For me, chips have always been the default go-to for sandwiches or lunch in general, but as the new school year approaches I’ve been trying to re-think and re-plan what goes into my kids’ lunch boxes. Sure, they’ll still get a small bag of chips now and then, but I’m going substitute one of the below ideas several times a week as well!

~ Fresh fruit and vegetables. This one always seems to be at the top of the list for chip replacements, and for good reason. Fresh fruit and vegetables not only offer “healthier” calories, but they contain virtually no fat or processed sugars. This means they can load up on them at lunch time and still get the energy benefit for hours afterward. Veggies like carrot sticks, celery sticks, radishes, even broccoli and cauliflower are perfectly portable. Fruits like apples (if you cut them up, sprinkle with lemon juice to keep from browning), strawberries, bananas and grapes travel well too.

~ Pretzels and crackers. Baked carb snacks can help your child feel full, and since they’re not fried they don’t add a lot of unnecessary calories either.

~ Tortilla chips and salsa. Tortilla chips are also baked and have the satisfying crunch and light saltiness of regular fried potato chips. The salsa offers vegetables as well, and homemade salsa is even better!

~ Cheesesticks or yogurt. Unless your child gets some change to buy a carton of milk in the lunchroom, chances are they aren’t going to be getting any dairy in their lunch box (I’ve never been able to get a Thermos to keep milk above lukewarm!). Cheese sticks or a small reusable container filled with yogurt can fill the void, and fresh fruit in the yogurt can even act as a nutritious dessert, too.

What are your favorite non-chips foods to put in lunchboxes?

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

Healthy Alternatives to Lunchbox Chips

Pumpkin on a stick grows fast but has thorns to watch out for. The leaves are huge compared to the tiny fruits and plants can be started from seed or cuttings. Normally early summer is a good time to start this plant, but if you’ve got a lot of sun you can still plant some now and you will likely get some pretty red orange fruits in time for fall. Just be sure to stalk and also protect from chills and frost.

This plant is not only totally cute for fall arrangements but it’s edible too (chop and toss into stir fry). If you do use it in decor you can use fresh stalks or allow fruit to dry on the stem (remove leaves) and use as a dry plant accessory.
Buy pumpkin on a stick seeds

Buy organic pumpkin on a stick seeds

Post from: Blisstree

Grow tiny pumpkins trees for fall

Fruit Bowl (Sxc.hu)

Apples : Cut them into cubes or thick slices and caramelize with butter and sliced onions as side dishes with pork chops or chicken breast. I already do this so I’m glad to know I’m doing something right .

Pears : Puree ‘em into the blender and add them in soups like butternut squash soup.

Peaches or Nectarines : Make instant fruit crisps by slicing the peaches or nectarines, coat with crumbled oatmeal cookies then microwave.

Oranges : Jazz up your drinks like water or club sodas by juicing the orange, adding sugar into it, then freeze in ice cube trays.

Kiwis : Use them as meat tenderizer. Just crush then add in marinades.

Great tips, no? I’m very impressed with the Kiwi info. Oranges? why didn’t we think of that first? I hope you learned new stuff for your kitchen with these fruit tips.

(Source : Woman’s Day Magazine (June 2009) ) (Image : Sxc.hu)

Post from: Blisstree

Don’t Throw Away Those Fruits Yet

Post from: Blisstree

Fruits or veggies?