkey or roast beef sandwich. Rather, you could substitute with some hummus and pita chips or hot dogs and baked beans in a small disposable plastic container.

Finger foods are also great additions to a child's lunchbox. Kids love foods they can open and handle easily, such as bananas, apple dippers, and bagel pizzas.

Finally, be creative. Fill your child's lunchbox with healthy snacks, such as "Ants on a Log" (use a piece of celery as the "log" and fill it with peanut butter and top with raisin "ants") or use cookie cutters to create dinosaur shaped sandwiches or slice pita pockets to resemble stars, diamonds or happy faces.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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