Need help with meal/snack ideas for my son (kindergarten)

Val_from_OH

I need some ideas for snacks and lunches that I can pack for my 6 year old son. I feel like there are so many constraints on what I can pack/what he will eat, that I am out of healthy options:

- No heatups allowed
- No peanut butter or nuts for snacks, okay for lunch
- He likes raw cucumbers, but that's about it in the raw veggie dept.
- He will not eat cold chicken or pizza
- He hates mayo, so no tuna or chicken salad
- He won't try pasta salad
- He has attention issues, so low-carb has been recommended

I end up packing a little pack of crackers, or maybe a yogurt for snack (both high carb). For lunch, usually a lunchmeat sandwich (processed & high carb), fruit (high carb) and chips or pretzels (high sodium and high carb).

He is overweight, and I want him to start eating healthier foods, but I am at a loss. If I pack foods he does not like, he does not eat them. I think he must fill up on the snacks at the after school program if he doesn't get enough lunch.

Leiki

If he has attention issues, make sure you minimize artificial colors and flavors and refined sugars in his diet. This includes colored cereals. Try to keep his foods natural.

To vary up the deli meat (hopefully not bologna) you may want to use lean beef. If he likes bbq, you can try Korean BBQ sandwiches with some caramelized onions. You can also try poached egg sandwiches, or poached egg and tomato sandwiches, if he will eat tomatoes.

Have you tried boiled eggs? There are tons of ways to flavor boiled eggs, as well. You can add a pinch of salt, or you can soak it in soy sauce, tea, or beet juice.

You can try making healthier versions of chips by using zucchini or sweet potatoes, and baking it with a little bit of olive oil and salt. Maybe you can pack popcorn (unflavored) and flavor it yourself with a bit of onion or garlic salt or herbs and a touch of parmesan. You can also try flavored rice crackers, or popped veggies.

Natural sugars should be okay for him, so you should keep giving him the fruit.

Will he eat raw veggies if it comes with a dip? You can try yogurt dip or hummus or low- sugar nut butter.

Val_from_OH

Thank you, you have some creative ideas that I had not thought of! I will keep an eye on the artificial colors & flavors. I had heard that before, but forgot.

He likes most breakfast foods, so we don't have much trouble there.

yentess

My kids like wraps. I put turkey, a little shredded cheese and some veggies in a tortilla and roll it up. Also maybe some hummus for his cucumber slices. Crackers with cheese and pepperoni is also popular with mine. I make trail mix with raw nuts, dried unsweetened fruit and a few m&ms or chocolate chips. Yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit and some granola to sprinkle over the top.

yentess

Red food dye can cause lots of behavior issues in kids.

kacarter1017

string cheese, pita with hummus and cucumbers, use whole grain breads for his sandwiches. Buy lower sodium deli meats (turkey and chicken both come in lower sodium versions). I would pack baby carrots, celery, etc. He doesn't have to eat it, but if he sees it in there, he may decide to try them. It also sends the message that the expectation is he have a vegetable at lunch. And the idea of a dip is a great idea.

Pack 1/2 a healthy sandwich for snack and have him use nuts/boiled eggs/string cheese for lunches.

Also make sure he's getting plenty of activity. Play catch with him, take him to the playground, dance, walk, Wii, SOMETHING for 30 minutes every day on top of PE and recess at school. Makes a HUGE difference and makes that part of their life.

MariaAlbinaxoxo

http://www.skinnytaste.com/search/label/Kid Friendly Meals