Lunch Shortcuts.

This article offers information on nutritional food to prepare for a child's school lunch. Every day, just over half of all children in the United States buy a school lunch. Parents like the convenience, but if they realized the health benefits that their kids are missing out on, and how easy it is to pack healthy lunches, they might rethink their options. Eating poorly not only may lead to chronic diseases later in life, but there are immediate consequences. Perfect for an on-the-go grade-schooler: Combine 2/3 cup Wheat Chex cereal, 2 tablespoons peanuts, 1 tablespoon raisins, and I tablespoon mini-chocolate chips. Sides: sliced apple and orange segments. Your middle-schooler will enjoy this healthy alternative to Lunchables. Pack ingredients in small containers and include a plastic spoon for spreading: 1 cup baked corn chips (look for no trans fats), 1/2 cup fat-free refried black beans, 1/4 cup shredded chicken, 2 tablespoons shredded low fat Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup mixed shredded lettuce and grated carrots, and 2 tablespoons mild salsa. For the trendy teen: Mix 1/4 cup cooked whole wheat couscous with I teaspoon reduced-fat mayo to bind the grains together. Spread on two slices of low-fat turkey lunchmeat. Lay grated carrots and sliced celery and red bell pepper between them. Roll up and cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces.