What's for Lunch? Nutritionist Offers Advice on Packing Lunches Kids Will Love

But there is hope for getting your kids to eat a healthy lunch and for reducing the number of times your child trades away or just throws away the food you prepared.

"One trick that works is to have your child take part in the decision-making process," said Marjorie Sawicki, clinical instructor of nutrition and dietetics. "But make sure the options are healthy ones. It will give your child more of a sense of ownership of the meal because he or she was involved in the process."

Sometimes playing a game can add to the fun of packing, and eventually eating, the lunch. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) created the "BBB," better known as the "Brown Bag Barometer." The goal is for children to see how their lunch stacks up against the food pyramid. Parents and their children measure how many servings of each food group they consumed at lunch. Next, they figure out what foods they could add to help them better meet their nutrition needs and increase variety.

The ADA also suggests packing lunches in unusual ways. Stickers can draw attention to a particular food. Sawicki said parents should also turn to low-fat or reduced-fat sandwich meat. Pack whole-wheat crackers and dried fruit chips instead of a bag of potato chips.

"Also keep the portions small," Sawicki said. "Limit most portions to a half a cup or less. Consider packing small portions of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruit kabobs are a big hit."

Finally, don't limit your child's lunch to the traditional sandwich. Think of high-energy, low-fat items such as small containers of yogurt or pudding.

"Be creative and on the look out for new ideas that are healthy and fun," she said.

"If you start to notice your child coming home with an empty lunch box and a full tummy, you'll know you're on the right track."

Top