Creative School Lunch box

Back to School Lunch Box Planning!
Back to School is right around the corner or already here! Are you looking for suggestion for packing the lunch box with foods your child will eat?
This article will give you some ideas for packing a meal that your child will love and eat, plus some healthier choices.
First make sure your child picks a lunch box with a thermos and an insulated section where you can put hot and cold foods, but let them pick the design that they like and are proud to carry to school.
Freezing juice or drink boxes will keep foods cold, they will thaw by lunchtime. Or, you can also invest in miniature cold packs that can be found in the sporting goods section of your local department store.
There are so many healthy and delicious options to choose for your child's lunch box! Make your child happy by planning their meals with foods they love! The lunch box will come home empty!
Fruit Choices:
• Bananas, Oranges, best to peel and section, Blueberries, Pineapple, Apples, Pears, Plums, Melon, Grapes, Cherries, Strawberries, Peaches, Nectarine
Choose whatever is in season; for smaller children cut fruits in bite size piece. Fruit cups, Apple slices with peanut butter for dipping, Dried fruit or fruit chips
Choose Favorite Veggies! Let The Kids Help Prepare Veggies!
Vegetable Choices:
Veggie in finger food size:
• Cherry tomatoes
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Celery
For dipping add low-fat seasoned cream cheese, hummus or ranch dressing.
Fun And Healthy Lunch Box Back to School!
Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads and Soups:
• Peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• Sandwich wraps
• Sliced meat rolled into a tube, some kids do not always want the bread, offer on the side.
• Cheese quesadillas
• Chicken, tuna or egg salad
• Pasta salad
• Hot soup, stew or chili
For unique sandwiches, get out the cookie cutter to cut the sandwich, a new one every day.
Extra Goodies:
• Hard-cooked eggs
• String cheese
• Bean dip and baked tortilla chips
• Healthier alternative to chip: veggie chips, bagel rounds, or baked tortilla crisps.
• Trail Mix, you can buy ready made are make your own.
• Mini muffins, buy or make your own.
• Dress up low-fat yogurt by sending some stir-ins like granola, trail mix or unsalted chopped nuts.
• Bag of pretzels, crackers or cereal
• Graham crackers
• Popcorn, popped
Drinks:
• 100% Juice boxes
• 1% milk
• Vegetable juice
• Water
Tips:
• Put a personal note, cartoon or a picture of family pet and remind them how much you love them.
• Include your child on meal planning, if they do not like it they will not eat it.

Good Properties Of A Lunch Box and Container

As you can see by the adjacent photos, the types of lunch boxes and containers available on the market are varied. I was amazed at the choices! I was intrigued by the purse-styled lunch totes and lunchskins baggies. They certainly have come a long way from the old, tin lunch box I carried!

Here are some pointers in purchasing lunch box (or lunch bag) container items:

Divided compartments are helpful in keeping food separate.
Reusable and recyclable containers are cost effective, usually are dishwasher safe, and hold different food shapes and sizes well.
Make sure they are durable and have a tight seal around the edges.
Check for the BPA label. It is healthier for your child's food items.