How to Beat the Brown Bag Blues
They’re not glamorous, breath-taking or even mildly exciting. Instead, brown bag lunches are convenient, economical and all too often boring. But are your packed lunches becoming too mundane, unappealing and dull? I f you have the brown bag blues, you may be in need of a brown bag makeover.
Today, quick lunches are still in demand. To save time, try packing your lunch as you are making or cleaning up dinner the night before. The 10 minutes you might spend packing a lunch is often faster than the time it would take to hit the drive-thru. Lunch doesn’t just have to be the limp ham and cheese your mom used to pack. Bored with bread? There are plenty of other options. Planning healthy lunches is a snap when you use this handy guide. Choose at least one item from each of the four groups.
Breads and starches for energy all day long whole wheat bread
oatmeal bread
pita bread
raisin bread
english muffins
low-fat crackers
tortillas
bagels
whole grain buns
pasta salad
Protein for muscle building water-packed tuna
cottage cheese
flavored or baked tofu
lean deli ham
deli chicken or turkey
peanut butter
nut butters
cheese
string cheese
deli roast beef
tuna salad
vegetarian "meats"
egg salad
boiled eggs
chicken salad
bean dip
Fruits and vegetables for vital nutrients
Fresh fruit - apples, grapes, bananas, plums, peaches, cherries, oranges, berries, melon balls
Fresh vegetables - baby carrots, cucumber slices, broccoli and cauliflower florettes, pepper rings…
100% fruit or vegetable juice
Salads - tossed salad, coleslaw, spinach salad, fruit mixtures
Individual applesauce or fruit cups
Dried fruit
Dairy foods for strong bones and teeth
low-fat or skim milk
yogurt
cheese
string cheese
pudding cups |