With the school year in full swing, are you looking for ideas for healthy and tasty school lunches?

Sarah Hasselbeck, mother of three active school-aged children, all-American collegiate athlete and wife of NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, has teamed up with Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D. to create these nutritious lunch and snack recipes for kids. Try them out and let us know what you think!

 

Brown Bag Lunch

The Brown Bag Lunch should include the 4 food groups: A whole grain, at least one colorful fruit or vegetable, a low-fat milk product or calcium-rich alternative and a protein-rich item.

 

Turkey Salad Sandwich

 Ingredients:

2 ounces turkey breast, diced

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

1 Tablespoon fat-free mayonnaise

Black pepper to taste

2 slices 100% whole wheat bread

1/2 avocado, peeled and sliced

2 lettuce leaves

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine and mix turkey, red peppers, mayonnaise, and pepper. Place on one slice of bread, top with avocado slices and lettuce, and add remaining slice of bread. Cut in half.

Makes 1 sandwich

 

Lunch Sides

Apple slices with cinnamon or peanut butter

Nonfat or low-fat yogurt

Milk box (Horizon Organic single serves with DHA)

Water bottle to keep your child hydrated throughout the school day

 

On-the-Go Snack (perfect for the car)

Sweet Treat Smoothie

A great way to get kids to eat vegetables is to disguise them, so they don’t even know they are there!

Ingredients:

2/3 cup 2% Horizon Organic milk with DHA

1 small banana, peeled

2 Tablespoons orange juice concentrate

1/2 cup berries

3 ounces leftover cooked carrots

Directions:

Place all ingredients in blender and whip until smooth. Pour into a glass or water bottle.

Makes 1 12-ounce serving.