Brown Baggin’ It in Style!

The sun stays down a little longer in the mornings and the nights are a bit cooler now. Fall is on its way and yellow school buses are getting ready to take over the roads yet again. With soccer practices, cross-country meets, ballet lessons, and recitals to get to, it seems like the start of the school year can be hectic and the last thing you want to hear little Billy say is “Moooommm! Peanut-butter and jelly again?”

We know you’re tired of making the same lunches day after day and your little one wants something new to jazz up lunchtime. So here are some snazzy ideas to make the lunchtime blues vanish.

1. Top a tortilla with humus, shredded cheese, and sprouts makes for a delicious wrap that’s not only easy to put together, but nutritious and full of protein as well. For a lighter, sweeter wrap spread some cream cheese on a tortilla and fill with some of your child’s favorite fruit. Sprinkle some granola on top for some crunch!

2. Baby carrots make for an excellent snack, and are especially tasty with some great all-natural peanut butter as a dip. Also consider other cut veggies like peppers or grape tomatoes paired with a low fat dressing for dipping! Shop your grocer’s salad bar to get exactly the amount you need for the lunchbox and save $$ for those field trip fees!

3. Want an easier and healthier alternative to cafeteria pizza? Take an English muffin, spread on some tomato sauce, shredded cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and some of your kid’s favorite toppings (mushrooms and turkey bacon make great ones!) for a tasty mini-pizza.

4. Fruit kabobs are another fun way to make lunchtime more interesting. Grab a skewer and add some of your child’s favorite fruits like strawberries, honeydew melons, bananas, or grapes. Add a small package of vanilla yogurt or local honey for dipping, and you’re set!

5. Yogurt makes for a great lunchtime addition, especially when you pair it with fresh or dried fruit (think raisins, dried cherries or blueberries) and some granola for a hearty and filling side. Be sure to read labels—stay away from fillers and artificial colors and preservatives!

6. Sandwiches are a simple way to fill your child’s brown bag, but it can be hard to come up with new and interesting ingredients. Why not try a tomato and cheese sandwich with a touch of mustard? Or how about a cucumber sandwich on some lightly buttered, toasted bread? If you little one is a fan of fish, surprise them with a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel, and throw in whatever veggies you’d like, such as tomatoes, sprouts, or even red peppers for some real brain food!

Our rule of thumb is to make lunches kid-friendly and interactive. Involve your kids in the process. When you shop for and prepare their lunches together, it’s fun and easy. It also gives a great lesson in meal planning and budgeting!

Naz Kavak, Whole Foods Market Dublin