How to Build a Better Lunch (tips from Nutritionists)

Sit down with your children and brainstorm food choices from each of the 5 food groups. Make a master list and use it to keep your kitchen stocked with food. When it’s time to pack the lunch, include them in the decision making of what to pull from each food group. The more your children are involved in choosing and packing the food and beverages for their lunch box, they more likely they will eat their lunch.

My kids have agonized over choosing a lunch box, but what’s more important to me are the storage containers and accessories inside. We use small plastic containers of various sizes to hold the food, and each child has a thermos with a tight lid for warm foods, such as soups and pastas. The thermos is invaluable and really enables you to pack a variety of options. Invest in lunch box storage containers to help you remember to include multiple food groups. You’ll save money in the long run by not using disposable bags.

Sandwiches are an easy choice, and I pack them too, but my kids get bored after one too many turkey and cheese sandwiches. And when they’re bored, I have found that much of their packed lunch comes home uneaten. Think outside the sandwich with these ideas:

• Chicken Nuggets: I bake chicken nuggets, like GIANT’s Nature’s Promise Naturals brand, in the toaster oven, and keep them in a thermos in their lunch box. The kids tell me the nuggets stay warm. I also pack some ketchup in a tight small container.
• Hardboiled egg and crackers
• Rice cakes with nut butter
• Ham or turkey and cheese roll ups
• Taco meat. My kids love tacos, so I heat leftover taco meat in the microwave, sprinkle on a little cheese, and store in the thermos. Pack a spoon a some tortilla or pita chips.

For more lunchbox friendly ideas, check out Savory magazine in-stores or at GIANT or MARTIN’s websites. Also follow GIANT or MARTIN’s on Pinterest.

GIANT Food Stores has you covered for the first day of school and beyond with a variety of products from their Nature’s Promise Organics and Free From brands.

Also, GIANT/MARTIN’S nutritionists are available for individual consultations and classes on various topics such as cooking for one, weight loss, and healthy kid-friendly meal ideas. Visit the GIANT, MARTIN’S or MARTIN’S in Richmond websites for a complete list of upcoming free classes or to schedule an appointment. Individual consultations are $20 and participants received back $20 GIANT/MARTIN’s gift card upon completion.

CLOSED Enter for a chance to Win a $25 Giant Food Stores Gift Card

Giveaway Details:

The Prize: One $25 Giant Food Stores gift card will be given away to one lucky winner.

To Enter: Simply leave a comment telling us about your favorite lunch to pack.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

I’ll randomly choose a winner at 6:30 am EST on Friday, September 2, 2016. Please use a valid email when commenting, so that I may contact you if you win.

Congratulations, Jennifer, you are the winner. I will be contacting you via email.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post and giveaway by Giant Food Stores. I was provided compensation and products, but all opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe my readers will enjoy. You can read the site’s full disclosure here.