IN THE KITCHEN

What’s In Your Lunch Box?

School lunches don’t have to be boring with these tips and ideas.

By Lyndsay Fogarty

With kids heading back to school this month, whether it’s in-person or virtual learning, parents have a lot on their plates. No matter where they will be doing their school work, their lunchtime menu can be planned now so it’s anything but boring.

A healthy lunch with plenty of fruits and vegetables will help your child stay focused on learning throughout the day. Keep it fun by preparing lunch Bento style, including a protein, vegetable, fruit and dessert.

Roll Swiss cheese and lowsodium turkey together, slice them into small rounds and add a side of crackers to make your own (healthier) Lunchable. This meal can be customized to your child’s tastes by swapping out the protein, using a different cheese or even wrapping it in a tortilla instead.

Other tasty ideas that will last in the lunch box include BLT wraps and salads with dressing on the side to keep the veggies from getting soggy. Also try an Italian-style pasta salad with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and Italian dressing.

There may be extra supplies to get and extra decisions to make for school this year, but what to have for lunch doesn’t have to be one of those decisions.

Florida Chicken, Avocado and Swiss Wrap

Courtesy of Fresh From Florida

Looking for a healthy lunch that tastes good? Utilize Florida ingredients, such as chicken and avocado, for a wrap that will have your kids coming back for more.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Florida chicken breasts • 1 large Florida avocado, peeled and sliced • 4 slices Swiss cheese • 4 whole-wheat wraps • 1/4 cup plain yogurt • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1 lemon, juiced • 1 lime, juiced • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl combine the yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice; season with sea salt and pepper, to taste. Place two slices of cheese on top of each wrap, place on a cookie sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and add chicken slices to each wrap. Add sliced avocado, sprinkle with lime juice, and top with yogurt sauce. Fold the wrap to create a sandwich.

Source: FollowFreshFromFlorida.com