Honestly, my kids would eat peanut butter and jelly for every meal and as a sometimes lazy mom it would be really easy for me to let them. As I awaken my toddler in the morning, I often ask what she would like for breakfast. It is always followed by “peebutjellee." Who could honestly say no to something that cute?
However, I have been told there are some disadvantages to this theory of parenting. Something about the national government thinking it is better for kids to eat a variety of food from this pyramid thing that has five types of food groups. Guess what, peanut butter jelly sandwiches only account for three of the groups and one of them is the fat group. In this situation, I have to agree that life is unfair.
Add to that a no peanut policy at my child’s school because of allergies, and I had to find some new creative lunch ideas for my children. For those who find themselves in the same boat as me–lost as to what to feed my kids for lunch–here are few ideas to get you started, so that you can save yourself the embarrassment of being the poster case for bad parenting skills. Here are some simple meal ideas for a creative lunch, to give your child some variety.
Fruit Burrito-this is a combination of whole grain, fruit and protein/dairy. Start with a whole grain tortilla and spread on some plain or vanilla low-fat yogurt, sprinkle with wheat germ, then add whatever fruit your child likes. Roll up and sprinkle with cinnamon or a little powdered sugar.
Non-traditional quesadilla-Why not put ham and cheese on a tortilla. Just a non-traditional sandwich to really spark their interest. Add carrot slices and apple wedges and your child will be munching in no time.
Traditional quesadilla-My two-year-olds favorite meal. We usually have leftovers from dinner. Just put beans and cheese on a quesadilla. Add a banana or grapes and a side of green beans. Finish off with a drinkable yogurt.
Breakfast at lunch-who says you can’t have breakfast food at lunch? Why not pack a fruit bar or muffin, add some yogurt (tube, drinkable, or in a dish) along with a banana and grapes.
Pizza-Kids love pizza and why not let them make their own. Pack a toasted English muffin with pizza sauce. Allow them to add the mozzarella. Then pack some applesauce and a serving of dried corn.
Fruit Salad-Mix mandarin oranges, sliced grapes and apple chunks. Pack some cubed cheese and pretzel sticks.
Macaroni and cheese-My daughter would eat this for every meal if she could. So how do you make it healthy? Add peas and chicken to the macaroni. Add some grapes to make it a meal.
Cookie Cutter Sandwich-Kids will eat more if the presentation is interesting to them. You can also make this seasonal with pumpkin sandwiches during the holidays. Place an old-fashioned turkey and cheese mix on wheat bread and cut with cookie cutter. Add carrot slices and a banana.
Creative sides besides chips-Kids love chips. I should know my son would eat chips all day if he could. But there are some many healthier alternatives. So I decided just to list everything I could think of that is healthier so that the next time you go for chips you have options for sides. So here they are: dried fruit such as raisins, pineapple, banana chips, orange slices, regular fruit such as bananas, grapes, oranges, peaches, mango, kiwi slices, pineapple, apples or applesauce, watermelon, papaya, plums, nectarines; or you could grab carrot sticks, cucumbers, dried corn, dried veggies, green beans, celery sticks.
The point is to add as much variety to your meals so that your kids get used to eating from all of the food groups and are exposed to a variety of foods. Don’t opt for laziness and just provide the same food day after day. Add some spice to your presentations or meals. Stretch your kids comfort zones as well as your imagination!
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