Creating Good School Lunches

I dread packing school lunches for my children in elementary and middle school. Do you have any suggestions about what I can pack that is healthy and nutritious? -- Tired of Packing
Answer: No pressure on you, but it is no secret that eating right can play a role in helping your children do their best in school. If you fail to pack an appealing lunch, your children will just eat a few bites before rushing out to the playground without getting the fuel necessary to propel them through the rest of the school day.
Some good choices are whole grain breads and lower-fat deli meats, like turkey. Veggies with dip, fruit in their natural juices or fresh fruit are especially appealing, as are trail mix, yogurt and home-baked goods. One caution: Be sure to pack lunches that meet any restrictions the school has laid down. Plus, be sure to involve your children in the selection of their favorite foods.
One aspect of packing lunches that is very important is keeping the food safe for your children to eat. Before beginning to pack a lunch, be sure your hands are clean and that you are packing it in a clean container. Use thermoses for hot foods and cold packs to keep food cold. One trick is to freeze some foods so they can thaw before lunch time. Finally, include moist towelettes as a reminder to your children to clean their hands.