Well, that time is here again, time to pack school lunches. The only thing worse than packing a lunch every morning is making your kids actually eat the carnival foods on the hot lunch menu. So time to get creative and pack some healthy lunches. Below are my favorite raw foods to pack in my kids’ and my own lunch. Mouthwatering, filling and incredibly nutritious these foods will keep us sharp and satisfied for whatever the day brings:

Watermelon: Its not just for summer anymore. I love this sweet juicy fruit! It is rich in vitamin C to strengthen the immune system (important as the kids go back to the big Petri dish) lycopene, an important carotenoid proven to protect against destructive molecules that can damage cells and lead to cancer, potassium for heart health, beta carotene for healthy eyes and a super high water content to keep everyone hydrated.

Sugar snap peas: One of the only green vegetables most kids will eat raw. The sweet crunchy taste is very palatable and they are nutrient super stars! High in vitamin K, important for healthy bones, folic acid, all B vitamins which keep you energized, vitamin C, iron (great for us non-meat eaters) vitamin A for healthy eyes, protein (yes vegetables have protein) and high in fiber. You just can’t go wrong with this choice.

Kiwi: Fun, sweet, and pretty, these little guys pack more vitamin C than an orange, are rich in vitamin A and vitamin E, important for heart health. They are also a great source of fiber.

Carrot sticks: Don’t knock the old familiar! These babies are a kid favorite and are not just for eyes anymore. Carrots are packed with carotenoids which decrease the risk of many types of cancer. Carrots like most high fiber fruits and vegetables also regulate blood sugar to keep us even keeled all day long.

Mango: Exotic and succulent, mangos are a good source of iron, and very high in vitamins A, E, B, and C.

Salsa: How else can one get a kid to consume tomatoes, onions garlic and cilantro? I am amazed at how my kids balk at these veggies separately but mash them all together, add a chip and voila¡ the perfect dipping food. Fresh salsa is packed with lycopene, a carotenoid that helps prevent certain types of cancer, beta carotene, potassium, and vitamin C

Plums: My favorite food at the farmers market right now hands down. Plums have as much antioxidant power as blueberries, and contain unique phytochemicals which protect against harmful cell damage that can lead to disease.

Baby spinach: Off the chart baby! One of the best foods you can introduce your kids to. Use in the form of a salad or layer onto sandwiches. Spinach is bursting with vitamin K, iron, folate, vitamin C all B vitamins, and is a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids and also provides protein. Whew! What a super food.

Grapes: So fun to pop and rich in flavenoids that protect against heart disease by decreasing blood pressure and decreasing the risk of blood clots. They also increase blood flow to the brain. Man, who can’t use some of that during the day?

Foods Alive Flax Crackers: 8 flavors of these crisp raw crackers to choose from. Foods Alive sprouts and then dehydrates their crackers for maximum nutrient benefit. Eat as you would any cracker or chip. Perfect!

Pure Bars: Of course. These bars are 100% organic, raw, gluten free with no refined sugar. They provide Omega 3 fatty acids for brain and heart health, 4 grams fiber, 7 grams protein and all natural ingredients that read like a recipe. Plus they taste great and don’t melt, so bring them everywhere-oh and when you buy 3, the company plants a tree in your name in a national forest- healthy body, healthy earth.

Resources:
http://whfoods.org/
http://www.dietaryfiberfood.com/
http://www.organicfacts.net/