(NAPSA)—To help parents and caregivers faced with the everchallenging task of preparing healthful school lunches that kids will actually eat, Registered Dietitian Sarah Wally offers a few tips: *Include all food groups. A balanced lunch is a healthful lunch. Follow the MyPlate mealplanning model and pack a serving or two from each ofthe following categories: grains, vegetables, fruit, dairy and protein. Vegetables and fruits should account for roughly half of the meal. *Keep foods safe. Making sure hot foods stay hot and cool foods stay cool is imperative to keep food-borne illness at bay. Insulated thermoses are a great option for storing soups or warm pasta. Adding a frozen juice box to your kid’s lunch bag creates an instant ice pack to keep cool items chilled and it will defrost just in time to enjoy at lunch. As a bonus, just 4 ounces of 100% juice counts as a serving (half a cup)offruit. *Get the kids involved. Asking your children to help plan their weekly lunches lets them feel important and in control. Share with them yourcriteria for a healthy lunch and then give them someoptions to choose from. Kids will enjoy a break from repetitious lunches and learn a bit about creating healthful meals. Use lunchtime as a way to connect. A handwritten note can = The lunch you packfor your child can be one she'll like and good for her, too. be a surprising, sentimental way to reconnect with your kids. Use a napkin to write a few words of encouragement before that afterlunch test or important soccer game. It can maketheir day. Recipe for a Healthful Lunch Box Choose whole grain breads andcrackers for added fiber. Pack 100% juice, providing vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compoundscalled phytonutrients. Stick to low-fat or fat-free dairy products. *Help your kids to “eat the rainbow”by offering a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Learn More For more information, log on to www.fruitjuicefacts.org.
