Fun & Healthy Ideas for the Lunchbox

Air-popped popcorn with salt-free seasoning is an easy, inexpensive and healthy option compared to fatty and salty chips and crackers.

Just a ¼ cup of sunflower or pumpkin seeds provides fiber, protein, and minerals that are good for you and give you energy.

Just 10 to 12 dark chocolate chips are enough to satisfy a sweet craving without adding a lot of fat and calories.

Whole-grain crackers have fewer calories and more fiber, protein and iron per serving than regular crackers. They are still high in sodium so watch the portion size.

Unsalted and/or roasted nuts are a low carb snack that is filling and full of protein, vitamin E, magnesium and selenium. An ounce is a good serving size. That’s about 24 almonds, 18 cashews, 15 pecans, 35 peanuts, 14 walnut halves.

Make your own or buy low- or no-sugar puddings for a slightly sweet treat that is fairly low in fat and calories, but high in taste.

Add a cup of “no-sugar added” applesauce into the lunchbox. Chances are your kid won’t miss the added sugar.

This old favorite usually is fairly low in fat, calories and sugar. If you are watching carbohydrates, pay close attention to the serving size.

Reduce the sugar by half in your homemade recipes. You won’t taste the difference and less added sugar is a healthy habit.

Fresh fruit and vegetables cut into small pieces with a small container of nut or seed butter or  1-2 oz. of cheese or hummus is a healthy addition to any lunch or snack.