Posted by Danielle Downs on Jun.02, 2009

ⓒ iStockPhoto - gmnicholas

Whether it’s for your children or the adults in the family, a healthy lunch is key to getting through a busy afternoon. Getting kids to eat there food isn’t always about taste. The fun factor matters! Here are some fun prepare-ahead foods that taste great at room temperature, employ natural ingredients, and provide balanced nutrition.

Rice Paper Wraps

Rice paper wraps can be purchased at most Asian markets and well stocked groceries. The sheets come in round or square. Chose the shape you can roll easiest. Once you have prepared your fillings, you can begin working with the wrappers. A pie plate filled with warm water is perfect for soaking the sheets. Soak one at a time for 15 seconds or until pliable, then transfer to a work board. The sheets will dry quickly. Wrap fillings as you would an eggroll or burrito. These wraps can be made ahead (minus fresh greens) and frozen then thawed out over night in the fridge. These are a great do-ahead lunch or snack that keep for several weeks.

Filling ideas

Toss equal parts diced granny smith apples, diced tempeh, and arugula with a dressing made of 2 parts peanut butter, 1 part soy sauce, and 1 part cider vinegar.

Mix equal parts black beans, pico de galo, and diced avocado for a tex-mex Asian fusion wrap.

Paella salad: equal parts diced tomato, diced fennel, chopped black olives, chopped mushrooms, diced zucchini tossed with a dressing made from equal parts olive oil, red wine vinegar, and cilantro adding salt and saffron to taste. This salad is great if left to marinate over night.

In the Thermos!

Everything tastes better out of a cool thermos, especially if it has a design your child identifies with. They might finish the lunch just for the sake of packaging.

Filling ideas

Easy Tomato Bisque: in a crock pot combine 48 oz diced canned tomatoes, 1 vegetarian bullion cube, and 6 oz cream cheese. Simmer, stirring occasionally for an hour or more. Use quality organic ingredients. This soup scales up to feed a very large family with very little effort. It freezes well.

Vegan colada smoothie: one 12 oz can coconut milk, 2 bananas, 1 cup pineapple, 3 tablespoons flax seed. Great nutrient dense treat for growing children.

Improved Sandwiches

Go beyond cutting off the crust and make sandwiches that rock. Cut them into shapes with canapé cutters – mini sandwiches in diamond, triangle, heart, or star shapes will my your little one the envy of the lunchroom. Sandwich presses that say “I love you” or have cartoon characters can jazz up a standard PB&J. Bread made at home will also encourage kids to eat because they can help knead. Kneading bread is fun, teaches children about where their food comes from, and it’s great exercise.

Happy lunch packing!

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Posted under Cooking Healthy, Food, Nutrition & Recipes.