Back to School

Back to school is often a hectic season with alarms, running around finding clothes and books, finishing homework, and getting breakfast down (or on-the-go)!  How can I get a nutritious lunch prepared in the middle of this?  Here are a few tips that help me get things going and give the kids a healthy start:

1. Choose a  fresh fruit. For example: grapes, apple slices or rings, any melon chunks (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon), any berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), or banana slices.
2. Choose  2 vegetables. For example: carrot coins or sticks, cucumber, broccoli, bell pepper strips, asparagus spears, summer squash ribbons, or grape tomatoes.
3. Choose a healthy protein. For example: Beans, edamame, trail mixes, sunbutter, hummus, veggie burger, roasted turkey or chicken slices, or a hard-boiled egg.
4. Choose a whole grain. For example: whole-grain pasta, bread, and crackers, brown rice, steel cut oats.
5. Incorporating dairy. For example: unflavored milk, plain Greek yogurt, small amounts of cheese like cottage cheese, and string cheese. For dairy-free options, try soy milk and soy yogurt.

Gourmet Gorilla meals offer a variety of options each day to keep my kids interested in what they are eating and make sure they are properly fueled at school each day!