School Lunches are Back....

It's school time again.  I can't believe it's already here.  If you're a parent, you know what I mean.  Waking at the crack of dawn to get everyone up, fed and moving out the door.  And finding time in between to fix the kids their daily school lunches.

This year, you might find yourself looking for some new inspiration in the school lunch department.  Maybe your kids are tired of the same old sandwich.  Or maybe you're tired of seeing your hard-made lunches continuously coming home half-eaten.

If this is you, check out my most recent article, "Fast, Fun and Nutritious School Lunches",  published last week in the Dallas Morning News.  I feature five easy and healthy meals - sure to be at the top of your kids' request list.. Here's a snippet:

You can feel it in the air – another exciting new school year is fast approaching.

For most of us, this means gearing up not only for class time but lunch time, as well. I’m talking new lunchboxes, new water bottles – and the never-ending job of trying to pack healthy and tasty lunches.

Break out of the rut and try one of the fast lunch ideas below, sure to be a hit with your kids. You’ll find them delicious, nutritious and a snap to make.

Easy Lunch Ideas

Pair any of these with fresh fruit and a beverage (kid-friendly water or low-fat milk), and your child will have a healthy lunch to keep him going all day long.

Hummus Dip

What kid doesn’t like to dip? Veggies with hummus are yummy, filling and full of heart-healthy fiber and brain-boosting vitamins. Scoop store-bought hummus (Sabra and Cedar’s are good ones) into a small container; pack strips of carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers and pita slices separately for a tasty Mediterranean meal.

PB with a Twist

Shake up that old PB&J routine with something new. Instead of jam, top PB on bread with slivered almonds, raisins or banana slices. Or try a different nut or seed butter (like almond and sunflower) instead of the old-standby. Drizzle with a bit of honey for just a touch of sweetness.

Read on for more recipes at the Dallas Morning News.

And don't forget that making the lunch is just half the battle - it needs to be eaten (and enjoyed), as well.  Be sure to scan my tips on making the lunch-making process at your house is successful - so everyone in the family remains happy and lunchboxes come home empty.

Sugar, Sugar Everywhere

Here is my question for the day: When did it become normal to have treats at elementary school-related events? I'm not talking about the cafeteria or vending machines. I'm talking about cookies, candy or sugary lemonade readily available at every event, party and "out-of-the-ordinary" occurrence.

I ask this, because I have witnessed it during the last two weeks. I regularly volunteer at my 1st grader's school. And yes, I have seen all kinds of treats offered at various occasions. I guess over the last 10 days, I was really struck by the overabundance of sugar-laden, fat-filled, gut-busting treats that were continually offered to my kids.

Valentine's parties? Brownies, m&m's; and untold amounts of candy exchanged by students.

School carnival? Candy was everywhere as game prizes and rewards; soda, lemonade and other treats up for purchase, to name just a few. Don't even ask about the foot-long Sandy Candy tubes (filled with colored sugar - to eat).

Science Night? Cookies, lemonade.

Open House? Cookies, lemonade.

Preschool? Cookies offered at snack (seriously).

My daughter was even given candy as a reward for behaving in class. And I'm not even counting the sports games, birthday parties, playdates and whatever else was available on top of what was offered at school during this time.

Now, believe me, I have no interest in banning anything (see my Mmmmm...chocolate post). I think treats are an integral part of childhood. Who doesn't remember chasing the ice cream man down the block, coins jingling in your pocket? Or snow cones on a blistering summer day? And the after-school Oreos and milk? But see, those times were out of school and under the watchful eyes of parents.

I'm simply questioning what seems to have become the norm, at least in our elementary schools. Don't kids today get enough opportunity for treats outside of school? Just a thought.

Let's turn to other alternatives, food or otherwise, for some of the school activities. For example: I brought tiny packages of baby carrots and mini water bottles to the 1st grade Valentine's party. The verdict? Most of the kids exclaimed they loved carrots - and they ate them (alongside the brownies and candy, but hey, don't look a gift-horse in the mouth).

What other ideas do you have? Share them in comments and let's start changing the mindset of our schools today!