If your kids are tired of the same old PB&J or bologna sandwiches for lunch, it may be time to switch it up. But what??? We asked mom "in the know" Jen Levinson, mother of 5 boys (two sets of twins!) to give us some pointers on everything lunch. After all, she feeds a lot of hungry tummies...

Jen says...

What to pack:
• Think of the four food groups. A balanced lunch could then be 1-2 servings of Vegetables and Fruit, 1 serving from the Grain Products, ½-1 servings of Milk and Alternatives and ½ a serving of Meat and Alternatives.

• Think outside the sandwich! Get creative when choosing items for your child’s lunch. Sometimes changing something as simple as the type of grain. For example, using pita, flatbread, tortilla, or cereal instead of bread can make lunch more interesting for your little eater. Cut sandwiches into triangles or diamonds. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.

• Offer various types of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Jack, Swiss) in different forms (cubes, strings, slices and balls). To create a cheese ball, shred and then shape into balls.

• Switch up the veggies and fruit. Give your kids something different to experience with each bite. Group foods according to: Type (citrus, tropical.); color (green, red, orange, yellow, purple); shape (balls, strips, chunks, whole); or texture (soft, juicy, crunchy)

• Kids love to dip. Use cottage cheese, hummus, yogurt, or guacamole as healthy dips

•Give them healthy options to pick from - they will be more likely to eat a lunch that they choose. Remember, every child has different energy needs, which can change from day to day and over time.  Some schools send uneaten food home so parents will know how much their child has eaten, which can be helpful. Involve your child in planning lunches so that they can help you figure out how much food they need.
 
Set aside time in the evening to pack lunches and snacks. You’ll be happy you did during the next day’s busy morning rush!
 
DVD that give ideas too:
http://www.healthychild.com/store/products/Healthy-Lunch-Ideas-for-Kids-DVD.html