WDA Nutrition Tip
Nutrition Tip Archives
Dietitians from Froedtert & Community Memorial Hospital
Posted 8/29/2007

Brown Bag Lunch Ideas
Brought to you by Froedtert Hospital Dietitians

Hey Moms and Dads!  Do you find yourselves looking for some fresh lunch box ideas?  Read on for some nutritious alternatives to the old stand bys.

Although most kids love the same foods over and over, a variety of foods from all the food groups is key to ensure they get all the nutrients they need. 

The grain group provides B-vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and dietary fiber.
Since most kids love sandwiches, try a bread alternative such as an individual pita pocket, small bun, bagel or tortilla.  When trying to increase the fiber in your kids’ diets, look for products with the word “whole” or “whole grains” as the first ingredient on the ingredient list.  Make whole grains fun by using a cookie cutter to make mini shaped sandwiches.

The meat and bean group provides protein, niacin, iron and thiamin.  Turkey, chicken, tuna and peanut butter are great stuffed in a pita, wrapped in a tortilla, or mounded on a roll.  Don’t forget that nuts, seeds and beans pack a protein punch too.  A warm bowl of chili or bean soup are great alternatives to sandwiches.

The milk group contributes calcium, riboflavin and protein.  Most schools sell 8 ounce cartons of lowfat milk.  Lowfat chocolate and strawberry milk may also be available and are acceptable choices.  Your kids may also enjoy individually wrapped cheese sticks or a carton of lowfat yogurt. 

The vegetable group contributes vitamins A and C and dietary fiber.  Precut veggies like broccoli and carrots make it easy to include vegetables in a school lunch.   Why not try something new like fresh green beans or sugar snap peas?  Consider including a fat free dip or salad dressing for vegetable dunking. 

The fruit group also contains vitamins A and C and fiber.  They provide a sweet treat that your kids will love.  A small piece of fruit is the perfect size.  Melons and pineapple are great cut up into chunks.  How about something new like a mango or kiwi?  Raisins and dried fruit are also good fruit alternatives.

With a few new lunch box ideas, your kids will expand the variety of foods they eat and maybe even find a few new lunchtime favorites.

Tip written by Amy Kulwicki RD, CD

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