Easy, healthy lunch box meals

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Part of getting your kids ready to go back to school is getting the lunchbox routine underway.  Allison Reed, a registered dietician from Spartan Stores j oins us to share some ideas to add taste and nutrition to every between class course.  Allison says all lunchbox meals should be healthy, easy and affordable, costing less than a dollar each.  Using Spartan brands cuts down on the cost without sacrificing quality.  When kids get involved with food prep and planning lunches everyone wins.  Teach kids to choose from at least three to four different food groups and always include a fruit or veggie. Other food groups can include lean protein, whole grains and low fat or fat free dairy products. Keep sugary drinks, snack foods and juices to a strict minimum.  Try Allison's ideas and enjoy lunch time in the upcoming term!

Slim Peanut Butter & Jam Sandwich
Yields 1 serving
1 Whole Wheat Bagel Thin
2 Tbsp Spartan Natural Peanut Butter
1 Tbsp Spartan Strawberry Jam
Spread peanut butter & jam on bagel thin and serve with fruit and milk

Egg Salad
Yields 4 servings
6 Spartan Eggs
1/2 c. onion, diced
1/2 c. celery, diced
1/4 c. light or fat free mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. mustard
1/4 tsp. Paprika
6-8 Whole grain crackers
Hard boil eggs and let cool. Combine mayonnaise, mustard and paprika in a medium bowl. Next add onion & celery. Finally, remove eggshells, cut eggs into small cubes, and mix in with all other ingredients. Serve with
whole grain crackers and a fruit or vegetable for a light, well rounded meal or snack.
 

Super Pasta & Tuna Salad
Yields 6 servings
2 cups uncooked Super Pasta Fusilli
2 5oz cans oil packed tuna
1 lemon, juiced
pinch of salt & pepper
1 c. or 2 cans fresh or frozen peas, thawed
1/4 c. black olives, sliced
1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
2 Tbsp each, fresh basil, parsley, & chives, chopped
Cook fusilli in pot of boiling water for 10- 12 minutes, drain.  Mix in tuna with oil and let cool.  In a separate bowl combine lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt & pepper and add to tuna and fusilli. Finally, stir in remaining ingredients and chill.

Greek Yogurt with Berries
Yields 1 serving
1 6oz container vanilla Nostimo Greek yogurt, stirred
1/2 c. fresh berries or Spartan Frozen mixed berries, thawed
Pack berries separate from yogurt. Your child can easily assemble the fruit and yogurt mixed berries, thawed mixture at lunch time. Simply instruct to open and mix the yogurt before adding the berries.

Whole Grain Turkey Wrap
Yields 1 serving
1 whole Spartan whole wheat tortilla
1 Tbsp. fat free or light mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. Spartan yellow mustard
1/2 c. romaine lettuce, washed & patted dry
3 slices Spartan Pillow Pack Turkey
1/4 c. reduced fat shredded cheddar
3 Tbsp. tomato, diced
Mix mayo and mustard and spread over tortilla, 1-inch from the edge.  Next sprinkle lettuce evenly over tortilla, pushing down into layer of mayo mixture. Place turkey slices over the lettuce and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Finally, top evenly with tomato and roll tortilla up tightly. Slice in half with diagonal cut and insert toothpicks to hold together until eaten.

Ham & Swiss Pinwheels
Yields 1 serving
1 slice Spartan wheat bread, remove crust
1 tsp. light or fat free miracle whip
1 slice Spartan Swiss cheese slices
2 slices Spartan Pillow Pack Ham
Flatten bread with rolling pin or can of vegetables and spread with Miracle Whip. Next, layer cheese and ham slices and let sit for 2 - 3 minutes (to soften cheese). Roll tightly and slice crosswise into 4 even pieces. Serve with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.