WE ARE WHAT WE EAT...this applies to what we feed our kids as well. Way too often I see kids eating processed, completely unnatural, let's just say it...crap. As I see what kids have packed in their lunch I am always surprised. Do I understand being busy and not having time to pack lunch? Yes I do, better than most. I pack 3 kid lunches and 1 adult lunch just about everyday of the week. Do I understand picky eaters? Absolutely! I've worked with them for over 10 years. With that being said, I also understand that as parents we signed on to keep our kids healthy and performing to their very own personal best every single day. Packing a 4 year old a pack of sour strip candies inside their lunch is -dare I say it - disgusting. How do our kids get stuck in these routines where they will only eat crappy snacks and a particular brand of chicken nuggets? Part of it is a sensory issue. Part of it is because we as parents get them there. It is so imperative that we take the extra few minutes to make our kids dinner, introduce them to new foods and tastes and textures. When we do this, we not only make it easier for our children, but in turn we make it easy for ourselves. We allow our children to explore and celebrate new flavors and fun things to eat. When we provide these opportunities for our children we allow them to have stress-free meal times and avoid battles for control. I will be posting meal and snack ideas, including ideas for lunch boxes and meals to cook with your kids. I do want to add, that I am writing to empower us as parents to make good choices. I say us because I am right there with you. I am working with kids, and raising my own kids. I'm feeling it from both sides, and I'm doing the best I can, but always striving to do better. Here are 3 ideas for lunch: 1. hummus and pita Cucumber slices Apple (squeeze apple sauce is a big hit in my house) 2. In a thermos: 'Dr. Pregger's spinach bites' Low fat chocolate milk Pirate booty (any brand, portion size) 3. Turkey slices on whole wheat bread Cut up strawberries Orange slices Just a couple of ideas. I like to switch things up so they don't get bored, and they look forward to their lunches. When I cook with my preschoolers at school, almost all of them at least taste what we make. And 9 times out of 10, 12 out of 13 like what we created! More ideas to come...