Chances are that you want your kids to eat healthier. If you want them to eat well, but are stuck in a “brown bag rut”, then these can offer some healthy and delicious options.
1. Chicken Quesadilla: Just about every kid out there tends to love quesadillas! These Mexican version of a grilled cheese comes in all varieties, and you as a parent can really pump up the nutritional value. Blend in some vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and peppers into the fold and the kids will love the cheese so much they’ll never even notice them. Offer up salsa for them to dip in and they’ll feel like they’re having a treat rather than a well balanced meal. Kids love this option, and you will too!
2. Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables: Pasta is usually a big hit with kids, and the nice thing is that it’s so versatile. So make it a healthy pasta dish and get out of the “macaroni and cheese” rut. Cook up some chicken and fun vegetables like carrots and pea pods in a light olive oil sauce. Toss that with some pasta and in no time you’ll have a healthy meal that the kids will love to slurp up, especially if you top it with a bit of cheese.
3. Turkey Roll Up: This makes for an excellent twist on the boring sandwich that most kids get sick of. Opt for lavash or pita instead of boring old bread. Spice it up using hummus or salsa as the condiment of choice. Add in some turkey and then get crazy with the toppings such as feta or mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato, peppers, olives, or whatever is sure to make your child smile. This is a nice twist on an old lunchbox tradition!
4. Pita Pizzas: You can use either pita or English muffins as the base for this beloved pizza. Pile with sauce and mozzarella cheese, and then add in some of their favorite pizza toppings but make them a healthier version. Try out turkey pepperoni, onions, olives, peppers, and tomatoes. Pizza always makes a child smile and this is a healthier version that’s also quite easy to make.
5. Hummus with Vegetables: Sometimes a kid just wants to dip, and this gives them the perfect excuse. Give your kids a generous serving of hummus and then let them pick some of their favorite vegetables for dipping. Everything tastes so much better when you dip it, and kids will eat up their veggies without even realizing it! Add in some grapes and cheese on the side for a nutritionally balanced meal that the kids will love!
Eating well doesn’t have to be boring. If you want your kids to eat healthier for lunch, then just be sure to provide them with some of these fun options for a change.
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