School Lunch 101

These days we are all looking for ways to save money, one of the ways you can save money is by taking your own lunches to work or by 'packing" your children's lunches for school.

When it comes to taking lunches on the go, there are some essentials that you will need.

A good insulated lunch bag. I do not recommend metal children's lunch boxes because they don't do anything to keep your food warm or cold plus they dent and rust over time.

I recommend that you purchase a soft-bag or better known as a insulated lunch bag. These types of bags are light weight, feature a carrying strap and are insulated to keep your hot foods warm or your cold foods cool.

Small plastic containers are ideal for school lunches. Fill them up, and they are all set to be frozen or stacked in the fridge, ready to grab at a moment's notice. Choose one day of the week to prepare lunches and snacks. Make enough for the next seven days. Stock them in the freezer.

Dice up fresh fruit, mix the fruit with plain or flavored yogurt and freeze for a healthy and delicious snack. Freeze portions of snow peas, sliced peppers, and baby carrots. Serve with ranch, Cesar, or Thousand Island dressing. Toss a few 100% juice boxes in the freezer to keep lunchboxes cool.

Make the Change

White bread is not healthy for growing children. Wheat bread is not much better. The label must indicate whole wheat, whole oats, rye, or barley as the first ingredient. Whole grain breads are best for little ones.

Replace high fat lunchmeats such as bologna with low-fat turkey, roast beef, or chicken breast. Leave the cheese off sandwiches unless you purchase low-fat dairy products as well.

Choose fresh fruit over canned for a healthier selection. Grapes, apples, cherry tomatoes, pineapple, bananas, raisins, dried cranberries, prunes, melon, pears, and cherries are all suitable for healthy school lunches. If you must use canned fruit, rinse off the sugary syrup before packing. Include dip as an incentive to get your little one to eat fresh fruit.

Switch to 1% or skim milk instead of 2% or whole milk to cut the fat from your child's diet. Check drink boxes and choose brands of 100% fruit juice instead of sugary, fruit-flavored drinks.

What to consider when packing school lunches

. Know the rules. Be mindful of school policies regarding food and waste. Many classrooms are \"nut free\" due to potential allergies, and some are kosher based on school philosophies. A growing number of schools are becoming \"waste free\", meaning a lunch that generates no garbage.

. Let your child his lunchbag. Give options of those that are safe (PVC, lead free) and allow him to pick. Children are more excited when they are proud of their lunch bagss and are also more likely to remember to bring it home.

Ask your child what he likes in his lunch. You crapper take him shopping and let him opt the fruit and kind of bread or spreads he likes. Sit with your child and plan the week of food items. Giving choices empowers your child.

Organize the lunch gear. Have a place in your kitchen for the boxes, bags, napkins, storage and drink containersare in one place so you r find what you need easily.

Stock and organize the refrigerator and pantry will healthy options. Be sure to always hit a variety of fresh fruit and veggies, whole grain breads, healthy spreads, cheeses, and drinks that you Designating an organized area for lunch and snack items in your refrigerator and pantry, allows you to see and grab quickly.

Read labels. Some packaged foods are better than others. Items such as cheese sticks and unsweetened applesauce are quick healthy items. Choose items without unhealthy ingredients such as trans fats and high fructose corn syrups.

Offer variety, but not too much food. Remember portion control. Do not overwhelm children with too much food. Seeing various colours and textures is exciting for children and also means they're getting a variety of nutrients and vitamins.

8. Reinvent left-overs. Dinner's left-overs put in lunch night before so you're ready for school in the morning. Put a new twist or spin to make it appealing.

9. Prepack and prep If you have time in the evening use it to cut and clean fruit and veggies, prepare dips, portion servings and make a sandwich or wrap.