GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean dieting or giving up all the foods you love. With a little planning, you can learn how to ditch the junk and give your body the nutrient-dense fuel it needs. Melinda Montgomery, food scientist, and American Heart Association volunteer suggests getting kids involved. She says when children help pack their lunch, they’re more likely to eat their lunch. For example, on nights you have a bit more time, like a Sunday night, have them help assemble their lunch. Here are some other easy ideas.
- Peanut butter and jelly spirals
- Veggie dunkers
- Lunch hack: Apple sliced but put together with a rubber band so it doesn’t turn brown
- Lunch hack: Freeze a wet sponge in a bag and use it as an ice pack. Use a thermos for keeping soups warm.
- Parents food ideas
White bean hummus wraps with avocado and bell pepper- Build your own salad (lettuce, hard boiled egg, chickpeas, tomatoes, extra veggies, make your own dressing (simple vinaigrette: 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, pinch of salt, pinch of ground black pepper)
- Love those leftovers – cook a little extra at dinner the night before.
- Homestyle chicken noodle soup heats up well.