Tasty Brown Bag Idea for Kids and Adults
By Ronnie Campbell
Jun 17, 2008, 11:46
It’s often a struggle finding healthy lunch and snack options that hold equal appeal for adults and kids. And, as some newer cookbooks suggest, disguising good-for-you, nutritious fare is certainly a great idea. Along with presenting vegetables “incognito,” here are some quick tricks you can immediately apply:
Tweak breakfast, lunch and snacks for greater nutritional impact. Add a handful of trail mix and fresh fruit to yogurt; blend up antioxidant-rich wild berry smoothies with a dash of cinnamon and honey. Low-fat (hormone, antibiotic-free) chocolate milk is a guaranteed, calcium-boosting pleaser. Swirl in a cup of applesauce to morning oatmeal. When possible, buy seasonal, organic or local produce for fresher, flavorful options (buying locally also supports the community economy). Reduce use of chemically preserved meats and cheeses. Choose no-nitrite turkey breast or grill hormone-, antibiotic-free chicken cutlets at home for salads and wraps. Select all-natural cheeses instead of processed. Combine mustards or low-fat mayo with homemade pestos. These simple to assemble ideas will no doubt win family praise and inspire other creative combinations.
- Line whole wheat (or gluten-free for those who are wheat sensitive) pita with dark green lettuce and a tasty farmstead cheddar, like Fiscalini (www.fiscalinicheese.com). Stuff with mixture of diced celery, apple or pear. Add a touch of pesto or raspberry vinaigrette.
- Combine low fat mayo with cranberry sauce; spread on whole wheat Lavash flatbread. Layer with baby arugula or spinach, sliced roasted turkey and Jarlsberg. Roll up…serve with grapes or orange slices.
- Roast Beef & Boursin Wrap: spread 2 tablespoons Boursin (a fresh, spreadable Gournay cheese) on Lavash or tortilla. Add a few slices of roast beef, thin sliced tomato and bunch of watercress. Roll up and serve with fresh strawberries and sparkling fruit juice.
- Spread low fat Caesar dressing on large tortilla. Layer with Romaine, strips of grilled chicken breast and shavings of Parmesan.
- Try this healthy take on a popular, process-cheese-filled snack. Mix ½ cup shredded Jarlsberg Lite cheese with peanut butter. Use unsalted crackers to “sandwich.” Refrigerate to keep mixture hard. Serve at room temperature so texture is creamy. Pair with banana.
