Seriously...it's almost time for school to start? Here are a few lunch box ideas

When I was growing up I use to bring my lunch to school almost every day. My daily lunchbox menu included: a ham and cheese sandwich, an apple and a sweet. Day in and day out this was my standby and I loved it. There were days that I would purchase my lunch from the cafeteria and almost every time I ate from the cafeteria I would get a bellyache. One day I can specifically remember passing a box that was in the cafeteria that had large black print that said: Grade D but edible. Back then I did not know what that meant, but I did assume that it wasn't good. I don't know what was in that box and if it was something that I had eaten but later in life it has been a memory that I have not forgotten. People like Jamie Oliver and First Lady Michelle Obama are trying to make changes in the school districts so that children have an improved exposure to healthier food at schools. Have you spoken to your school about their daily menus? Even as a parent you can make a difference in what your child eats at school. What did you eat in school? Post below our suggestions to share with our multitude of readers! 

ABCD Eat Right

Lunch Box Combo's

1. Lean turkey and cheese tortilla wraps + 1 cup chopped fruit + pirate booty baked corn puffs(snack size bag) + 100% Juice box (4 oz box)

2. Hummus with pita bread, carrot slices and cheese + applesauce cup + yogurt smoothie drink or cup of yogurt

3. Nut butter and no sugar added jelly on whole grain bread+ 1 banana or whole fruit + 1 lunchbox ready package shelled edamame + 2% milk box or milk in a Thermos.

Two other favorite sites that we have for lunch ideas are: Weelicious.com (follow them on Facebook), and Super Healthy Kids (also follow them on Facebook).

If you need more personalized nutrition advice from a Registered and Licensed dietitian contact Brandi@abcdeatright.com or visit our website at: www.ABCDEatRight.com or www.OnANutritionMission.com 

Food Revolution Recap

Food Revolution Day was a blast and all of our events that lead up to Food Revolution Day helped to form a tremendous momentum. On May 16 Brandi spoke to 150+ kindergartener’s on the importance of REAL food and then on May 17 she spoke to 150+ Fifth graders at Hammock Pointe Elementary. The kids were great and we received positive and inspiring feedback from parents and teachers.

On May 17 we held a pre-Food Revolution Day rally at Ellenville’s Moonlit Farmers Market in East Boca Raton. Every Thursday night this beautiful garden centers transforms into a new kind of family friendly laid back place to hang out, shop local vendors, eat a healthy dinner, listen to live music, shop local and organic produce and let the kids play on the lawn. On May 17 we brought a few more additions to this already inspiring place. Three cooking demonstrations were made possible by the generous donations of Boca Raton’s Whole Foods. The cooking demonstrations featured Chef Ursula of Divine Dining Florida, Corynn Poirrier Registered Dietitian and Jade Fink member of the Boca Raton Junior League and Boca Raton’s Community garden. Whole Foods was also on hand to provide a healthy “guess the food” activity and offer more healthy snacks. Victoria Green with Sunflower Creative Arts provided material for the kids to make their own packet of sunflower seeds. Brandi Thompson with ABCD Eat Right set up a station to make chef hats and decorate wooden spoons. A surprise story-teller, Mij, provided loads of entertainment for the kids.

Kristin from Whole Foods Boca Raton provided a fun interactive activity.

Chef Ursula of Divine Dining Florida made Fruity lil'pillars.

Victoria green with Sunflower Creative Arts.

Corynn Poirrier RD,LD- local nutrition expert made a fruity sorbet.

The Junior League of Boca Raton set up a healthy granola bar.

Mij the amazing and captivating story teller.

On May 19, the official Food Revolution Day, we had an exciting event at Bedners Farmers Market in Boynton Beach. Bedner’s Farm offers local farm fresh produce along with U-picks, tram rides and local vendors. For Food Revolution Day two large tents were set up to host two cooking demonstrations lead by Chef Ursula of Divine Dining of Florida and Connie Rieser of Diet by Design of Boynton Beach. Local vendors such as ABCD Eat Right, Rachel’s Wellness, Fit Foodz Cafe, Crossfit Kids, Kangen Water, Naturally Green Home, Pilates of Boca Raton and Arbonne were also on hand.

Chef Ursula of Divine Dining of Florida made Fruity lil' pillars.

Connie Reiser RD,LD- local nutrition expert with Diet by Design made a healthy trail mix.

The final tally has not been collected as of today but Food Revolution Day was scheduled in 660 cities in 63 different countries! Thanks to all of the Palm Beach County members that made the week of events a success and helped spread the word about nutrition education.