Graceland Fruit Blog Packing Lunches Kids Love

When it comes to packing my daughter's lunch I find it super helpful to use a basic ratio. This way I can ensure I'm giving her a good balance of the nutrients she needs to develop, thrive, and grow. Here's the ratio:½ of the meal as vegetables and fruits¼ of the meal grains or starches (preferably fiber-rich sources for the health benefits and staying power)¼ of the meal proteinA side of healthy fatsThere's no need to be rigid with this ratio and of course, some foods cross over into more than one area so just roll with it and keep it fun ☺I also like to use the 3 color rule (at least 3 different and bright colors) which helps with the visual appeal. We eat with their eyes before the food even hits our mouth ☺Here are some examples to help you put the above into practice (note: I also add a small thermos of milk on the side to these lunches):Option 1Vegetables and fruits: Kale chips, carrots, blueberriesGrain or starches: PopcornProtein: Hardboiled eggHealthy fat: AlmondsOption 2Vegetables and fruits: Spiralized beets, sliced cucumbers, mangoGrain or starches with Protein: Tuna sandwich on whole grain breadHealthy fat: Olives Option 3Vegetables and fruits: Sliced yellow peppers, Dried cherries, apple chipsGrain or starches: Crackers and hummusProtein: YogurtHealthy fat: Pistachios Your super fruit sidekick,Tara, MS, RDN