By Alvina Brown

Labor Day has come and gone and the school year is officially starting. Back to school is the perfect time for your nieces and nephews to learn how to start packing nutrient-enriched lunches. As many know, lunches served at school can sometimes be questionable or not what they want to eat. Check out these few tips and recipes on how to pack a healthy lunch.

Plenty of variety

Nutrient-packed fruits and veggies, like carrots, strawberries and tomatoes contain fiber and plenty of vitamins. Also try adding whole-grains, like whole wheat bagels, bread and pasta.
Two to three ounces of protein for lunch help develop muscle development and metabolism. A chicken wrap or tuna sandwich provide the perfect amount for your little one.

Pure foods not processed foods

Yes, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a classic, but try to avoid foods that come out of a box or contain powdered sauces. Leftovers are a great way to start incorporating pure foods into their lunchbox diet.

Use natural peanut butter or almond butter on a sandwich or with whole-wheat crackers instead of the classic Jiff or Skippy. Want to try something different, try Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter. If you want a challenge, try making these homemade jams to classy up a peanut butter and jelly.

• Homemade Strawberry Jam

• Homemade Blackberry Jam

• Homemade Grape Jam

Check out this Taco Bento Lunch full of veggies and lean meat. Feel free to switch up the ingredients or allow your nieces and nephews to add their own ingredients.

Portion Control

Today many children are suffering from portion distortion. Buy your niece or nephew a three-to-four compartment lunch box. Also invest in portion control snack bags. They can be found in your local grocery store in the kitchen storage aisle.

Knowledge in having them Pack their Own Lunch

• It teaches them about nourishment

• They will eat more

• Provides them with the mindset of power in the morning

• It instills responsibility

• Reduces obesity

• Healthy eating equals healthy grades

• Cost efficient

Always Include a Treat

By including a homemade treat, it gives them something to look forward to. They’ll love their dessert so much they won’t want to trade it at the lunch table.

Here are some great homemade desserts:

• Lunchbox Brownies

• Sweet and Salty Cereal Bars

• Oatmeal Cream Pie

Feel free to comment on the types of lunchbox tips do you have below. What do you include in your little ones lunch box?