Back to School Special: Pack Better Bag Lunches By Mary Choate for NCG Brown Bag Lunches can get boring if they are the same old thing over and over again. Kids may trade to get a lunch that they find more fun to eat. For adults, boredom can lead to a trip to the vending machine or convenience store- a difficult place to find healthful choices. The solution is to mix it up with nutritious and fun choices from the Choose My Plate’s Healthy Eating Tips.
Think outside the bag To start thinking “outside the bag,” use the ideas below to put together a fun lunch that brown baggers of all ages will enjoy. Be sure to add your favorites to the list! Note: add a freezer pack and insulated bag to keep foods safe until lunch time.
Pick from these whole grains choices— pick one or two:
Vegetable choices—pick two or more 1/2 cup servings:
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Whole grain crackers Whole grain mini-bagel or pita bread Toasted whole grain English muffin Low fat granola in a one-quarter cup container Low fat bran muffin Whole grain rice or pasta salad
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Three bean salad, with added beets and olives, dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil Hummus (garbanzo bean spread) Vegetable soup (1-cup) in a thermos or microwave safe container Baby carrots Celery sticks Cherry or grape tomatoes Cooked okra pods Cooked green beans Sweet pepper strips Cooked corn on the cob (6” ear = 1/2 cup; 8-9” ear = 1 cup) Salad (1-cup) with one tablespoon of dressing