Fun Lunch Box Stuffer Surprises
By YAN WANG
(CBS/NYC) As August comes barreling around the corner, so does the new school year. While your kids might be dragging their heels about back to school shopping, you can do your part on making their upcoming school days a little more exciting.
Don't settle for boring lunches; go for a more hands-on, healthy approach to what your child eats during the day. As Michelle Obama said, it is important for parents to be more conscious of what their children are eating throughout the school day.
Here are just a few basic ideas on how to brighten up that brown paper bag:
Consumer Reports suggests a classic: Peanut butter and jelly. Except, instead of the preservative packed peanut butter, try an organic peanut butter on whole wheat bread. A great way to spruce up a classic.
Fresh Harvest Products have a snack bar that is a much better alternative to chips. The Wings of Nature Bar only has eight ingredients, and the cranberry or almond flavors make them delicious. It'll be an instant hit for lunch, or even a popular on-the-go snack for the playground.
Try the drink Hint, instead of soda. This water has no added sweeteners, preservatives, and is zero calories. It's zestier than water, and it is also guilt free. So far it comes in blackberry, watermelon, pomegranate-tangerine, mango-grapefruit, strawberry-kiwi, and raspberry-lime.
To keep lunchtime fun for your child, surprise them with a new pack of Zany Bandz. These fun rubber bands come in an array of different shapes, and are the hottest thing to trade right now. They'll be able to trade with all their friends, have the hottest new accessory, and know how much you love them.
It's easy to keep your child hydrated through the hot weather. Get them a 100% BPA proof water bottle like the Born Free Twist n' Straw Cups. This bottle is chemical free, reusable, and spill proof. Great for toddlers and the younger ones, the twist straw mechanism keeps straws clean, and your counter spill free.
A smile is priceless, and keeping their smile super bright and white is easy. Pack a Supersmile Quickie into the lunch box for after they eat, and the little pocket sized no brush-no rinse tooth polish will conveniently remove stains and freshen up breath. No need for sticky gum after lunch anymore!
For more helpful hints about school lunches, check out Eye on Parenting on Friday when we talk about how to save more than you ever thought possible at the grocery store.